Paraeducator I
Minimum Qualifications
Age: Minimum of 18 years.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Physical: Must be able to meet the requirements of the trade.
Testing: None.
Other: Must meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001/ESSA 2015 and one of the following:
72 credits from an institution of higher education
Associates (or higher) degree.
Formal assessment;
ETS Paraprofessional Assessment
Paraeducator portfolio
School district paraeducator assessment.
Complete a Washington Registered Apprenticeship in an occupation approved by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
On The Job Training (OJT) Requirements
As the apprentice performs structured daily tasks, their hours should be reported toward the following work processes.
| Work Code | Work Processes | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A | Communications | 700 |
| B | Computer Applications | 200 |
| C | Human Relations | 700 |
| D | Office Techniques and Skills | 400 |
| E | Record Keeping | 200 |
| F | Teaching Techniques | 800 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 3000 |
Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) Requirements
These core topics meet the requirements of the apprenticeship program. The course details may vary depending on which college the apprentice attends for their RSI, but all approved courses meet the program requirements.
| Program Core | Hours |
|---|---|
| Behavior Management | 30 |
| Child Development | 50 |
| Communications | 50 |
| English | 50 |
| Exceptional Child/Diversity in Education | 50 |
| Introduction to Apprenticeship | 10 |
| Introduction to Education | 50 |
| Job Specific Course | 50 |
| Math | 50 |
| Role of Paraeduator | 30 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 420 |
Course Descriptions
Behavior Management: Focuses on positive communication and direct guidance techniques to support student’s social/emotional development and strategies for specific challenging behaviors.
Child Development: Develops skills in observing and documenting child growth and development, focusing on the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of children, reflective of cross cultural and global perspectives.
Communications: Strategies for teaching language acquisition and literacy skill development examined at each developmental age through the four interrelated areas of speaking, listening, writing and reading.
English: College level English.
Exceptional Child/ Diversity in Education: Overview of programs for children with special needs, including current issues and trends and the IEP/IFSP process. Explores diversity and social justice influencing educational settings.
Introduction to Apprenticeship: Orientation to the apprenticeship training program.
Introduction to Education: Introduction to the field of education providing students with a broad survey of the K-12 educational system.
Job Specific: Courses related to the completion of the Paraeducator State Certificate program.
Math: College level math.
Role of the Paraeducator: Introduces roles and responsibilities of the Paraeducator in the K-12 educational system. Explores techniques supporting instruction, professional and ethical practices, positive and safe learning environments, effective communication and teamwork.
Documents & Forms
Program Requirements
This document contains the apprenticeship program details and requirements that are outlined above.
Performance Evaluation
Use these forms to evaluate Paraeducator I apprentice’s on the job performance.
RSI Status Report
This document is used for tracking and reporting the apprentice’s related supplemental instruction.