Paraeducator - Non-Mainstream Special Education - Structured Program

About the role

This position supports certificated staff in a self-contained classroom serving non-mainstreamed special education students. Duties include one-on-one or small-group instruction, life-skills support, behavior management, personal care, and classroom maintenance. The role requires frequent physical assistance, close supervision, and collaboration with certificated staff to implement individualized plans.

Responsibilities

• Instruct students individually or in small groups to reinforce academic and pre-academic skills.
• Provide encouragement and reinforcement aligned with educational objectives set by certificated staff.
• Administer objective tests or other measurements and communicate student progress to staff.
• Maintain records, logs, charts, and assignments for assessment of student progress.
• Monitor students for medical risks such as seizures and behaviors that may result in harm to themselves or others; respond appropriately.
• Assist with toileting (including catheterization and diapering), personal hygiene (hand washing, brushing teeth, showering), and feeding; teach social aspects of eating.
• Help students develop interpersonal and personal skills, basic living skills, and pre-vocational activities.
• Facilitate integration with age-group peers where appropriate and support communication development.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with students, staff, parents, and community members regarding student progress and safety.
• Provide physical assistance such as lifting or positioning students and using adaptive equipment.
• Follow and document procedures established by physical therapists; monitor first aid needs and refer for treatment as appropriate.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the classroom, equipment, and materials; wash dishes, clean surfaces, and launder items as needed.
• Alert qualified staff to student problems; prepare, modify, and distribute materials under certificated staff direction.
• Operate office equipment and maintain supplies; assist with classroom organization and equipment storage.
• Model appropriate behavior and protect confidential information consistent with district guidelines.

Schedule

6.5 hours per day at 178 days per year. First year: 7 hours per day for 4 days; subsequent years until certification is completed: 7 hours per day for 2 days.

Pay

PSE Salary Schedule Level 5 – $25.40 per hour.

Training and Certifications

• Must complete Right Response Training and receive certification within 3–5 months of hire; annual renewal required.
• Complete the online Autism Spectrum Disorder course within 3 months of hire.
• Successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies (FCS) and the General Paraeducator Certificate as part of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program (dependent on state funding).

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One of the following:
  • Passed the ParaPathways Assessment or Pearson Paraprofessional assessment, or
  • AA degree or higher, or
  • 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits from an accredited institution, or
  • Completion of a registered apprenticeship program offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, or
  • Successful completion of The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.

Qualifications

• Experience working with school-age children and special needs students preferred.
• Knowledge of non-violent crisis intervention, PECS, visual schedule systems, visual supports, Social Stories, universal precautions, and toilet teaching for special needs.
• Understanding of child development and the needs of students on the autism spectrum, including sensory processing.
• Demonstrated skill in reading, writing, and communicating.
• Knowledge of basic subject areas such as reading and math.
• Ability to interact warmly and confidently with students; remain flexible and calm during changes or student agitation.
• Ability to organize activities, follow and give instructions, and maintain fairness and consistency.
• Ability to learn and implement effective behavior and instructional techniques.
• Knowledge of student safety rules and procedures.
• Ability to learn to use computers and software for instruction and record keeping; operate general office machines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff; diffuse situations and resolve conflicts.

Licenses and Special Requirements

• Fingerprinting and background check; no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor.
• Completion of district infection control plan training.
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certification; Hepatitis-B immunization offered.