Paraeducator Resources

Welcome to the North Kitsap School District's Paraeducator Resources page! We are committed to supporting the professional growth and development of our paraeducators, who play a crucial role in the success of our students. This page offers valuable information and resources to help our paraeducators meet state standards and advance in their careers.

Paraeducator Support: The Paraeducator Certificate Program provides comprehensive, standards-based training for all paraeducators in our district. This program not only ensures that our paraeducators are well-equipped to support students effectively, but also fosters a career growth ladder for those who are interested in advancing their career as a paraeducator or pursuing a teaching profession.

Paraeducator Employment Requirements: As of the 2019-20 school year, all employed paraeducators must meet specific qualifications. These requirements include being at least 18 years old and holding a high school diploma or its equivalent. Additionally, paraeducators must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Achieve a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) paraeducator assessment
Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Earn 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher from an accredited college or university
Complete an apprenticeship as a paraeducator in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council

For more information on Paraeducator Employment Requirements, please visit the Washington State Educator Standards Board Website.

We hope you find the resources on this page helpful in supporting your professional growth as a paraeducator in the North Kitsap School District. Thank you for your dedication to our students' success!

Paraeducator Certificate Program

The paraeducator certificate program offers standards-based training for all instructional paraeducators in Washington State. The Fundamental Course of Study and general certificate are required when funding is provided by the Legislature.

Start Here - Fundamental Course of Study

Fundamental Course of Study (FCS)

The Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) is a foundational training program designed for paraeducators, aimed at equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to effectively support students in the classroom. Covering a wide range of topics, the FCS addresses key areas such as behavior management, instructional strategies, communication, and collaboration. By participating in the FCS, paraeducators gain valuable insights into their role, responsibilities, and best practices, enabling them to make a meaningful impact on student learning outcomes. This comprehensive training not only serves as an important first step in a paraeducator's professional development journey, but also sets the stage for future growth and advancement within the education field.

North Kitsap School District (NKSD) is committed to providing paraeducators with diverse opportunities to complete the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) training requirements throughout the school year. Here are the various options available to our paraeducators:

In-Person Training (14 hours) (FCS) [Required]:

NKSD offers mandatory in-person (7hrs) FCS training sessions during Building Days for both secondary and elementary schools. The schedule is as follows:

In-Person Training 24-25

Secondary Para Training: August 21 (3 hours), @KMS, 11:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Preschool Para Training: August 21 (7 hours), @PMS, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Building Days: August 22** (7 hours), @your assigned school **Suquamish is August 19
Para Academy: August 23 (7 hours) @NK Auditorium, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Options for late hires in 24-25 for in-person hours:

Para Academy: October 24-25 (during conferences) 14 hours total
Para Academy: April 3-4 (during conferences) 14 hours total

Professional development days for all paras (with clock hours):

February 27-28 (half day school, half day PD) 7 hours total

Online Curriculum - State developed training module (13 hours):

Paras: What we do Matters (13 hours) (FCS) [Required]

Vector Solutions Training: Paraeducators are required to complete the Vector Link training, 1 additional hour of FCS content::

Vector Link (1 hours) (FCS) [Required]

Google Training: NKSD offers optional Google training to help paraeducators enhance their technology skills:

NKSD Connected Training [Optional]

By providing various in-person and online training opportunities, NKSD ensures that paraeducators have access to the resources and support necessary to excel in their roles and contribute to student success.

Next - General Paraeducator Certificate

The General Paraeducator Certificate requires an additional 70 hours of training (from an approved clock hour provider). The district will provide 14 clock hours each year that funding is provided by the State. Completion of 14 clock hours per year is required.

24-25 NKSD Training Options for Paras

Secondary Para Training: August 21 (3 hours), @KMS, 11:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Preschool Para Training: August 21 (7 hours), @PMS, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Building Days: August 22** (7 hours), @your assigned school **Suquamish is August 19
Para Academy: August 23 (7 hours) @NK Auditorium, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
February 27-28 (half day school, half day PD) 7 hours total

Once you have earned all 70 hours, the General Paraeducator certificate may be applied for through OSPI's E-Certification system.

Informational link about clock hours for paraeducators:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mgMWygDUQI
Informational link about the paraeducator certificate program:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouKi24Sfy9w&t=150s

Subject Matter Certificates

To support paraeducators' professional growth and specialization, NKSD provides two online subject matter courses: Special Education and English Language Learner courses, further expanding their knowledge and expertise in these areas.

English Language Learner (ELL)
Special Education

English Language Learner (ELL)

This online course fulfills the requirements set forth by the English Language Learner Paraeducator Standards of Practice, encompassing the knowledge and skill competencies approved by the Paraeducator Board. By completing all five modules in this course, paraeducators satisfy the 20-clock-hour training prerequisite for the ELL Subject Matter Certificate. To obtain this certificate, a paraeducator must first complete the training requirements of the Fundamental Course of Study.

English Language Learners (ELL) (20 hours) (subject matter)

Special Education

The Special Education course adheres to the requirements outlined in the Special Education Paraeducator Standards of Practice, covering the knowledge and skill competencies approved by the Paraeducator Board. By completing all four modules in this course, paraeducators fulfill the 20-clock-hour training prerequisite for the Special Education Subject Matter Certificate. To obtain this certificate, a paraeducator must first complete the training requirements of the Fundamental Course of Study.

Special Education (20 hours) (subject matter)

Advanced Paraeducator Certificate

The Advanced Paraeducator Certificate is structured around district-endorsed curriculum and instructional strategies, preparing paraeducators to offer specialized classroom support under the guidance of certificated/licensed staff. This in-depth training program equips paraeducators with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support diverse learning environments and address the unique needs of students, thereby promoting their success in the classroom. As a higher-level certification, the Advanced Paraeducator Certificate entails an additional 75 clock hours of training, further enhancing paraeducators' expertise and capabilities.