Paraeducators are an integral part of the learning and teaching team. Under the supervision of the teachers, paraeducators assist with multiple levels of support in schools. Their role can include preparing learning materials, assisting in instructing individuals and small groups of students, and working one-on-one with students with special needs.
Use the tabs below to learn more about Paraeducator Fundamental Course of Study and Paraeductor Assessment Testing options available at North Central ESD.
Paraeducator Fundamental Course of Study
Through the Paraeducator Certificate Program, NCESD provides standards-based training for all paraeducators. New Paraeducators need to complete 28 hours of Fundamental Course of Study hours within the first year of hire.
Contact NCESD to check out options for in-person, live via zoom and asynchronous online learning options provided through NCESD and our partner ESD’s across the state.
For information on paraeducator requirements, please visit the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board website.
Additional Resources from PESB:
Our Paraeducator Fundamental Course of Study Staff
Paraeducator Assessment Testing
To become a paraeducator, you must meet the minimum employment requirements as outlined by the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB). If you don’t meet any of the college requirements, a qualifying score on the paraeducator assessment will make you eligible. North Central ESD provides paraeducator assessment testing.
The test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions across the subject areas reading, math, and writing. Approximately two-thirds of the questions in each subject area focus on basic skills and knowledge, and approximately one-third of the questions in each subject area focus on the application of those skills and knowledge in a classroom context. Fifteen of the questions in the test (five in each subject) are pretest questions and do not count toward the candidate’s score. The test questions are arranged by subject area, with reading first, then math, followed by writing.
