A paraeducator is a school employee who works under supervision of a certificated or licensed staff member to support and assist in providing instructional and other services for the children and youth in our school district. The certificated or licensed staff member is responsible for the overall conduct and management of the classroom or program, including the design and lesson plans, implementation and evaluation of the instructional program and student progress (WAS 392-172-200(3)).
The federal legislation known as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) requires districts receiving Title I funds to ensure the qualficiations and skills of paraprofessionals. Most districts in Southwest Washington, including Castle Rock School District, require the same level of qualifications for all paraeducators.
Three Options to Meet this Law:
- Complete two years of study at an institution of higher learning
- Obtain an associate's degree
- Be able to demonstrate, through a formal assessment, knowledge of and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics.
A ParaPro Assessment is available to take at ESD 112.
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$65.00 in a check or money order only |
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Tuesdays through Fridays |
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8:30 am or 1:00 pm |
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You are allowed three hours to complete the test |
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Call for a study guide prior to taking the test |
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You will be supplied with everything you need; you may take water or snacks |
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ESD 112 at (360) 750-7505, ext. 200.
Ask for an appointment for the ParaPro assessment |
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http://www.esd112.org/about/contact.cfm
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Core Competencies
To work in education and related services and programs for children and youth with disabilities, paraeducators employed at Castle Rock School District will demonstrate:
- understanding the value of providing instructional an dother direct services to all children and youth with disabilities;
- understanding the roles and responsibilities of certificated and licensed staff and paraeducators;
- knowledge of a) patterns of human development and milestones typically achieved at different ages, and b) risk factors that may prohibit or impede typical development;
- ability to practice ethical and professional standards of conduct, including the requirements of confidentiality;
- ability to communicate with colleagues, follow instructions, and use problem solving and other skills that will enable the paraeducator to work as an effective member of the instrucional team;
- ability to provide positive behavioral support and management;
- knowledge of the legal issues related to the ducation of children and youth with disabilities and their families;
- awareness of diversity among the children, youth, families and colleagues with whom they work;
- knowledge and application of the elements of effective instruction to assist teaching and learning as developed by certificated or licensed staff in a variety of settings;
- ability to use appropriate strategies and techniques to provide instructional support in teaching and learning as developed by certificated or licensed staff;
- ability to motivate and assist children and youth;
- knowledge of and ability to follow Castle Rock School District health, safety, and emergency procedures;
- awareness of the ways in which technology can assist teaching and learning; and
- awarenes of personal care and/or health-related support.
Castle Rock School District paraeducators must track classes/trainings in which they participate, as well as the comptencies that partain to their trainings. Certificates are available indetifying paraeducator competencies for a class taken from ESD 112. A paraeducator must receive prior approval from the building principal or district supervisor before registering for classes occurring during a regular workday. Workshop fees and substitute costs are the responsibility of the paraeducator.
For more information please contact:
Castle Rock District Human Resources Office
Phone (360) 501-2940
Fax (360) 501-3140
Email ccoast@castlerock.wednet.edu
