Paraeducators are important members of the learning and teaching team. They ensure that students receive multiple levels of support in schools. Therefore, Washington State has two distinct efforts to provide assistance for paraeducators: the Recommended Core Competencies and the Paraeducator Guidelines.

Washington State Recommended Core Competencies
There are 14 competencies which address paraeducator knowledge and skill needs for areas ranging from assisting with general instruction to providing life skills management assistance to students. Educational Service Districts provide professional development opportunities to paraeducators and their teachers to ensure students are provided services and instruction through a team approach.

Washington State Paraeducator Guidelines
The guidelines were developed to meet the necessary requirements of No Child Left Behind, Title I Section 1119. These guidelines provide options and pathways for paraeducators to meet the federal requirements of demonstrating content knowledge and skills needed to assist in reading, writing, and mathematics instruction. Educational Service Districts provide support programs to enable paraeducators to meet these requirements through test preparation classes, portfolio assessment workshops, and subject area workshops in reading, writing, and mathematics.

For additional information about paraeducators, please use the contact information located on the sidebar.