WEA-Cascade  » Professional Development  » Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) - Paraeducator Certification

FCS Training Series

Para Ed Cert Program

The Paraeducator Certificate Program from the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board offers a statewide standards-based training for all paraeducators, and supports a career growth ladder for those who wish to advance their career as a paraeducator or pursue a teaching profession. Visit the PESB website for more information about the program and its components.

Training components*

  • The training begins with the 28-hour Fundamental Course of Study (FCS), a course focused on the new paraeducator standards of practice.

  • Following the completion of the FCS, a paraeducator has three years to complete an additional 70 hours of training to earn the General Paraeducator Certificate.

  • A paraeducator may choose to earn a Subject Matter Certificate by completing 20 hours of training. There are two Subject Matter Certificates: English Language Learner and Special Education. These certificates expire after five years (may be renewed), and are not prerequisites for employment. A paraeducator may use their Subject Matter Certificate towards meeting the requirements of the general certificate. The state has developed online courses to meet both of these certificates. These courses are free and upon completion, the paraeducator meets the requirements of the certificate.

  • Finally, a paraeducator may earn the Advanced Paraeducator Certificate once they complete the general certificate and an additional 75 hours of advanced professional development. The advanced certificate expires after five years (may be renewed) and it is not a prerequisite for employment.

*Training is required only if funded by the Legislature. If funded, school districts are responsible for ensuring all instructional paraeducators meet the requirements of the FCS and General Paraeducator Certificate (up to the funded amount). 

WEA FCS Training Series

WEA has a member-based training cadre that can provide training to our members. They currently have trainers that will cover the below objectives. For our Cultural Identity and Equity (7) hour trainings, we have combined FCS01 & FCS06 and for our Methods of Educational Outcomes and Communication Strategies (7) hour trainings, we’ve combined FCS02, FCS11 & FCS12. 

  • Some classes have multiple sessions. The sessions cover the same material, so please register for only one session per training.
  • Registrants will receive a registration confirmation email and a separate email with the Zoom registration and meeting link.
  • There is no charge to attend.
  • Clock hours will be provided.
  • Class sizes are limited.

For questions regarding the FCS courses, contact Cristi McCorkle or Lama Chikh.

FCS 01 Cultural Identity and Diversity - Part A (4 clock hours)

Saturday, October 16, 2021 or Saturday, December 11, 2021
9:00am-1:00pm

In this course, paraeducators will gain an awareness and deeper understanding of ways to engage, build relationships and communicate with the diverse backgrounds of their students. This course is designed to help ensure that students experience a positive, consistent, safe, unbiased and equitable classroom. This course meets the new Cultural Competency, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion CCDEI (WA State Equity Component Standards) required for all educators.
Register: October 16, 2021; December 11, 2021

FCS 02 Methods of Instruction and Educational Support (4 clock hours)

Saturday, October 16, 2021 or Saturday, December 11, 2021
9:00am-1:00pm

Participants will learn classroom and building based instructional strategies and supports to assist classroom teachers in various learning environments and with diverse learning styles. This course is intended to enhance the instructional practices of paraeducators in order to increase student achievement and educational outcomes.
Register: October 16, 2021; December 11, 2021

FCS 06 Professionalism, Equity, and Ethics - Part B (4 clock hours)

Saturday, November 13, 2021 or Saturday, January 15, 2022
9:00am-1:00pm

(NOTE: It is highly recommended to attend FCS 01 - Part A prior to attending FCS 06 - Part B to ensure content relevancy and continuity.)

Paraeducators will gain an awareness of the legalities, polices, procedure and practices surrounding discrimination and how to respond to such violations. This course is designed to help foster a learning environment that is unbiased, safe and promotes the academic success of all students. This course meets the new Cultural Competency, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion CCDEI (WA State Equity Component Standards) required for all educators.
Register: November 13, 2021; January 15, 2022

FCS 11/12 Communication Basics and Challenges (4 clock hours)

Saturday, November 13, 2021 or Saturday, January 15, 2022
9:00am-1:00pm

Paraeducators will gain an understanding of essential communication strategies, conflict management, conflict resolution and how to effectively work in a team environment. This course is designed to help enhance collaboration and communication between paraeducators and other applicable stakeholders that will enhance student success and achievement.
Register: November 13, 2021; January 15, 2022

CCDEI: Behavior Interventions - Part A  (4 clock hours)

Saturday, October 16, 2021 or Saturday, December 11, 2021
9:00am-1:00pm

This class is for ALL ESPs that work with students. The course is focused on how to work with students who are demonstrating unsuccessful behav-iors. Participants will learn why student expectations for behavior should be high and how to redefine discipline as a growth and teaching opportunity rather than punishment. Participants will learn Tier 1 redirection and intervention learn skills (Symbolic, Physical, Verbal and Non-Verbal) that will support positive relationships with all students, and how to be culturally and socially responsive to issues. This course meets the new Cultural Competency, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion CCDEI (WA State Equity Component Standards) required for all educators.
Register: October 16, 2021; December 11, 2021

CCDEI: Behavior Interventions Differentiated for Students - Part B (4 clock hours)

Saturday, November 13, 2021 or Saturday, January 15, 2022
9:00am-1:00pm

(NOTE: It is highly recommended to attend CCDEI - Part A prior to attending CCDEI - Part B to ensure content relevancy and continuity.)

Participants will learn guiding principles of TIER 2 interventions in a culturally responsive approach and how to implement them at their building. They will also learn how to change interactions with students positively through courageous conversations so that students feel included, valued and respected. This course meets the new Cultural Competency, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion CCDEI (WA State Equity Component Standards) required for all educators.
Register: November 13, 2021; January 15, 2022