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). 

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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(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.

WEA FCS06 Professionalism Equity and Ethics Part B (4 clock hours)

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(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.