Education Paraeducator

Summer 2026

Enrollment:

Fall

Degrees and Certificates

Program Website:

View the program website

Program Description

The Education Paraeducator program provides theory and practice in the skills required to become an effective member of an instructional team. A paraeducator works under the supervision of a licensed/certificated staff member to assist and support educational services. Courses within all options address the Washington State Core Competencies for Paraeducators and the Washington State Skill Standards. This is an online program providing three options for two-year AAS degrees or a one-year certificate.

AAS Education Paraeducator, Special Education: The core curriculum focuses on current issues and historical foundations of regular and special education, instructional strategies, behavior management, human development, and interpersonal skills in the context of a diverse society. Students will need to successfully pass a Basic Skills Test in reading, writing, and math before they will be able to register for Practicum I or complete the AAS degree. Supervised practicum opportunities for hands-on experiences in schools and approved agencies are provided throughout this course of study. The focus on Special Education includes the core curriculum courses and delves deeper into providing services for children identified with disabilities such as learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and developmental disabilities. Paraeducator classes are taught online with required practicum hours in an educational setting.

AAS Education Paraeducator, Early Childhood: Courses include core curriculum and is intended to meet the needs of persons who wish to become paraeducators in grades K-3. Courses are offered through eLearning and/or days and evenings. In addition, this program fulfills the requirements for the WA State ECED Stackable Certificates (12 credit Initial, 20 credit State Short Certificate(s) of Specialization, 47 credit State ECED Certificate).

AAS Education Paraeducator, School Library Media Technician: Courses include the core curriculum and is intended to meet the needs of persons who wish to become paraeducators or school library clerks or assistants in a K-12 library. Library science (LMLIB) classes are taught online and students are required to take a work experience class.

Education Paraeducator, Signing Paraeducator: This program includes core curriculum and is intended for those seeking paraeducator training with an emphasis in American Sign Language. Paraeducators assist in classrooms with children or adults in instructional settings under the direction of a certified teacher. Courses are offered online and/or on campus. This is a 90 credit, two-year program. Students who complete this program will receive an AAS degree in Education Paraeducator with an emphasis in ASL.

AA and DTA/MRP Degree: If you intend to transfer to a four year college or university to complete a teacher training program leading to certification, you must follow the Associate in Arts degree. An education pre-major is established at Spokane Falls Community College, offering classes that will transfer to some four-year colleges. It is important to contact an advisor in the Education or Education Paraeducator Programs for specific information about appropriate courses.

Certificate: This option may be most appropriate for those obtaining a degree in Early Childhood Education wishing to extend their knowledge of working with children with special needs. However, federal guidelines require most paraeducators in public K-12 schools to complete a two-year program.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will practice ethical and professional standards of conduct and comply with laws (such as IDEA, Section 504, ADA) and workplace policies and procedures in relation to confidentiality, reporting of abuse, discipline, chain of command and delegation and supervision.
  2. Students will display a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the job and are able to develop rapport and interact positively within the work environment as a member of the instructional team.
  3. Students are knowledgeable in the use of reinforcement, motivation and data collection to facilitate positive behavioral support and assist in instruction and learning.
  4. Students exemplify the philosophy that all individuals/participants can learn and contribute within a multicultural, inclusive context of children, families and colleagues.
  5. Students have documented performance indicators associated with the Core Competencies for Paraeducators in Washington State.