Preschool Special Education 1:1 Support Para

Bethel School District 403 • Spanaway, WA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This paraeducator position supports preschool special education students ages 3 to 5 in a partially self-contained and partially integrated program. The paraeducator assists certificated staff by providing individual and small-group instruction, reinforcing educational objectives, supervising student activities and behavior, and supporting students’ safety, personal care, and development. Assignments or work locations may change based on student-specific needs and enrollment.

The position is listed as 3.25 hours per day for 146 days per year, with additional scheduling information stating 3.5 days at 8 days and 7 hours per day for 4 days in the first year, then 2 days each year until certification is completed. Pay is PSE Salary Schedule Level 5, $25.40, under the 2026–27 schedule. The employee must complete the state-required Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate, subject to state funding, and Right Response Training within 3–5 months of hire, with annual renewal. A passing TB test is required before official hire, and MMR vaccine is required. The position also requires fingerprinting and a background check, infection-control training, and first-aid/CPR certification.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must meet one of the following federal minimum employment requirements: pass the ParaPathways Assessment or Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment; hold an associate degree or higher; have 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits from an accredited institution of higher education; complete a registered apprenticeship program offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; or successfully complete The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.
• Must successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program, subject to state funding.
• Must complete Right Response Training within 3–5 months of hire and renew the certification annually before expiration.
• Must provide proof of a passing tuberculosis test before official hire; MMR vaccine is required.
• Must complete fingerprinting and a background check.
• Must complete training in and adhere to the district infection-control plan.
• Must obtain first-aid/CPR certification.
• Demonstrated reading, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to interact with students in a warm and confident manner; remain flexible when assignments change; organize activities; follow and give instructions; and be fair and consistent with students.
• Knowledge of physical disabilities and behavior disorders, and ability to learn and implement effective behavior-management and instructional techniques.
• Knowledge of student safety rules and procedures.
• Ability to learn computer use and software for student instruction and record keeping, as well as general office machines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with preschool students and students with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction and other assistance to preschool special education students individually or in small groups, reinforcing educational objectives established by certificated staff.
• Communicate with instructors and program specialists about student progress and adjust methods to meet students’ needs.
• Keep students focused and supervise their behavior in classrooms, playgrounds, bus areas, field trips, washrooms, and other settings.
• Teach and reinforce behavioral rules and codes for safety, socialization, and individual growth, and maintain discipline according to established policies.
• Assist students in developing interpersonal and personal skills.
• Communicate with students, staff, and parents about student progress, safety, and community relations; assist parent and student volunteers.
• Provide physical assistance, including lifting and positioning students and supporting personal hygiene.
• Maintain students’ physical safety and well-being, including assisting with buses, chairs or wheelchairs, toileting, diapering, and other personal care.
• Monitor students who may need first aid, refer them for treatment as appropriate, and track or dispense authorized medication as required.
• Prepare snacks and lunches, prepare specialized food, set up adaptive equipment, order supplies, maintain food-service inventory, and teach basic food preparation skills.
• Assist students with eating and associated social behaviors; clean and disinfect meal areas afterward.
• Teach and assist students with self-help skills, including dressing, eating, toileting, cleanliness, hygiene, and personal safety.
• Assist students with physical movement and exercise by following regimens developed by therapists.
• May accompany an instructor on home visits and help document visits and record observations.
• Maintain classroom, toys, equipment, supplies, and playground equipment.
• Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
• Prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials; operate office equipment; and, as assigned, help maintain student progress records.
• Model appropriate and cooperative behavior and protect confidential information in accordance with district ethical guidelines.
• Maintain student transportation logs and participate in meetings and training sessions.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the position.

Benefits

• Hepatitis-B immunization is offered.
• The posting links to details about insurance, retirement plans, paid time off or vacation, paid holidays, and other compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED