Para Educator

DEER PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT; Deer Park (WA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement plan

Job summary

Deer Park School District is seeking a Paraeducator to support instructional services at Deer Park High School. The role involves assisting with student instruction, behavior support, and materials preparation under certified staff supervision.

Minimum qualifications include 18 years old and a high school diploma; CPR/First Aid is required or obtainable promptly. The district notes a base hourly wage and benefits as part of the compensation package.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Current first aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain promptly
• Completion of 72 quarter hours/2 years of study or an associate degree or PRAXIS competency test

Responsibilities

• Assist with instructional services for eligible students under supervision of certificated staff.
• Instruct students individually or in small groups under supervision of special and general education staff.
• Adapt lessons with teacher approval to supplement classroom activities.
• Assist with reading, writing, basic math, adaptation, and social/emotional skills.
• Score standardized classroom-based assessments.
• Prepare materials and supplies for activities; maintain student records.
• Support program audits and safety protocols; adhere to confidentiality and FERPA.

Skills

Small group instruction

Effective communication

Warm and confident demeanor

Student safety knowledge

Confidentiality

First aid/CPR readiness

PRAXIS/Certification readiness

Education

72 quarter hours / 2 years of college

Associate degree or higher

PRAXIS competency test

Job description

Deer Park School District #414

PARAEDUCATOR

Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:0 PM

Location: Deer Park High School

Days: Monday-Friday School Days only

(No conference days – unless a member of the bargaining unit before 10/8/2009.)

Begins:10/28/2026

Purpose Statement:

The purpose of this position is to assist with the delivery of instructional services for eligible students. Responsibilities vary with the individual assignment. Typically, will work under the direction of a certificated staff member(s) to provide instruction to students, supervise students, assist in adherence to the discipline plan, prepare materials, assist with testing and record keeping, and supervise within the building and outdoors. Assist students in personal hygiene/basic skills.

Essential Functions:

1. Maintains and/or assists with student discipline and maintenance of positive student behavior.
2. Instruct students individually or in small group settings under the direction of both special education and general education certificated employees.
3. Adapts lessons and activities with teacher approval to be used to supplement classroom activities and instruction
4. Assists students specifically in reading, writing, basic math, adaptation, and social/emotional skills.
5. Scores standardized classroom-based student assessments.
6. Prepares materials and supplies for supplemental activities
7. Develops and maintains student records as directed by a teacher
8. Prepares for and assists with program audits
9. Maintains high standards of health and safety at all times and reports any concerns relative to student protection to relevant staff or the principal
10. Maintains good relationships with colleagues and works together as a team
11. Assists in the supervision of classroom, building, and outdoor activities
12. Reports to assigned duty areas promptly and reliably
13. Demonstrates sensitivity and respect for diversity among all members of the school/department or district community
14. Paraeducator may be responsible for providing diapering, feeding, and other developmentally appropriate programming under the supervision of a certified special education teacher
15. Ability to implement structured positive behavioral intervention plans.
16. A paraeducator may provide outside supervision
17. Maintains confidentiality in accordance with FERPA requirements and professional standards in all interactions
18. Performs other duties as directed by the building principal

Minimum Qualifications:

• 18 years of age
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Current first aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain promptly
• Completion of at least 2 years of study totaling 72 quarter hours at an institution of learning; OR obtained an associate (or higher) degree; OR met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate through a formal para-educator competency test. (PRAXIS)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Small group instructional experience desired
2. Demonstrated skill in communicating effectively with all staff, students, and as a team member, both verbally and in writing
3. Demonstrated ability to work with students in a warm and confident manner
4. Knowledge of student safety rules and procedures
5. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
6. Must secure food handlers permit, first aid card, and right response training before starting
7. Must participate in the FCS and General Certification program after employment
8. Commitment and adherence to confidentiality and other professional standards

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Seldom (less than 10%)

• Lifting up to 50 lbs
• Lifting up to 25 lbs
• Lift assist over 50 lbs
• Repetitive Keyboarding
• Walking
• Computer screen usage

Limited (10-30%)

• Exposure to human-borne pathogens
• Stooping, bending
• Twisting, pushing, pulling
• Standing
• grasping

Moderate (31-60%)

• Sitting
• Exposure to outside elements

Frequent (61-100%)

• Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs

Terms of Employment and Salary:

As outlined by and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) of Deer Park Public School Employees Association (PSE) and the Policies and Procedures of Deer Park School District. CBAs and Salary Schedules can be reviewed from the Human Resources page of the Deer Park School District website: https://www.dpsd.org/page/human-resources

Deer Park policies and Procedures can be accessed online at https://app.eduportal.com/publicfolders/1111511/list/56713

The 2026-2027 base salary range for paraeducators in the Deer Park School District is between $19.02 and $23.71 per hour. Placement is determined by school district experience. Paraeducators who are assigned to self-contained programs such as DLC and Behavioral Programs are provided an additional stipend. Other forms of compensation may be available to the hired applicant in addition to their established salary range or wage scale as defined within the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Benefits: This position is benefits eligible, including medical, dental, vision, life,e and AD&D, and flexible spending arrangements in accordance with the state School Employees Benefits Board: https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees

This position is eligible for retirement: https://www.drs.wa.gov/

Evaluation: This position is evaluated by the building principal.

As required by RCW 28A.400.303, school district employees are required to complete a Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check. Newly hired employees are responsible for the completion of the background check prior to hire.

Verification of identity and United States Work Authorization must be completed before employment commences.

Please contact Suzanne McKibbon at 509-464-5526 if disability accommodation is needed during the application process.

Notice of Nondiscrimination: Deer Park School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities, including employment, on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to:

Contact Information

• Sam Abrahms – Civil Rights – 509-468-3308 – [e-mail]
• Suzanne McKibbon – Title IX Compliance Coordinator – 509-464-5526 – [e-mail]
• Kristin Hermann – Section 504 Coordinator – 509-464-5527 – [e-mail]

Applicants requesting reasonable accommodation in compliance with Federal and state law should contact HR at 509-464-5500 or 509-464-5526.

Applicants requesting reasonable accommodation in compliance with Federal and state laws should contact HR at 509-464-5500 or 509-464-5526.