Paraeducator - Preschool

Sylvania; Hoquiam (WA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoquiam School District No. 28 seeks a Preschool Paraeducator to support students with diverse learning needs in the district's preschool program.

Working with teachers, specialists, and families, you will provide individualized instruction, behavioral support, and assistance with daily routines to foster growth and readiness for school. You will implement IEP-aligned activities, collaborate with staff, and help create a safe, inclusive classroom.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Two years of college coursework or an associate degree or higher, or approved assessment.
• Physically capable of assisting in student restraint or support.
• Preferred training in restraint, crisis management, de-escalation, and playground supervision.
• Experience with students with behavioral or emotional needs preferred.
• Background check and citizenship documentation required.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Satisfactory background check; Type II driving permit if required.
• Strong organizational, clerical, communication, and computer skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop supportive relationships with preschool students.
• Collaborate with teachers, specialists, and families to align support with IEPs.
• Promote positive peer interactions and inclusive play.
• Assist in implementing instructional activities to meet IEP goals.
• Provide one-on-one and small-group support to help students participate.
• Modify activities to support a range of abilities and learning styles.
• Support students with adaptive skills and collect data on progress.
• Implement behavior plans with positive reinforcement.
• Support family communication and transitions to elementary school.

Skills

Communication

Clerical

Technology

Team collaboration

Physical ability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years of college coursework

Associate’s degree or higher

Tools

First Aid & CPR certification

Job description

Hoquiam School District No. 28

Paraeducator - Preschool

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Open Until Filled - First Screening Date: 9/9/26

Monday - Thursday 8:15 am - 3:00 pm

Some Fridays may be work days on occasion.

Required Attachments:

• Cover Letter or Letter of Interest
• Resume
• 3 Letters of Recommendation - Including at least one from a supervisor
• Internal Applicants - Include a minimum of a cover letter and updated resume

Note -"ECE PRESCHOOL HIGH NEEDS: High Personal Care and behavior with young children. Must be able to lift, restrain and move quickly. Right Response training required. Special Education. Must have 30 ECE college credits or working toward completion with approval by Director of Student Support Services. Other duties as assigned. May require additional hours on a Friday."

DUTY: Supervise students inside and outside of the classroom including but not limited to lunch, recess, bus lines, before/after school, cleaning and sanitizing learning areas, conducting health screenings. Must be able to provide active supervision which includes standing and walking. Will provide de-escalation support to students, and modeling of school appropriate social behaviors.

Job Summary:

The Preschool Paraeducator - Special Education supports students with diverse learning and developmental needs in Emerson Elementary's preschool program. Working in collaboration with teachers, specialists, and families, this position provides individualized instruction, behavioral support, and assistance with daily routines to ensure every child can thrive. Guided by Hoquiam School District’s four pillars - meaningful relationships, engaged learners, adaptive pathways, and community connections, the Preschool Special Education Paraeducator plays a key role in fostering growth, independence, and readiness for school.

Key Responsibilities:

Meaningful Relationships

• Develop supportive and trusting relationships with preschool students, particularly those receiving special education services.
• Collaborate with teachers, specialists, and families to align support strategies with each child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Promote positive peer interactions and inclusive play.

Engaged Learners

• Assist in implementing instructional activities designed to meet IEP goals, including early literacy, numeracy, communication, and social skills.
• Provide one-on-one and small-group support to help students actively participate in learning and classroom routines.
• Reinforce teacher-directed lessons with hands-on, engaging activities tailored to student needs.

Adaptive Pathways

• Modify activities and materials under teacher direction to support a range of abilities and learning styles.
• Support students with adaptive skills, including toileting, self-care, mobility, and communication.
• Assist in collecting and recording data on student progress, behaviors, and skill development.
• Implement behavior intervention plans and use positive reinforcement strategies.

Community Connections

• Support communication between the school and families regarding student participation and progress.
• Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive preschool environment that values diversity and individual strengths.
• Assist with transitions from preschool to elementary school by supporting routines and readiness activities.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Perform academic support in reading, writing, and math
• Become familiar with classroom terminology and resources
• Assist in planning and implementing individualized instruction
• Maintain proactive environments and safety in both classroom and unstructured settings
• Implement and document behavior plans with calm, consistent support
• Complete clerical duties related to special education programs
• Assist with adapted physical education or aquatic programs (may include entering pool with students)
• Support personal care needs such as hygiene and mobility
• Score and administer selected student assessments
• Operate standard classroom equipment (copiers, AV equipment, computers)
• Maintain organized and tidy instructional spaces
• Attend professional development sessions and staff meetings
• Monitor classrooms as directed by the building principal
• Perform all other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Be proficient in or open to learning technology platforms (Google Docs, Classroom, Zoom, etc.)
• Assist students with technology use and troubleshooting
• Demonstrate sound judgment, common sense, and discretion
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with students, staff, and community members
• Physically able to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 20 lbs. independently and up to 100 lbs. with assistance
• Maintain a calm and positive presence in stressful situations
• Document student progress and provide feedback to instructional staff
• Understand and respect confidentiality of educational and health records
• Follow district emergency procedures and safety protocols

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Moderate to low noise environment with occasional outdoor supervision required
• Exposure to various weather conditions (playground/recess duties)
• May involve physical demands including lifting and assisting students with mobility needs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Note: Please pay careful attention to qualifications 3, 4, and 5.

1. High school diploma or GED equivalent
2. Must meet at least one of the following:
3. • Completed two years of college-level coursework
   • Associate’s degree or higher
   • Passed a state- or district-approved academic assessment demonstrating the ability to assist in instruction
4. Physically capable of assisting in student restraint or support if necessary
5. Preferred training in restraint, crisis management, de-escalation, and playground supervision
6. Experience working with students with behavioral or emotional needs strongly preferred
7. Proof of citizenship (driver’s license, birth certificate, social security card, passport, etc.)
8. Current First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
9. Satisfactory background check
10. Type II driving permit (or willingness to obtain, if required)
11. Strong organizational, clerical, communication, and computer skills
12. Ability to work independently while maintaining strong team collaboration

This job description reflects the core values of Hoquiam School District and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. The District reserves the right to revise the duties of this position as needed to support student learning and well-being.

SALARY: $24.58 - $30.72/hr

BENEFITS: State allocation towards dental, vision, medical insurance, retirement, 9 paid holidays, 10 sick leave days, 3 personal leave days.

Employment is contingent upon successful clearance of a Washington State Patrol, FBI fingerprint criminal history background check, and Sexual Misconduct background check.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Hoquiam School District #28 does not discriminate in any programs or activities 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. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Coordinator and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator Marah Gannaway [e-mail] , Director of Student Support Services - 325 W. Chenault Avenue 360.538.8200 and Section 504/ADA Coordinator and HIB Coordinator Brianne Barrett [e-mail] , Director of Special Services and Teaching & Learning Director - 325 W. Chenault Avenue 360.538.8417