Special Education Para-Educator

Sylvania; Deer Park (WA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Deer Park School District #414 invites applications for a Special Education Para Educator at Deer Park High School. The role supports instructional services for eligible students, under certificated staff supervision, providing reading, writing, math support, and behavior assistance.

Responsibilities include preparing materials, recording student progress, supervising within building and outdoors, adhering to safety and FERPA privacy, and contributing to program audits.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Current first aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain promptly.
• Completion of at least 2 years of study totaling 72 quarter hours OR an associate degree OR met a rigorous para-educator competency test (PRAXIS).

Responsibilities

• Instruct students individually or in small groups under the direction of certificated staff.
• Adapt lessons and activities with teacher approval to supplement classroom instruction.
• Assist students in reading, writing, basic math, adaptation, and social/emotional skills.
• Scores standardized classroom-based student assessments.
• Develops and maintains student records as directed by a teacher.
• Prepares for and assists with program audits.
• Maintains high standards of health and safety and reports any concerns.
• Maintains confidentiality per FERPA and professional standards.
• Assists in supervision of classroom, building, and outdoor activities.
• Reports to assigned duty areas promptly and reliably.
• Performs other duties as directed by the building principal.

Skills

Reading support

Small group instruction

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma

72 quarter hours / 2 years of college OR associate degree OR PRAXIS competency

Job description

Deer Park School District #414

Special Education Para Educator

Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (6.5 Hours per day Monday - Friday)

Days: 185 School days - 8/26/26 - 6/09/27

Location: Deer Park High School

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

Begins:8/26/26

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 the 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. Assist 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. A 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:

• 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 is 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 a food handler's permit, first aid card, and right response training before starting
7. Must participate in the FCS and General Certification program after employment

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
• Frequent (61-100%)
  • Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs
  • Exposure to outside elements

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. Para Educators 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, 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.

Application Requirements

• Applicants must complete the application online at www.dpsd.org and must include the following:
• Resume
• Cover letter
• Two letters of reference
• Confidential reference checks (at least 1, including the most recent supervisor)

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:

• Section 504 Coordinator & Title IX Compliance Coordinator & Civil Rights
• Suzanne McKibbon
• Assistant Superintendent
• 509-464-5526
• [e-mail]

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