SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTER PARAEDUCATOR

Puyallup School District; Edgewood (WA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Puyallup School District is seeking a Special Education Paraeducator at Edgemont Junior High School to support students with a variety of disabilities within a dedicated support center program. This role focuses on academic instruction and functional skills across a modified curriculum.

The position requires meeting state qualification criteria, including a high school diploma and potential PESPA certifications.

Qualifications

• Be at least eighteen years old.
• High school diploma or its equivalent.
• Must fulfill ONE of the listed qualification paths (college credits, certifications, or apprenticeship).

Education

Associate degree or higher

72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits (100 level+

ParaPro Assessment score 455+

Pearson Paraprofessional assessment score 220+

Master Teacher Paraprofessional Online Training 65%+

Apprenticeship as paraeducator

Job description

• Position Type: Paraeducator


• Date Posted: 8/24/2026


• Location: Edgemont Junior High


• Date Available: UPON HIRE


• Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Posting: AP7842

Location: Edgemont Junior High School

Position: Special Education Para - Support Center

Rate: PESPA Level 3

Hours: 6.95 hours per day (Includes 30 minute unpaid break)

Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00AM - 2:27PM

Calendar: 191-Day

Notes: Flexibility to ride the bus. May work primarily with one student.

Support Center = provides services in academic instruction to students with a variety of disabilities ranging from severe to profound. In addition to instruction in academic subject areas, the program also offers modified curriculum instruction which may include a combination of the following: functional academics, daily living skills, prevocational/vocational skills, behavior skills and social skills.

Minimum Paraeducator Employment Requirements

To be eligible for employment, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Be at least eighteen years of age.


2. Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Additionally, candidates must fulfill ONE of the following conditions:

• Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.


• Earn 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher from an accredited college or university.


• Score 455 or higher on the ParaPro Assessment (ETS).


• Score 220 or higher on the Pearson Paraprofessional assessment (not administered by PSD).


• Score 65% or higher on The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program (not administered by PSD).


• Complete an apprenticeship as a paraeducator in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Proof of Qualification

Candidates must upload documentation verifying that they meet the stated requirements to be considered for employment. This includes providing a copy of an official college transcript or a passing score in one of the following assessments:

• Education Testing Service ParaPro Assessment


• Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment


• Master Teacher Inc. Paraprofessional Online Training Program

If submitting an assessment score, proof of a high school diploma or its equivalent must also be provided.

Conditions of Employment

• This position requires the completion and attainment of the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate.


• The Paraeducator Certificate Program offers statewide standards-based training for all paraeducators/Education Support Professionals (ESP) and supports a career growth ladder for those wishing to advance their career as a paraeducator or pursue a teaching profession.


• Staff will be required to complete 28 hours of training on the Fundamental Course of Study provided by the district. The first two days of FCS training must be completed within four months of the date of hire, and the second two days within six months of the date of hire, or by September 1 of the next school year. The general certificate is then earned by a paraeducator who completes ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training.

Benefits and Wages

• Refer to the PSD Education Support Prof Employees (PESPA)-WEA agreements, salary schedules, calendars, and benefits here.