Washington State Core Competencies
For Paraeducators
Washington State Core Competencies
For Paraeducators
Competency #1 
Understand the value of providing instructional and other direct services to all children and youth with disabilities.
Competency #2
Understanding the roles and responsibilities of certificated and licensed staff and paraeducators.
Competency #3
Knowledge of (a) patterns of human development and milestones typically achieved at different ages, and (b) risk factors that may prohibit or impede typical development.
Competency #4
Ability to practice ethical and professional standards of conduct, including the requirements of confidentiality.
Competency #5
Ability to communicate with colleagues; follow instructions, and use problem solving and other skills that will enable the paraeducator to work as an effective member of the instructional team.
Competency #6
Ability to provide positive behavioral support and management.
Competency #7
Knowledge of the legal issues related to the education of children and youth with disabilities and their families.
Competency #8
Have an understanding and knowledge of diversity among children, youth, families, and colleagues with whom they work.
Competency #9
Knowledge and application of the elements of effective instruction to assist teaching and learning as developed by certified and/or licensed staff in a variety of settings.
Competency #10
Ability to utilize appropriate strategies and techniques to provide instructional support in teaching and learning as developed by the certified/licensed staff.
Competency #11
Ability to motivate and assist children and youth.
Competency #12
Knowledge of and ability to follow health, safety, and emergency procedures of the agency where they are employed.
Competency #13
Awareness of the way in which technology can assist teaching and learning.
Competency #14
Awareness of personal care and/or health related support.
PARAEDUCATOR
by Cathy Gangstad
P
Proud. Paraprofessionals are proud of the difference they make in a child's life..................................................................................
A
Asset. Paraprofessionals are an important part of the school community..................................................................................
R
Resilient. Much like the Energizer Bunny, paraprofessionals have an incredible ability to bounce back and keep going..................................................................................
A
Amiable. The friendly, pleasant demeanor of the paraprofessional is appreciated by students and staff alike..................................................................................
P
Pretty Darn Cool. Any student will tell you this is true!.................................................................................
R
Reliable. Paraprofessionals can be counted on to get the job done..................................................................................
O
Outstanding. While not all paraprofessionals can be found "outstanding in their field," whether playground assistants, classroom assistants, one-to-one aides, or any of the other multitude of jobs performed by the paraprofessional, the school community just wouldn't be the same without them..................................................................................
F
Flexible. Paraprofessionals possess an uncanny ability to go with the flow as they perform their duties..................................................................................
E
Enduring. For many students, paraprofessionals provide the life-saving constancy and dependability that is missing in their lives..................................................................................
S
Sensational. Paraprofessionals often go above and beyond the call of duty as they work with students, staff, and parents..................................................................................
S
Silly. Humor is a powerful resiliency. A good laugh is important to all of us..................................................................................
I
Irreplaceable. School communities couldn't survive without the services of paraprofessionals..................................................................................
O
Only Human. Just as they provide tender loving care to those around them, paraprofessionals appreciate a kind word, too..................................................................................
N
Nurturing. Paraprofessionals bring out the best in those they work with by making them feel special..................................................................................
A
Attentive. For many students, the personal attention provided by the paraprofessional is one of their fondest school memories..................................................................................
L
Larger than Life. Ask any student and they will tell you that this is true..................................................................................
