New district requirements for paraeducator training in 2022-23
The Legislature closed its 2022 legislative session by increasing funding for the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) through the Paraeducator Certificate Program (ESSB 5693). Beginning in 2022-23, districts must now provide all four days (28 hours) of FCS training to their paraeducators every school year. Previously, only two days were required.
The Legislature did not make any changes to the funding allocation and training requirements for the General Paraeducator Certificate. As such, districts must deliver four days of training on the FCS or two days on the general certificate for their paraeducators per year.
Fundamental Course of Study (FCS)
The Paraeducator Certificate Program offers standards-based training for all paraeducators in Washington. It supports a career growth ladder for those who wish to advance their career as a paraeducator or pursue a teaching profession.
The FCS is the first part of the certificate program and districts are required to provide the training to all of their instructional paraeducators. The FCS is four days of training (28 hours). Learn more about the certificate program.
Deadlines
School districts must provide the FCS by the following deadlines (RCW).
- For paraeducators hired on or before September 1, districts must provide the first two days of FCS training by September 30. Districts must provide the second two days of training within six months of the paraeducator’s date of hire.
- For paraeducators hired after September 1:
- In districts with 10,000 or more students, districts must provide the first two days of FCS training 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
- For districts with fewer than 10,000 students, districts must provide four days of training by September 1.
Questions?
If you have questions, please email paraboard@k12.wa.us.
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