Paraeducator Fundamental Course of Study
The Olympia Paraeducator Association (OPA) and District have built a plan for the state-required paraeducator training for the 2020-2021 school year.
It is important to note that this requirement applies to any K-12 paraeducator staff members who assist with instruction in the classroom setting (excludes preschool and bus monitors). This year, employees in these positions are required to complete these 14 hours of the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) program. The first training session will be in February 2021.
The following are the FCS modules to be completed this year and when the courses will be offered:
PdEnroller Sessions
February 22-25, 4:30 pm-7:30 pm Registration Link
May 1/8/15/22, 11 am-2 pm Registration Link
July Training – TBD Training Location
All training will be held via Zoom. You will receive a link once you have registered.
Standards
FCS05, District Orientation of Roles & Responsibilities
FCS06, Equity
FCS07, Behavior Management Strategies (including de-escalation techniques)
FCS08, Child & Adolescent Development
FCS09, Emergency & Health Safety
FCS12, Communication Challenges
Please Note: You MUST register via the links above. You will not be able to access the classes by searching in pdEnroller. Each session is capped at 110 people; therefore, please register as soon as possible.
Included in the registration, there will be 2 hours of asynchronous training (FCS03 – Technology Basics) that must be completed on your own time. More information will be given during the zoom training session. The asynchronous portion of the training is due by July 31, 2021.
Compensation
Upon completion of the 14 hours of training you will be issued a stipend in September 2021.
2019-20 School Year Make-Up Opportunities and New 2020-21 Hires ONLY
Those paraeducators who were required to take the 14 hours during the 2019-20 school year that missed some or all of that training and new hires, WEA is planning to offer additional options for making-up the last year’s 14 hours of training. WEA and the District will keep you apprised of any upcoming training dates. Please prioritize these training dates and times, as make-up opportunities will be difficult to schedule at times that are convenient for all employees due to the wide variety of schedules.
WEA Sessions
February 16th, 8:30am-4pm WEA Registration
February 27th, 8:30am-4pm WEA Registration
Standards
FCS 01, Introduction to Cultural Identity and Diversity
FCS 06, Equity
WEA Sessions
February 13th, 8am-12pm & 1pm-5pm WEA Registration
February 20th, 9am-5pm WEA Registration
February 27th, 9am-1pm OR 1pm-5pm *Please note this is for FCS 11/12 only WEA Registration
Standards
FCS 02, Methods of Educational and Instructional Support
FCS 11, Communication Basics
FCS 12, Communication Challenges
More WEA training dates to follow. Please watch for additional communication
If you have specific questions, please reach out via the contact information below.
Sincerely,
Mario Mejia OPA President mario.mejia@washingtonea.org
Scott Niemann Executive Director of Human Resources sniemann@osd.wednet.edu
The following are links with pertinent information regarding new paraeducator training requirements:
Overview of the Paraeducator Certificate Program
Paraeducator Board Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
OSD Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)