Paraeducator-Functional Core Program (FCP)

The functional core program (FCP) is for students with identified disabilities who demonstrate primary learning needs in the functional life skills domain. This position requires the paraeducator to work under the direction of a certificated teacher. Duties include instructional and non-instructional activities for special education students. The paraeducator's role is to assist students with learning and health care needs such as: feeding, tube feeding, toileting, catheterization, and lifting. This position may also require the paraeducator to work with students who have behavior problems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Under the direction of the certificated teacher, the paraeducator will assist students with meeting their IEP goals/objectives and keep accurate records.
Prepare classroom and materials as directed.
Keep the facilities clean and safe.
Assist students with washing, diapering, toileting, assist students with personal hygiene, and other personal care.
Perform medical procedures and determined by a registered nurse such as: administration of medication, catheterization, suctioning, and tube feeding.
Lift and properly position medically fragile students frequently.
Work with students that have behavior problems that may require restraining. Demonstrate the ability to implement and follow behavior plans.
Supervise/assist students at lunch, recess, Adaptive PE., music, library and possibly in a regular education classroom setting or out in the community.
Assist student on and off the bus.
Develop and maintain a positive rapport with students and staff.
Report and direct any questions or concerns brought to you by parents or support staff to your immediate supervisor.
Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and maintain positive customer relations with staff and service providers.
Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.

The preceding list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Per Federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Regulations, new hires must have:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent,
• And one of the following:
  AA degree, OR
  48 College-Level Semester Credits, OR
  72 College-Level Quarter Credits, OR
  Pass the state approved ParaPro Assessment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis
Have proficiency in basic spelling, math and grammar skills
Possess strong background and training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Trained in CPR and First Aid and possess a current and valid card
Experience and knowledge of working with students with special health care needs and developmental disabilities
Trained in Safe and Secure

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
Pass a criminal background check
Possess and maintain district-paid Type II driver’s license
Possess and maintain district-paid Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certificated course
Complete the district's paraeducator core competency requirements
Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level at the next available time; maintain current certification at the advanced level through an annual recertification class

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Individual education plans (IEPs)

ABILITY TO:
Follow written and verbal directions with minimal supervision
Speak, read and follow written communications in English
Possess the desire, skill and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic and social needs, which may include violent behavior
Demonstrate a caring attitude and establish an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and successful learning
Exercise judgment as to when to act independently and when to refer to higher authority
Possess typing, clerical and office machine skills
Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality
Communicate effectively with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community
Perform basic spelling, math and grammar skills
Interact positively with students, parents and staff in a professional manner and demonstrate a commitment for students and their success
Continue professional growth
Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY:
Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools’ commitment to “Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future.”
Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently stand and walk, bend neck and back, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee is frequently required to squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation. The employee will occasionally be required to sit, climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, crawl, and lift/carry. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 5 pounds and must frequently lift/carry up to 10 pounds. The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 50 lbs. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum force of 20 lbs.

WORK CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions and intermittently works near video display. The employee occasionally may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Position regularly requires exposure to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment.

WORK SCHEDULE
This is a school year assignment. Hours and days will vary slightly from school to school.


REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Position reports to classroom teacher and/or department head and building principal. Position is evaluated by the building principal or designee.

REPRESENTATION
Public School Employees Union (PSE) SEIU Local 1948

LEVEL OF COMPENSATION
Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Update 07/2015
Updated Right Response language 07/2017

Disclaimer
The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.

Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee.