The General Paraeducator Certificate courses use the same professional development measurements as certified staff. Continuing education credit hours, known as clock hours, are for Washington educators who want to earn and keep track of professional development. Watch this helpful video detailing how clock hours fit into the certificate program.
All training sessions must meet at least one of the five General Paraeducator Certificate’s Standards of Practice and must come from approved clock hour providers, defined in WAC.
The five standards are:
- Supporting instructional opportunities
- Demonstrating professionalism and ethical practices
- Supporting a positive and safe learning environment
- Communicating effectively and participating in the team process
- Demonstrating cultural competency
Each standard has its own knowledge and skill competencies that paraeducators must receive training on to meet the program requirements. Click here to view the standards of practice.
Richland School District offers opportunities to attend professional development regularly. Click here to find a course on the Richland School District Pro Dev site. It is your responsibility to ensure the course you attend aligns with at least one of the five General Paraeducator Certificate’s Standards of Practice identified above.
A few reminders about clock hours:
- There are two requirements to be eligible for clock hours that must be completed:
- Participants must be registered for the course prior to the start of the course
- Participants must complete the signature form (google forms) at the training
- State policy does not allow districts to issue retroactive clock hours
- Participants that do not complete both parts of step one will not be eligible for clock hours
After the session, complete the course survey to receive a clock hour form. Upload the clock hour form to your EDS account on OSPI’s website (the same account you created when you submitted your FCS paperwork to OPSI).
As a reminder, save all clock hour forms in a safe place. It is your responsibility to retain a copy of your course completion information.
