Paraeducator Certificate Program

Welcome to the Mount Vernon School District Paraeducator Certificate Program Training site--information regarding the new program, training opportunities and important steps you must complete will be maintained on this site.  Save this site as a FAVORITE so you can refer to it; you may also direct questions to the Human Resources Office (360) 428-6110 or ahollmann@mvsd320.org

Click on the "Home" tab above to select specific topics from the drop down menu to view information about the General Certificate, EDS/eCert Accounts and other information.

NEW PARAEDUCATORS! Fundamental Course of Study  (FCS)

The Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) is the core training developed to assist paraeducators working with students and their families.  Seven (7) hours of the FCS must be taught in-person; the remaining training hours may be provided online.

The district partnered with NWESD 189 who developed the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) courses, Units 1-12, through the online Canvas training platform. The Human Resources Office will register you for an account in NWESD/Canvas -- you will receive an email invitation to finalize your account and begin training.

The window for the FCS training modules during the 2024-2024 school year will open in August 2024 through June 30, 2025 -- paraeducators must complete the courses by June 30th to assure uninterrupted employment for the 2025-2026 school year.  Paraeducators  may complete the training modules during their contracted/paid time, if possible, additional pay is available (up to 28 hours) if you are unable to complete the training during your regular work day.  

• FCS 01:  Intro to Cultural Identity and Diversity (4 clock hours)

• FCS 02:  Methods of Educational and Instructional Support (4 clock hours)

• FCS 03:  Technology Basics (2 clock hours)

• FCS 04:  Using and Collecting Data (1 clock hour)

• FCS 05:  District Orientation of Rules & Responsibilities (3 clock hours)

• FCS 06:  Equity (3 clock hours)

• FCS 07:  Behavior Management Strategies including de-escalation techniques (3 clock hours)

• FCS 08:  Child & Adolescent Development (2 clock hours)

• FCS 09:  Emergency & Health Safety (1 clock hour)

• FCS 10:  Positive & Safe Learning Environment (3 clock hours)

• FCS 11:  Communication Basics (2 clock hours)

• FCS 12:  Communication Challenges (1 clock hour)

Remember! This is REQUIRED training for ALL paraeducators (returning and new) regardless of post-secondary degree or experience.

In-Person Training Opportunities for New Employees - register through pdEnroller

Tell Me More-Fundamental Course of Study

• When do the FCS trainings need to be completed for 2024-2025 school year?

  • by June 30, 2025

• Where do I find the Clock Hour form?

  • It is located below under Forms below or included with emails regarding training opportunities (or you may email Grace Arnold)

• Will I get paid for training?

  • Yes, if training is completed outside the paraeducator's work day.

• How will I know if I have completed training?

  • Paraeducators who have completed the Fundamental Course of Study (28 hours) will receive a Certificate of Completion as well as the original clock hour forms.  The original clock hour forms must be retained by the paraeducator.  Paraeducators will also receive instructions to set up their EDS/eCert account which will be used to record General Paraeducator Certificate and Subject Matter Certificate training.