QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to a high school diploma or its equivalent, a qualified pareducator employee will have achieved one of the following:

• A qualifying score on a state approved paraeducator assessment.
  • ETS ParaPro test information
  • Pearson Paraprofessional test information
• An associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university.
• Completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
   

WA CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Washington offers statewide standards-based training and supports career growth for those who wish to advance as a paraeducator or pursue a teaching profession. The paraeducator certificate program has two required training components. 

COMPONENT ONE: FOUNDATIONAL COURSE OF STUDY

Valley SD will provide 14 hours of training each school year to help paraeducators complete the required 28 hours of training in the foundational course of study, which covers the paraeducator standards of practice. Human Resources, in conjunction with program supervisors, will guide the required training courses during the first year of employment. 

Once paraeducators have completed the FCS, they have three (3) years to earn a general certificate.

COMPONENT TWO: GENERAL PARAEDUCATOR CERTIFICATE

Valley SD will support paraeducators in completing 70 clock hours of training to help improve instructional practices. The General Certification will be required for employees in paraeducator positions as long as this program continues to be funded by the state.

Paraeducator training will be provided by the district as directed by the state. Paraeducators will track their training in the EDS system once the training is completed. Additional information will be provided by Human Resources.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT
Paraeducators also can earn the Advanced Paraeducator Certificate once they complete the General Paraeducator Certificate. This optional certificate requires an additional 75 clock hours of professional development. This certificate expires after five years, and it is not a prerequisite for a paraeducator working in any program.

LEARN MORE / PESB

Additional optional subject matter certificates can be earned to help advance paraeducator skills. The required twenty (20) hours of professional development in these subject areas may be earned through online coursework. The optional certificates are not required to work in any program/position. 

• English Language Learner (ELL)
• Special Education
   

Additional guidance and resources can be found on the Professional Educator Standards Board/PESB website under Paraeducator Program.

GETTING STARTED
Newly hired substitutes must first check in with Human Resources in the District Office building to complete employment forms and orientation materials. When you arrive, be prepared to provide:

• Valid passport or driver’s license.
• Social security card or certified birth certificate.

LEARN MORE about Valley SD

Districtwide Annual Calendar

REPORTING TO WORK
Be prepared to arrive early on campus to allow ample time to check in at the school office or with a department supervisor. Introduce yourself and share the position and/or person for which you will be working as a substitute to help our staff guide you and provide the right information about room locations, duties, schedules, and emergency procedures. 

WORK HOURS 
Substitute staff generally will observe the school hours or operational hours of the assigned VSD department or building. Be sure to inquire ahead of time to determine the expected work hours for the position you will be filling. 

FRONTLINE (Formerly AESOP)
At this time, Valley SD uses the Frontline absence management system to automatically call to fill a position that needs a substitute. (Not all position types require a sub.)

On days when many subs are needed, assignment calls may be delayed. In these situations, substitutes should arrive to their assignment within one (1) hour of accepting the call to work. Contact the program Substitute Coordinator to alert them of any variance in your estimated arrival time. 

• Valley Early Learning Center: Candace Harris – (509) 937-2638
  • 8:00am to 3:30 p.m. (Preschool)
  • 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Childcare)
• Valley School (K-8): Theresa Carr – (509) 937-2826
  • 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Valley EDGE High School Academy: Amy Roy – (509) 937-2675
  • 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Columbia Virtual Academy: Eldon Palmer – (509) 563-4679
  • 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• District Special Services Department: Caitie Klemish – (509) 937-2616
  • 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• VL Transport Center: Annette Wisener – (509) 937-2803
  • 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• District Office/Facilities Dept.: Tracy Lundquist – (509) 937-2786
  • 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SCHOOL CLOSURE / LATE START
Late start scheduling typically occurs every Monday during the school year. Substitutes should confirm with the position supervisor work times for regular late start days. In the event of a school closure, all sub assignments in school buildings will be canceled; for other programs, contact the position supervisor to confirm the work assignment will continue or is canceled. 

For information about district procedures for Late Starts or School Closures called due to weather or emergencies, please click on the page link below. Daily information is shared with employees via Parent Square and website alerts, email, text message, and will be shared with local radio and television stations.

SCHOOL DELAYS & CLOSURES

Substitutes are encouraged to review related policies and procedures:

• 5414P1-Inclement Weather Leave
• 6601P3-School Delays, Closures, Early Releases Due to Weather or Emergency Situations

CONFIDENTIALITY
Valley School District programs serve approximately 900+ students and employ over 120 staff. Confidential material is routinely received and handled during normal operations. Professionalism on the job is expected; it is essential that you do not discuss or divulge any work-related matters or confidential information with others that do not have a legitimate, educational need to know. 

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

• Be sure to inform Human Resources at the earliest time possible when your name, telephone number(s), or address changes. Requests for updates to this information must be made in writing via email to hr@valleysd.org. Legal name changes require a copy of your new social security card. 

• Valley School District is a scent sensitive environment. All employees should limit their use of perfume, cologne, and fragranced personal care products out of respect to those who are sensitive to fragrance. Please keep shared areas scent neutral.

• Valley Early Learning Center operates year-round and offers childcare for children ages 1-12. Contact VELC Director Candace Harris to check availability of services for the days/times you will be working. 

WORKING AS A CLASSIFIED SUB
Classified employees are non-certificated staff and substitutes for these positions will receive a work schedule, office/position procedure guidance, staff roster, and/or training. Be prepared to arrive at your assigned workplace at least 15 minutes before the beginning of your shift. 

• Be pleasant and courteous. Anser the phone using the school/program name, followed by yours.
• Take messages efficiently. Take written notes summarizing work accomplished, issues, or information needed to be successful in your positon.
• If you do not know how to proceed or respond, mention that you are a substitute and that you will make every effort to assist as soon as possible. Seek guidance from the position supervisor or office staff. 

COMPENSATION / TIMESHEETS
Classified substitutes are paid under the current hourly compensation schedule, Level 0 for most positions. Each position’s rate, work hours, shift, and supervisor may vary, and placement will be according to the needs of the district or program. 

Classified staff will track their daily work hours on a monthly timesheet, which may be obtained from the Payroll Specialist or the building office secretary. Timesheet forms may be specific to the position you are filling and must reflect actual time/hours worked each day. All worktime in a month will be paid the last day of the following month. Standard payroll deductions will be applied (federal, social security taxes, and state industrial insurance).  

To ensure proper payment, timesheets must be submitted to the building level supervisor by the first day of the month after the month in which you worked. Pay dates fall on the last business day of the month (Mon-Fri), excluding holidays. All payments for employment are directly deposited in an employee’s bank or credit union account. Authorization for Direct Deposit forms may be obtained from the Payroll Specialist or Human Resources via email to hr@valleysd.org. 

WORKING AS A CERTIFICATED SUBSTITUTE
At Valley School (K-8) and Valley EDGE High School Academy
As the subsitute teacher, you are responsible for managing the classroom, supervising students, and following the instructions or student assignments left by the regular teacher or principal. 

Plan to arrive at least a half hour before the student day begins, and expect to stay at your position a half hour after dismissal of students. Typical school work days run 7.5 hours, and 3.5 hours on half days. 

WHAT TO EXPECT
Upon arrival, check in at the school office. Introduce yourself and report to the principal or lead secretary to sign in, obtain keys and the staff badge. Gather instructions for the building/program routines, bell signals, school schedule, and handling intermissions, lunch and recess duties, if any. Inquire about handling sick students and/or emergency situations. Attend any staff meetings called, and record notes to inform the regular teacher. 

The absent teacher should provide a student seating chart, daily classroom schedule, lesson plans for the day, and directions on supplies, textbooks, and educational activities. Follow instructions/plans as closely as possible. Record attendance, correct assignments, keep the classroom organized as found, and leave notes summarizing work accomplished and any issues or suggestions or requests for more direction to assist you in being successful in this role. 

MANAGING STUDENT BEHAVIOR & RELEASES
If student behavior becomes a problem and your efforts at correction are unsuccessful, the principal or program director must be consulted. Corporal punishment is not allowed. If it is necessary to communicate with parents about a student’s behavior, it is to be done only with the approval of the principal.

If a person not connected with the school seeks information about a child or permission to take the child from the room, the teacher is to refer the person to the principal or program director. The principal or program director will review the circumstances, make a decision based on school district policy and notify you of the decision. Under no circumstances should a child be released to anyone without permission of the principal or program director. 

At Columbia Virtual Academy
Prior to substituting at CVA, Valley’s online ALE program, subs will meet with the principal and receive one-half day of compensated training, with further training provided as needed. More information about this role is available in the District Staff Handbook.

COMPENSATION
All certificated substitute personnel are paid for the actual number of days worked. Compensation is paid in full-day increments (7.5 hours) or half-day increments (3.5 hours) for the first thirty (30) cumulative days worked each school year. On the 31st cumulative day worked each school year, the daily rate of compensation increases. When substitutes are placed in one assignment to extend more than twenty (20) consecutive days, the substitute will be compensated at the equivalent rate of contract rate of pay. This rate is based on transcripts and verified experience. Subs are responsible for providing verified work experience information to the Human Resource Director. 

Certificated substitutes will verify their worktime on a daily timesheet, which may be obtained from the Payroll Specialist or the building office secretary. All worktime in a month will be paid the last business day (Mon.-Fri., excluding holidays) of the following month. Standard payroll deductions will be applied (federal, social security taxes, and state industrial insurance).

All payments for employment are directly deposited in an employee’s bank or credit union account. Authorization for Direct Deposit forms may be obtained from the Payroll Specialist or Human Resources via email to hr@valleysd.org.