What are the responsibilities and job description for the Substitute - Pre K Assistant (Hourly) - 26-27 position at Seattle Public Schools?
Overview of Position
Please apply to this posting if you are interested in potential to be hired with SPS as a Paraprofessional substitute and specific to Early Childhood Education. Candidates selected from this recruitment will be hired as Para substitutes with direct connection to the Early Childhood Dept with intent to cover and fill Pre K IA vacancies when needed. Eligibility and ability to cover any and all other IA vacancies will also be in place.
The Special Education Assistant Substitute assists in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending IEP meetings as requested.
Special Education Assistant Substitute job duties vary according to the school/program needs, i.e., generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, autism, etc.
Essential Functions
Reports to building Principal or assigned Special Education Supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior.
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
ABILITY is required to gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment. In working with others, problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions. Ability to key-board; learn to use personal computers. May require the ability to do basic signing.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the Organization's services.
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting – up to 60 to 90 pounds or more, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. May need to handle medically fragile children, attend to students' physical needs, which may include toileting, changing diapers, tube feeding and assisting menstruating students; support structured learning and behavior shaping activities. Generally the job requires 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.
Education
Typical Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent and 1) completion of an associate degree, OR 2) completion of two years of college, not a degree but seventy-two (72) quarter hours or forty-eight(48) semester hours of college credit, or 3) a passing score on the Praxis Parapro Assessment Test.
Years Of Relevant Experience
One (1) year of related paid or volunteer work experience.
Substitution
Certification as a special education teacher will substitute for the experience requirement. Education and work experience of categorically funded positions must be in compliance with applicable federal and state guidelines.
Required Testing
None Specified
Certificates & Licenses
Valid State of Washington Driver's License
Continuing Education/Training
Secure Training
CPR/First Aid
Clearances
Criminal Justice Fingerprint
Background Clearance
Hourly staff accrue sick leave at the rate of 1:40 per the Washington Paid Sick Leave law; eligible for health benefits after 630 hours under conditions of the School Employees Benefits Board through the state of Washington.
This position is not eligible for Health benefits.
Salary Schedule
Please find the salary schedule associated with this role and others like it HERE.
01
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
Are you a current Seattle Public School employee?
Have you ever been employed by Seattle Public Schools in any capacity?
Please acknowledge your understanding that references you list in this Pool application will receive system generated online forms to complete on your behalf. Please include professional references that can best speak to your abilities including your current or most recent supervisor.
Substitute Work Requirement for the 2026 – 2027 School Year: All substitutes are required to work at least 70 hours per school year AND complete mandatory paid training to remain on the substitute roster. If you work fewer than 70 hours and/or fail to complete the mandatory training, you will be removed from Seattle Public Schools substitute roster(s) at the close of the 2026 - 2027 school year. Please answer below to acknowledge your understanding.
Please describe how your related work experience in human service, educational or community based programs which involve families and children best qualifies you for this position.
Please apply to this posting if you are interested in potential to be hired with SPS as a Paraprofessional substitute and specific to Early Childhood Education. Candidates selected from this recruitment will be hired as Para substitutes with direct connection to the Early Childhood Dept with intent to cover and fill Pre K IA vacancies when needed. Eligibility and ability to cover any and all other IA vacancies will also be in place.
The Special Education Assistant Substitute assists in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending IEP meetings as requested.
Special Education Assistant Substitute job duties vary according to the school/program needs, i.e., generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, autism, etc.
Essential Functions
- Adapts, under the direction of the teacher. classroom activities, assignments and/or materials for the purpose of providing an opportunity for all special education students to participate in classroom activities.
- Administers a variety of materials and assignments (e.g. tests, homework, grades papers, folders, etc.) for the purpose of assisting teacher in evaluating students' progress and/or organizing the individual needs of the student.
- Administers first aid and medical assistance as required for the purpose of providing appropriate care for injured children.
- Assists students requiring support in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or physical limitations for the purpose of allowing students to function in school environment.
- Directs and Implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other conditions for the purpose of assisting in meeting special education students needs, protecting the safety of the child and others, and providing a consistent environment.
- Instructs students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives, implement plans for remediation of students deficiencies in accordance with students individual educational program goals and ensuring students success in school.
- Maintains instructional materials and/or student files/records (e.g. adapting instructional materials, checking papers, attendance, set up adapted projects, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.
- Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of aiding students and providing a safe and positive learning environment.
- Must be willing to substitute at schools throughout the District and in all types of classrooms.
- Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Reports to building Principal or assigned Special Education Supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior.
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
ABILITY is required to gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment. In working with others, problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions. Ability to key-board; learn to use personal computers. May require the ability to do basic signing.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the Organization's services.
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting – up to 60 to 90 pounds or more, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. May need to handle medically fragile children, attend to students' physical needs, which may include toileting, changing diapers, tube feeding and assisting menstruating students; support structured learning and behavior shaping activities. Generally the job requires 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.
Education
Typical Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent and 1) completion of an associate degree, OR 2) completion of two years of college, not a degree but seventy-two (72) quarter hours or forty-eight(48) semester hours of college credit, or 3) a passing score on the Praxis Parapro Assessment Test.
Years Of Relevant Experience
One (1) year of related paid or volunteer work experience.
Substitution
Certification as a special education teacher will substitute for the experience requirement. Education and work experience of categorically funded positions must be in compliance with applicable federal and state guidelines.
Required Testing
None Specified
Certificates & Licenses
Valid State of Washington Driver's License
Continuing Education/Training
Secure Training
CPR/First Aid
Clearances
Criminal Justice Fingerprint
Background Clearance
Hourly staff accrue sick leave at the rate of 1:40 per the Washington Paid Sick Leave law; eligible for health benefits after 630 hours under conditions of the School Employees Benefits Board through the state of Washington.
This position is not eligible for Health benefits.
Salary Schedule
Please find the salary schedule associated with this role and others like it HERE.
01
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
- Yes
- No
Are you a current Seattle Public School employee?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever been employed by Seattle Public Schools in any capacity?
- Yes
- No
Please acknowledge your understanding that references you list in this Pool application will receive system generated online forms to complete on your behalf. Please include professional references that can best speak to your abilities including your current or most recent supervisor.
- Yes
- No
Substitute Work Requirement for the 2026 – 2027 School Year: All substitutes are required to work at least 70 hours per school year AND complete mandatory paid training to remain on the substitute roster. If you work fewer than 70 hours and/or fail to complete the mandatory training, you will be removed from Seattle Public Schools substitute roster(s) at the close of the 2026 - 2027 school year. Please answer below to acknowledge your understanding.
- Yes
- No
Please describe how your related work experience in human service, educational or community based programs which involve families and children best qualifies you for this position.
- Required Question