The Initial ESA (Educational Staff Associate) Certification Course is intended for those who already have, or are in the final stages of completion, of a professional certification in either nursing, social work, audiology, speech language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy or behavior analysis and would like to take their discipline into the public school setting.

This three-day 15 hour online course will take place via Zoom and give participants an orientation to WA State Public Schools, Ethical Practices, Services for Students with Disabilities, High Leverage Practices, Response to Intervention, Multi-tiered Systems of Support, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, IEP Development, Equity and ensuring FAPE - Free Appropriate Public Education for all students.

This approved course satisfies the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction's (OSPI) requirements to complete your Washington State ESA certification. The Professional Educators Standards Board (PESB) recently changed the requirements of this course from 30 hours to only 15 hours in July, 2019.

Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are not provided for this course, however, the governing body for each discipline may choose to grant them at their discretion with a submitted application provided by the participant. Clock hours are available for a small additional fee, please check with your school district to find out if you will need clock hours.   

Please note: Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) ONLY provides the required course, OSPI provides the certification. Any questions regarding certification should be directed to the Certification Department at OSPI.

Please be sure to check the email used for registration frequently for further communication.