Paraeducator-Kindergarten

Position: Para educator-Kindergarten (5 Openings)
Position Type:
Paraprofessional Staff/Para educator

Location:
All Elementary Schools

Date Available:
08/26/2026

Closing Date:
until filled
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCY

Wethersfield Public Schools

Wethersfield, CT

Para educator January 2024

The Wethersfield Public Schools partner with the community and families in fostering our students' ongoing education in a safe and engaging learning environment. Our schools are demographically diverse and are characterized by respectful behavior, trusting relationships, caring educators/administrators/staff and continuous learning.

Position: Para educator - Kindergarten

Location: Elementary Schools (1 at each of the 5 elementary schools)

Reports To: Building Principal

Start Date: August 26, 2026

Compensation: $20.54-$25.12 per hour worked

Work Year: 10-month position, 35 hours per week (late August to mid-June)

Daily Hours:
Monday - Friday (start and end times may vary based on building assignment; includes 30-minute unpaid lunch)

Application Date: Posting will remain open until filled

Benefits:
As a para educator working more than 30 hours per week, you will be eligible for various benefits including paid sick time, paid personal days, and retirement benefits. Health care, life insurance, or disability benefits are also associated with this position for work. his position is affiliated with the secretary / clerical / para educator / tutor union and will be eligible for all terms and conditions of employment for tutors as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement ).

The Wethersfield Public Schools has multiple openings (5) for 35 hours per week Kindergarten Paraeducators. The kindergarten Para educator supports the classroom teacher in creating a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment for young students. This position assists children in developing independence with routines, transitions, social skills, and self-regulation throughout the school day. The para educator provides instructional support in literacy and early academics through small-group work, guided practice, and differentiated assistance.

Collaboration with the teacher and consistent reinforcement of classroom expectations are essential to promoting student growth and success.

Candidates must be aware the district reserves the right to move para educators between assignments/schools during the school year at its discretion in order to efficiently support and service our students. Additionally, some assignments may require the para educator to be assigned to a daily work schedule beyond the student school day in order to provide necessary adult supervision for students at all times (i.e., bus ride supervisor before/after school).

Duties of the position include the following:

• Support students in following daily routines such as arrival, centers, cleanup, and dismissal while promoting independence
• Assist with smooth transitions between activities and school spaces by providing visual, verbal, and physical prompts
• Model and reinforce social skills, including turn-taking, cooperative play, problem-solving, and positive peer interactions
• Help students develop self-regulation by implementing calming strategies, sensory supports, and proactive behavior prompts
• Participate in professional learning related to the role (e.g., science of reading, mathematics) and implement the practices - August training days
• Provide support during literacy instruction, including phonemic awareness, letter recognition, early writing, and reading behaviors
• Assist with academic tasks across content areas by reinforcing teacher instruction, guiding practice, and supporting small groups
• Facilitate structured play and learning centers by helping students engage, stay on task, and complete activities successfully
• Encourage independence with self-help skills such as managing materials, preparing for recess, and organizing personal items
• Collect academic and behavioral data
• Interact positively with staff and students
• Assist with recess, supervision, restroom breaks, emergency drills, assemblies, field trips, etc.
• Maintain the strictest confidence concerning personnel, students, and operational concerns
• Promote good public relations by professional appearance, attitude, and conversation
• Report all cases of suspected child abuse to appropriate school personnel and proper government authority
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by certified staff, Principal, and/or other Administrators

Qualifications:

• Hold Associates Degree, have completed a minimum of 60 college credit hours, or have successfully completed the Para Pro Assessment or Bachelor's degree preferred;
• Interaction among children

Position Requirements:

• To support a strong start to the school year, new hires are required to attend up to three August professional development sessions. These sessions are paid at the hourly rate.
• Regular requirement to sit, stand, walk, read, hear, see, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, crouch, kneel, climb, and stoop
• Frequent interruption of duties by staff, students, visitors,…