Paraeducator - Pre-Kindergarten

Location:

Charles Wright (Pre-K Classroom)

Reports To:

Building Principal/Supervisor of Special Education

Start Date:

October, 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; includes 30-minute unpaid lunch)

Application Date:
Posting will remain open until filled

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. This 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 openings for 35 hours per week Pre-Kindergarten Paraeducators under the Connecticut Smart Start Grant program. The Pre-K Para educator supports the classroom teacher in creating a safe, structured, play-based, and nurturing learning environment for young learners. This position assists children in developing independence with routines, transitions, social-emotional development, and self-regulation throughout the school day. The para educator provides instructional support in alignment with the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS) through small-group play, guided discovery, and differentiated assistance.

Collaboration with the teacher and consistent support of early childhood best practices are essential to promoting student growth and school readiness.

• Hold an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, have completed a minimum of 60 college credit hours, or have completed the Para Pro Assessment;
  Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or Child Development preferred;
• Experience working with preschool-aged children in an educational setting

• 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, and/or phone
• Occasional requirement to lift, carry, push, and/or pull various supplies and/or equipment up to a maximum of 10 pounds
• Assist in the restraint, movement, or other emergency weight-bearing assistance of students

• Support students in following daily Pre-K routines such as arrival, choice time/play-based centers, snack, 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-emotional development aligned with the CT Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS), including turn-taking, cooperative play, conflict resolution, 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 early childhood development, the CT ELDS, and Smart Start grant guidelines
• Provide early literacy and language support, including phonological awareness, oral language development, and interactive story reading
• Assist with early learning tasks across domains (math, science, creative arts) by supporting play-based learning, guided practice, and small-group activities
• Facilitate purposeful play and learning centers by encouraging exploration, problem-solving, and language use during child-initiated activities
• Encourage independence with self-help skills such as toileting, handwashing, outerwear management, and organizing personal cubbies
• Assist teacher with observing and collecting observational data on student progress
• 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

The…