Paraeducator – Pre-Kindergarten

Wethersfield Public Schools

Wethersfield, CT

Para educator October 2026

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 – Pre-Kindergarten (Smart Start Grant Funded)

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.

Candidates must be aware that 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 serve 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).

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…