Paraeducator - Pre-Kindergarten

WETHERSFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS; Wethersfield (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick time

Paid personal days

Retirement benefits

Health care

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Job summary

Wethersfield Public Schools is seeking a Paraeducator - Pre-Kindergarten under the Connecticut Smart Start Grant program. The Pre-K paraeducator supports the classroom teacher in creating a safe, structured, play-based, and nurturing learning environment for young learners.

The paraeducator provides instructional support aligned with CT ELDS through small-group play and differentiated assistance. The role requires assisting with routines, transitions, social-emotional development,

Qualifications

• Hold an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Have completed a minimum of 60 college credit hours.
• Completed the ParaPro Assessment; Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support students in following daily Pre-K routines and centers.
• Assist with smooth transitions between activities and spaces.
• Model and reinforce CT ELDS social-emotional development.
• Help students develop self-regulation with calming strategies and supports.
• Participate in professional learning related to early childhood development and Smart Start guidelines.
• Provide early literacy and language support and interactive story reading.
• Assist with learning tasks across domains through guided practice and small groups.
• Encourage independence with self-help skills and organization.
• Observe and collect observational data on student progress.
• Interact positively with staff and students.

Education

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

Completed 60 college credits

ParaPro Assessment

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or Child Development preferred

Job description

Position: Paraeducator - 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

Benefits

As a paraeducator 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 / paraeducator/tutor union and will be eligible for all terms and conditions of employment for tutors as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement (2024-2027).

Job Overview

The Wethersfield Public Schools has openings for 35 hours per week Pre-Kindergarten Paraeducators under the Connecticut Smart Start Grant program. The Pre-K Paraeducator 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 paraeducator 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.

Qualifications

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

Position Requirements

• 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

Duties

• 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

Wethersfield Public School System-Nondiscrimination Policy

The Wethersfield Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons and equal access to Boy Scouts of America and to other designated youth groups. The Wethersfield Public Schools does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity of expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws. The Department of Education does not unlawfully discriminate in employment and licensing against qualified persons with a prior criminal conviction. Inquiries regarding the Wethersfield Public School System's nondiscrimination policies and practices should be directed to: Title IX Coordinator, Director of Special Services, 127 Hartford Avenue, Wethersfield, CT 06109