Paraeducator - Pre-Kindergarten

Wethersfield Public Schools•Wethersfield, CT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Candidates must be aware that the district reserves the right to move paraeducators 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 paraeducator 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).

Requirements

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
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

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or Child Development preferred

Responsibilities

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