PARAPROFESSIONAL - PARA

The Children s Center of Hamden Inc•Hamden, CT

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Children's Center of Hamden is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Paraprofessional to join our Whitney Hall School team. In this role, you'll provide instructional, behavioral, and emotional support to students with disabilities while helping implement individualized educational programming that promotes academic growth, independence, and social-emotional success. Working collaboratively with classroom teachers, administrators, and multidisciplinary team members, you'll play a vital role in creating a structured, inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Human Services or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment required.
Applicants with 60 or more college credits and relevant classroom experience may also be considered.
Two years of experience in human services, education, or a related field preferred.
Knowledge of instructional strategies, behavior management, and direct care practices.
Ability to support students with diverse academic, behavioral, developmental, and emotional needs.
Strong communication, teamwork, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Commitment to providing compassionate, student-centered, and inclusive educational support.
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
Ability to obtain and maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI/CCG) certification.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers in implementing students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including accommodations, instructional goals, educational programming, and behavior intervention plans.
Provide one-on-one and small-group instructional support to reinforce academic skills and learning objectives.
Support students' behavioral, emotional, and social development while promoting independence and positive classroom participation.
Reinforce classroom routines, expectations, and daily instructional activities under the teacher's direction.
Provide classroom coverage during scheduled teacher meetings, conferences, or approved absences when appropriate.
Collect, document, and enter student behavioral and academic data accurately and on time.
Accompany students throughout the school day, including physical education, art, music, library, and media center activities.
Supervise students during lunch, recess, transitions, arrival, dismissal, and other non-instructional periods.
Provide IEP and Section 504 support in classroom and specialized instructional settings.
Support family engagement activities and collaborate with educational staff to promote student success.
Utilize approved technology platforms, including Carelogic, CT SEDS, Microsoft Office, ADP WFM, and ADP WFN.
Participate in staff meetings, professional development, school in-services, and required trainings.
Maintain required certifications and comply with agency policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
Safely implement Crisis Care Group (CCG) intervention techniques, including physical restraint procedures when necessary.
Maintain professional boundaries while fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment.
Perform other related duties as assigned.