The Children s Center of Hamden Inc·Hamden, Connecticut
The Special Education Paraprofessional provides instructional and behavioral support to students with disabilities by implementing Individualized Education Programs and reinforcing academic goals. They also maintain a safe, structured learning environment and assist with classroom management, data collection, and student supervision throughout the school day.
🎯 special education paraprofessional – whitney hall school
📍 Hamden, CT | 🕒 Full-Time | Non-Exempt
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.
Why join us?
At The Children's Center of Hamden, you'll become part of a mission-driven educational team where every interaction helps students reach their full potential. We provide ongoing support, professional development, and opportunities to make a lasting difference in the lives of children with diverse learning and behavioral needs.
🎯 Support Student Achievement – Help students build academic, behavioral, communication, and independent living skills through individualized instruction and classroom support.
🤝 Collaborative School Environment – Partner with teachers, administrators, related service providers, and families to support each student's educational goals.
📚 Meaningful Daily Impact – Provide one-on-one and small-group support while fostering confidence, inclusion, and positive student outcomes.
📈 Professional Growth & Training – Receive ongoing training, certification opportunities, and professional development.
🏥 Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, wellness programs, employer-paid medical premium contributions, and HSA funding.
💼 Retirement & Financial Security – Access to a 403(b) retirement savings plan and Social Security benefits.
🏖️ Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick, and personal time to support work-life balance.
💙 Mission-Driven Culture – Join a compassionate organization dedicated to helping children learn, grow, and succeed.
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.
What we're looking for
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.
Licensure & certifications
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
Ability to obtain and maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI/CCG) certification.
Physical & work environment requirements
Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, reach, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds, with occasional lifting over 50 pounds with assistance.
Frequent pushing, pulling, repetitive motion, and movement throughout the school day.
Ability to safely assist students during instructional, behavioral, and emergency situations.
Potential exposure to bodily fluids, waste, allergens, and other environmental conditions common in educational and residential treatment settings.
If you're passionate about helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally while making a meaningful difference every day, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of a dedicated team committed to empowering children through exceptional special education services.
📌 The Children's Center of Hamden is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates must possess an Associate’s degree in Human Services or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment. Additionally, applicants should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to obtain necessary certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Prevention.
Market context
Teaching assistant roles in Connecticut are typically in steady demand in schools that need classroom support, student supervision, and help with daily routines. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for candidates who meet health, safety, and age requirements, including CPR, first-aid, medication administration, a current physical, and a negative TB test. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your certifications and transportation before applying.
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