Child Associate at East Haven Public Schools

Job Title: Child Associate (CA)
Reports to: School-based Mental Health Professional and School Principal
Location: Momauguin Elementary School
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (BA or MA in Education or related field preferred).
Rate of Pay: $25 per hour, no benefits. Scheduled up to 25 hours per week.
Funding: Grant Funded position through the Primary Project/School Mental Health Grant

This position is grant-funded and temporary. Length of term is subject to grant funding.

Position Overview
Seeking qualified applicants for the position of Child Associate (CA)
within the Primary Project/School Mental Health Grant program. This evidence-based, school-
based prevention program supports young children’s adjustment to school and overall well-
being through individualized, child-centered play sessions. The Child Associate will work under
the direction and supervision of a school-based mental health professional and the school
principal to provide direct services to students, monitor progress, and engage families in support
of student development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Child Associate will:

• Attend required trainings, including two full-day sessions with the CSDE and program supervisor, as well as additional state-level trainings and technical assistance convenings.
• Provide weekly, individually focused play sessions for each assigned student for a minimum of 12 weeks.
• Implement a child-centered therapeutic approach, allowing students to engage in self-directed expressive play.
• Facilitate small group or paired play sessions following initial individual sessions, as determined by the program team.
• Visit classrooms periodically to support visibility within the school community and foster positive connections.
• Collaborate with school-based mental health professionals to establish individualized goals and receive weekly supervision (minimum one hour) and additional consultation as needed.
• Collect and monitor student outcome data using CSDE-identified measures (e.g., office referrals, suspensions, academic performance).
• Collaborate on the submission of four program updates (two per semester) and an end- of-year report according to CSDE guidelines.
• Engage parents in the program by obtaining permission for participation, conducting progress and termination conferences, and providing opportunities for parents to learn about their child’s development.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children in educational, social-emotional, or therapeutic settings preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with children and families.
• Knowledge of or willingness to be trained in child-centered play practices.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, follow program guidelines, and collaborate as part of a professional team.