Middlesex to Offer Paraeducator Training in Meriden Through Grant

(Sept. 16, 2022) Middletown, Conn. — Middlesex Community College Workforce Development and Continuing Education department has been awarded a $4,500 City of Meriden Community Development Grant to support and provide paraeducator training to 10 low- and moderate-income Meriden residents.

The Connecticut Department of Education defines a paraeducator as “an employee who assists teachers and/or other professional educators or therapists in the delivery of instructional and related services to students.”

paraeducator work studentThis 80-hour workforce development and job skill program will provide participants with the skills necessary to work as a paraeducator and prepare them to take the ParaPro Assessment exam. The exam is an aptitude test for paraprofessional certification that measures skills and knowledge in mathematics, reading and writing.

This program will be offered during the 2022–23 academic year at Middlesex Community College’s Meriden center at Platt High School.

“This grant comes at a time when paraeducators are in high demand in our state. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community by filling this need,” said Kimberly Hogan, interim CEO at Middlesex.

According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, paraeducators are sought after with 629 openings annually and a mean salary of $37,496. The field is projected to grow at a rate of 9.3% (2018–2028).

As stated on the city of Meriden’s website, community development funding is awarded through an annual competitive allocation process to city departments and local nonprofit agencies.

To learn how to qualify for the program or for more information, please call 860-343-5865 or email MX-WorkforceDevelopment@mxcc.edu.

Middlesex is among 12 community colleges in Connecticut merging in 2023 to become CT State Community College, one of the largest community colleges in the country and largest in New England, dedicated to quality, access, and affordability. CT State students will be able to apply once and take classes at any campus. In addition to Middlesex (Middletown & Meriden), other locations include Asnuntuck (Enfield), Capital (Hartford), Gateway (New Haven & North Haven), Housatonic (Bridgeport), Manchester, Naugatuck Valley (Danbury & Waterbury), Northwestern Connecticut (Winsted), Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley (Danielson & Willimantic), Three Rivers (Norwich), and Tunxis (Farmington) Community Colleges.