Paraeducator Preparation Academy
Paraeducator Preparation Academy
This program is designed to support aspiring paraeducators in building the knowledge and skills
needed to successfully prepare for and pass the ParaPathways assessment, while strengthening
their readiness to succeed in today’s classrooms. We are excited about your commitment to
making a meaningful impact in the lives of students.
When: Mondays and Wednesdays, August 17 - September 23, 6-8PM
Where: Leaders for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD) 1064 Main St, East Hartford, CT 06108
How: 6-week certified instructional program to prepare for the ParaPathways Test with Spanish language assistance available
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I register?
Registration can be found at the Summer 2026 Paraeducator Preparation Academy Page.
Registrations for the Summer 2026 Paraeducator Preparation Academy will be accepted through Monday, August 17, 2026. For this summer class, a maximum of 25 participants will be accepted.
Seats in the program are offered on a first come, first serve basis. If interest exceeds available seats, you will be added to a waitlist for a place in the current class if a seat becomes available
Where should I park for the program offered this summer?
Free parking is located behind the class site at Leaders for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD) Center at 1064 Main Street, East Hartford, CT. No parking pass is needed.
How to I verify I have met the eligibility requirements?
You need to verify you are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent to be eligible to take this class.
Please either email scanned versions of documents that verify your age (like a driver’s license) and secondary education (like a high school transcript) to Michelle Belcher-Felton or bring the original versions of these documents on the first day of class.
If you have further questions about which documents would qualify for the age and education verification, please email Michelle Belcher-Felton.
This program is intended for individuals who have earned a high school diploma (or equivalent) and have completed fewer than two years of college coursework. Applicants who have completed two or more years of college coursework are not eligible for this specific program.
What supplies are provided and what do I need to bring?
Computers, computer chargers, scratch paper, and writing utensils will be provided at the site. The test preparation materials do not use audio; headphones are not needed and will not be provided.
What expenses are covered once I register to participate?
The cost of the test preparation materials course and the ParaPathways exam fee are covered through this program. Technology and an instructor are also provided to support your completion of these materials and exam.
What is the purpose of the Paraeducator Preparation Academy?
The Paraeducator Preparation Academy is designed to support aspiring paraeducators in preparing for and successfully passing the ParaPathways exam while building awareness of the important role paraeducators play in supporting student learning. Participants receive structured test preparation, access to technology, and guidance from an instructor throughout the program.
How do I request accommodations?
Participants needing reasonable accommodations should indicate their needs during registration or contact Michelle Belcher-Felton.
When and where is this program being offered?
This program is scheduled to be offered in person from August 17, 2026, through September 23, 2026, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00PM at the Leaders for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD) Center located at 1064 Main Street, East Hartford, CT. Access to the building will open at 5:30PM and close at 8:30PM.
Visit this webpage regularly for information on future dates and locations for the Paraeducator Preparation Academy in the fall!
How many classes can I miss?
Because the Paraeducator Preparation Academy is designed as a cohort experience, participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions. If you anticipate an absence, please contact Michelle Belcher-Felton prior to registering to discuss your situation.
Why is this program in person?
The Connecticut State Department of Education is dedicated to equipping paraeducator candidates with the highest quality preparation resources to succeed on the ParaPathways exam.
By offering a collaborative learning environment equipped with an instructor and technology support, this in-person program offers the best possible opportunity for participants to succeed in preparing for the ParaPathways exam and their future profession within Connecticut classrooms.
Can I get ahead on the study materials at home?
The test preparation materials are intended to be self-paced. If you have the time and resources, you are more than welcome to use a personal device to sign onto the test prep site and continue your modules. However, technology will not be available for loan for this purpose, and your instructor will not be available to answer questions.
Regardless of how far you get in the test preparation materials elsewhere, you are still required to attend the Paraeducator Preparation Academy sessions in person and work on test preparations during your time there.
Where do I take the ParaPathways exam?
You will take the ParaPathways exam at the same location as the Paraeducator Preparation Academy. This location at 1064 Main Street, East Hartford has been registered as an official ETS test site.
Upon successfully completing the Academy and passing the ParaPathways exam, your information and exam results will be shared with the Alliance districts you selected during registration. Individual districts will determine their hiring needs and may contact you regarding employment opportunities and available mentorship supports.
How do I get hired afterwards?
The Connecticut State Department of Education will send your passing ParaPathways exam score and the contact information you provided on your registration to the five Alliance districts you selected. To participate in the Paraeducator Preparation Academy, you must agree to work in a CT Alliance District as a paraeducator for at least three years after obtaining your certification.
Where can I find additional resources about Paraeducators?
The Paraeducator Information and Resources page provides additional useful information.
What is the full list of classes for this summer?
This program is scheduled to be offered in person from August 17 through September 23 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Leaders for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD) Center 1064 Main Street, East Hartford, CT. Class for September 7th will instead be held on September 8th in recognition of Labor Day. Participants are expected to attend every class session.
The full list of summer 2026 dates is as follows:
August: 17, 19, 24, 26 & 31
September: 2, 8, 9, 14, 16, 21, & 23
Class Time: 6PM - 8PM