Beginning School Counselor

Renbrook School (West Hartford, CT), a pre-school through Grade 8 independent school, seeks a part‑time school counselor to join its Beginning School staff in the 2026–2027 school year, focusing on students in Preschool through Kindergarten.

The Beginning School at Renbrook is a warm, joyful, and child‑centered learning environment where young children are known, valued, and supported as they grow. Our play‑based program is rooted in inquiry, exploration, and meaningful relationships, nurturing curiosity, independence, and social‑emotional development alongside early academic skills. Learning unfolds through hands‑on experiences, guided discovery, and collaboration, honoring each child’s developmental path while fostering a strong sense of belonging.

This role is grounded in early childhood practice (ages 3‑6), and the ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of young children’s developmental, social‑emotional, and behavioral needs, along with prior experience supporting children and families in an early childhood or school setting. Excellent communication skills, the ability to build rapport and trust with students, colleagues, and families, and strong organizational skills are essential.

This role is a 10‑month position and will require approximately 10 hours of work per week. Exact times are flexible.

• Serve as a developmentally informed support for young children, recognizing the unique social, emotional, and behavioral needs of learners in early childhood
• Provide a comprehensive program of preventive, proactive, and responsive services to address students’ social‑emotional, developmental, and behavioral needs
• Engage in regular classroom visits and provide individual or small‑group support to help young children develop coping mechanisms and social skills
• Provide students with strategies that help them foster and advocate for a positive learning environment at school
• Collaborate closely with teachers, administrators, and Student Support Services colleagues to create and maintain a safe, supportive learning environment
• Collaborate with the Beginning School Director to develop effective plans of support for students, families, and faculty
• Regularly communicate and partner with families of students who receive support or intervention, sharing resources and guidance related to developmental, behavioral, or emotional concerns
• Advocate for student services and maintain a comprehensive list of community resources
• Provide crisis intervention and management services as needed. Some availability for phone consult outside of regular work hours may be needed
• Provide referral assistance for families to other agencies, professionals, and resources in the community
• Offer occasional whole‑class lessons on topics such as friendship, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution
• Offer occasional trainings and workshops to teachers and families related to social‑emotional learning and child development

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, child development, or a related field required, Clinical License preferred
• Previous experience working in an early childhood or school setting, particularly with preschool‑and kindergarten‑aged children
• Strong understanding of early childhood development, play‑based learning, social‑emotional learning, and behavior support
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Approachable personality and ability to build trust with young children and adults
• Strong sense of discretion and professionalism
• Ability to respond effectively to a diverse student body
• Working knowledge of various counseling models, practices, and community‑based resources

The review of candidates will begin immediately with an expected start date in August 2026.

A generous salary package and a supportive professional environment are strong features of Renbrook’s learning community.

All applications must be provided via e‑mail. Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references included together in one PDF document, to employment with "Beginning School Counselor" in the subject line.

Renbrook School is an affirmative action–equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, present or past history of mental disability, intellectual disability, learning disability or physical disability, including but not limited to blindness, veteran status, sexual orientation, and other protected classes.

Renbrook School will make reasonable accommodation for known disabilities of a qualified applicant or employee unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on its operation.