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