Dedicated Aide

Dedicated Aide (DA)

Bridges is seeking a passionate Dedicated Aide to support students with special needs in our inclusion and non-categorical self-contained classrooms. The Dedicated Aide will assist with specialized instruction and related services for students in grades Pre-K3 – 5th grade. The types of students with special needs who have Dedicated Aides assigned to them include: students with autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), developmental delays in one or more areas, intense behavioral challenges, multiple learning problems, and other related disorders. Bridges classrooms are rooted in the principles of ABA/VB to guide instruction and classroom management. Supervision is provided to all teaching team members by a certified BCBA practitioner. ABA or VB experience is desired, but not necessary to apply for the position. Training in classroom-based ABA and VB will be provided. The position is a 10-month position.

Our mission is to provide an exemplary educational program that includes all students. Our developmentally appropriate, student and family-centered educational approach nurtures students to expand their developmental skills, in order to build a foundation for life-long learning. Our Core Values are:

• Responsibility
• Engagement
• Acceptance
• Creativity
• Honesty

We are seeking passionate educators to build an inclusive Pk-5 school community. We are seeking committed individuals to provide high-quality and innovative instruction to a diverse student community. We are seeking individuals who recognize that they are in a position of public trust and are held to a high standard of personal and professional conduct. If you are a dedicated educator who is passionate about creating a culture of inclusion and respect, we invite you to join our team. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and build a brighter future for our community.

A Bridges "Graduate"

• Is a unique and independent individual who is prepared to pave their own path.
• Self-advocates through their preferred communication modalities.
• Welcomes diversity with inclusion, openness, acceptance, and respect for others.
• Demonstrates empathy and a desire to help and support others in need.
• Perseveres in the face of challenges to meet their individual academic, social, and extracurricular goals.
• Is prepared for the next steps after leaving Bridges Public Charter School.

As a Dedicated Aide (DA), you will be responsible for…

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher in the management of a non-categorical self-contained/inclusion classroom for high-level special needs students.
• Implement prescribed care plan and assist with all Adaptive Daily Living Skills (ADLS) (toileting, cleaning, feeding, positioning) and assistive technology.
• Maintain the safety of students and act as a positive role model.
• Support assigned student(s) with physical and academic support during instruction.
• Regularly collect data to track students' progress in 4 program areas: curriculum, IEP, ADLS, and ABA/VB (if applicable).
• Follow Functional Communication Protocols and Behavior Protocols to respond to students' behavior appropriately and successfully.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher, special education service providers (speech, PT, OT), ELL teacher, School Nurse, and Assistant Teachers to address student needs in the classroom.
• Assist in incorporating student(s) into all aspects of the academic environment.
• Support the creation of a classroom culture and environment that develops and nurtures the emotional, cognitive, and social abilities of the students.
• Contribute productively to the school as a whole.
• Attend and participate in school events outside of regular school hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhering to the 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. work day
• Regularly attends work and adheres to all attendance policies.
• Be on time for classes, duties, team meetings, and professional development activities. Communicate about and plan for absences in advance with teaching teams and the Principal.
• Participate in weekly Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings.
• Contribute to PLC sessions by being prepared to share data, ideas, student work, materials, feedback, facilitating sessions, and/or discussions.
• Participate in a Summer Professional Development. Summer Professional Development will be two weeks in August before students return.
• Seek out additional opportunities for professional development that will lead to achieving personal and school-wide professional development goals.
• Reading provided school information and adhering to all deadlines.
• Respond to all emails within 24 hours or the next business day.
• Other professional duties as assigned.

SCHOOL CULTURE

• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students.
• Communicate respectfully with students, staff, and families at all times.
• Model, practice, and discuss respectful, unbiased, and effective communication with students.
• Other school culture expectations as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Have a High School Diploma or GED, High School Diploma & passed the ParaPro Exam, AA or 60 credit hours, BA or MA.
• Child Development Associates' credentials and/or coursework in early childhood education/human development are strongly preferred.
• Experience working in special education and/or with individuals with autism/severe behavioral and academic issues is strongly preferred.
• Have prior work or volunteer experience with children or students with special needs.
• Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community-minded.
• Be committed to their learning, including training in ABA/VB.
• Demonstrate strong skills in partnering with families.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community-minded.
• Be committed to their own learning.
• Have excellent time-management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
• Have a passion for urban public schools.
• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.

SALARY & BENEFITS

$18.50 - 24.31 / Per Hour

Hourly rate is based on educational level, certification(s), and years of experience. The successful candidate will be contracted on an hourly basis. Employment will be renewed according to evaluations and staff interest. Child care and health savings plans, pre-tax deduction for Metro, bike racks, and regular staff engagement and wellness activities. Staff lounge and lactation room for nursing mothers. Health benefits (medical & dental), disability insurance, and a retirement plan: 401 (k) with a 4% match or the continuation of the DCPS retirement plan.

To ensure safety for all students, all staff members may be fingerprinted. Background checks will be conducted on all school staff prior to their service as employees.