Dedicated Aide

Job Opportunity: Dedicated Aide

Location: Washington, DC

Department: Student Support

Application Deadline: Until filled

Employment Type: Full-time

Reports to: SPED Coordinator

Compensation: Salary starts at $32,250 and will be commensurate with degree and years of experience

FLSA Status: Exempt

About Breakthrough Montessori Public Charter School

Breakthrough Montessori Public Charter School's mission is to enable children to develop within themselves the power to shape their lives and the world around them.

Founded in 2016, Breakthrough Montessori is a public charter school in Washington, DC. In the 2023-24 school year, we will serve over 372 students in PK3 through grade 6. At Breakthrough Montessori PCS, we believe in the unbounded potential of all children. Students of all races, classes, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and backgrounds deserve a personalized education.

Our school is grounded in an institutional commitment to development, prevention, and community. We support human development through a strict application of the time-tested Montessori instructional model. We support prevention through early learning, support, and intervention, enabling us to quickly and effectively address learning challenges. Finally, we support the community through an intensive approach to family engagement.

Breakthrough Montessori PCS is committed to equity in all areas of our school's work. We believe in the unbounded potential of all children. Therefore, we are a supportive environment that seeks to employ a diverse staff reflective of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.

Breakthrough Montessori PCS is a coaching school; all team members receive and give coaching to support professional growth.

Position Summary:

Breakthrough Montessori PCS seeks dedicated aides for the 2023-24 school year who are dedicated to public Montessori and excited to help shape this transformational school. The dedicated aide assists a student, helps them adapt to their classroom environment, and supports their learning to function independently at school. Under the direction of the Special Education Coordinator, and with the support of the Montessori Support Specialists, the dedicated aide uses research-based interventions to support their student’s academic, social-emotional, and behavioral growth.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

The Dedicated Aide is a 10-month position. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday from 7:45am-4:00 pm. Responsibilities include the following:

• Use the research-based strategies or interventions specified in the student’s IEP, 504, BIP or other written plan to:

• Keep the student safe and ensure the student engages in safe behavior with their classmates;

• Engage in work and follow classroom norms and expectations

• Encourage self-discipline, independence, and responsibility

• Participate in professional development provided by the school on Montessori pedagogy, the appropriate use of Montessori classroom materials, and approved modifications of these materials.
• Stay with the student at all times, but fall back when the student is engaging appropriately and independently
• Implement any behavior or crisis plans that the student may have, including Behavior Intervention Plans as designed by a BCBA.
• Maintain a data binder for students; collect and keep data as requested, including frequency data for behaviors, student activities, etc.
• Assist with before care and arrivals in the morning
• Engage with the student’s related service providers, be present and participate (when appropriate) during the delivery of related services, and provide continuity between classroom interventions and related services.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues, specifically the Montessori Support Specialists, Special Education Coordinator, and Director of Student Support. Participate in meetings, including:

• Biweekly meetings of the student support team

• Weekly meetings of the classroom team

• IEP meetings (as necessary)

• Inter-departmental meetings (as necessary)

• All staff meetings

• Participate in other school functions as requested by the Executive Director
• Other duties, as assigned

Required Competencies and Qualifications:

• Have a firm commitment to upholding the school’s mission and anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy.
• Commitment to upholding the confidentiality of students and parents
• Proven ability to work as a member of a diverse team of educators
• Patience, punctuality, and responsibility
• Team player; experience working with an instructional team
• Excellent communication skills
• Creative, energetic, and nurturing personality
• Organizational and interpersonal skills
• Enthusiasm and commitment to our vision and mission

Education and Experience:

• Experience working with diverse populations of students, parents, and families.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree preferred
• Previous experience working with young children with behavior and academic challenges
• Previous experience in a Montessori setting preferred
• Experience with families from diverse backgrounds
• Certification in SafetyCare preferred
• Completion of a 40-hour online training course, selected by the school, within a timeframe set by the Director of Student Support.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance premiums are subsidized by the employer
• Paid time off
• Leave policy which includes: maternity, paternity, and adoption leave; paid Covid leave; miscarriage and stillborn leave
• Continuing Education grant up to $20,000
• TIAA Simple IRA Plan with employer contributions and matches after one year
• Free parking for staff
• Employer paid life insurance for $50,000
• AFLAC

For information on Breakthrough Montessori PCS, including more information on employee benefits and our company culture, visit our website at

www.breakthroughmontessori.org.

Breakthrough Montessori PCS is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.