Instructional Assistant - Early Childhood Education

24-25 Instructional Assistant

About KIPP DC:

By 2025, KIPP DC will build upon two decades of proven results to develop into a more impactful, innovative, and inclusive school system that provides joyful, identity-affirming learning experiences so that all students and alumni achieve extraordinary outcomes. 

Our work is grounded in a commitment to excellence, equity, and justice. We believe all students have the right to rigorous, relevant, and joyful learning experiences led by exceptionally talented and diverse educators who promote student achievement and a sense of belonging. We seek out teachers who are passionate about educational equity, driven by student and family relationships, and constantly seeking to grow.

About this position:

We are looking for highly dedicated educators who bring an unwavering commitment to helping KIPP DC students succeed. The KIPP DC community holds itself to high standards, cognizant that success can be achieved by all through teamwork, tenacity, and focused dedication.

The Instructional Assistant, who would work exclusively with classrooms educating students with special education needs, supports the classroom teacher in providing specialized instruction to students by making the curriculum and daily activities accessible for students. The Instructional Assistant works alongside the Lead Teacher in achieving educational objectives and is responsible for assisting our KIPP DC school family in all classroom duties, including but not limited to:

• Using lesson plans provided by the Lead Teacher, provide specialized instruction to students with special education need
• Supporting the lead instructor with classroom instruction and management
• Working with students one on one or in small group settings
• Tailoring lessons to an individual student's needs or assisting students with especially challenging assignments
• Monitoring and recording a student's progress or behavior in an effort to better meet a student's needs and IEP goals
• Supporting teachers to prepare lesson plans that best fit the needs of their students.
• Maintaining the classroom’s appearance including cleaning the classroom and preparing demonstrations or visual aids for specific lessons

Key Requirements & Responsibilities:

• Support the creation of environments and instructional opportunities that meet the needs of diverse learners
• Assists in the preparation of materials for class, classroom activities, and assignments
• Shares responsibility during the school day for the supervision of students in all areas of the school
• Under the direction of the classroom teacher, provide academic support to improve children's achievement of individual academic and behavioral goals in support of children's IEP goals
• Regularly observe students and take anecdotal notes to inform planning in the arrangement of small groups, classroom setup, integrations of students’ interests in learning activities, and subsequent assessments
• Assisting with arrival/dismissal support, cafeteria and hallway duty, etc.
• Works with the teacher in creating a classroom environment conducive to learning by employing a variety of appropriate teaching strategies.
• Communicate the individual children’s goals/progress to families and communicate ways in which the family can support the child at home
• Maintain confidentiality and treat all information about children and their families in strict confidence
• Establish positive relationships with colleagues, students, families, and the community which reflect recognition of and respect for every individual
• Fulfill the standards of professionalism including appropriate dress, attendance, and timeliness 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (Required for special education hours)
• Experience working with middle school or high school-aged students with special needs in a traditional or public charter school (Preferred)
• Commitment to working with students from educationally under-served communities (Preferred)
• Demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics in small groups and 1:1 instruction.
• Must be energetic, reliable, flexible, and integrity driven
• Strong communication skills in order to ensure effective, positive interactions with their teaching team, staff, families, and children

Compensation & Benefits:

• When it comes to compensation, at KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. We look at compensation benchmarks in schools across DC. Instructional Assistant salaries range from $35,865 to $53,090. Please see the salary scale here. IAs can earn up to $2,000 in renewal add-ons to their base salary each year they return to KIPP DC.
• KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.
• KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.
• Currently, individuals in this role have up to 10 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, paid Thanksgiving week break, winter break, spring break, and summer break. This is subject to change and your exact schedule will be shared in your offer letter.
• All employees who use public transit through WMATA are eligible for pre-tax deductions for transportation costs.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

 KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law. 

Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information and here to learn more about joining our team.