Dedicated SPED Aide

About AppleTree

AppleTree’s mission is to close the achievement gap before students get to kindergarten. To do this, we focus exclusively on Preschool and Pre-K education. We provide free, full-day public charter school programming for three- and four-year-olds in 12 locations across Washington, DC, employing our innovative and award-winning instructional model, called Every Child Ready (ECR). This instructional model provides educators with tools and resources for “What to Teach”, “How to Teach” and “How to Measure Success.” Our instructional model is also used with partners across the nation. We continuously test and improve this model through feedback from AppleTree educators, partners and other stakeholders to ensure that children are learning and exploring through play and appropriate instruction.

Position Summary

During the instructional day, the Dedicated Aide works within the instructional team consisting of either the lead teacher, a teaching fellow, and a teaching assistant or co-leads. This incumbent provides individual instructional support for a child/children with Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) using intensive, evidence-based strategies under the direct supervision of the school’s special education manager and secondary supervision from the campus principal. Training will be provided upon hiring.

What you’ll do…

Supports the creation of environments and instructional opportunities that meet the needs of diverse learners.

Supports the creation of environments and instructional opportunities that meet the needs of diverse learners
Coordinates with related service providers, as appropriate, to integrate best practices into daily learning opportunities.
Uses information and data from a variety of sources to understand children’s instructional needs and progress against IEP goals.
Provides individualized developmental, behavioral, and academic support to improve children’s skill development in support of children’s IEP goals.
Consistently implements developmental, behavioral, and academic strategies outlined in children’s IEPs through individual, small group, and whole-group instructional opportunities.
Interprets written teaching strategies, collects and documents data, and summarizes the results.

Supports the establishment of rich and engaging physical learning environments

Ensures a safe, clean, attractive and engaging centers-based classroom that encourages both exploration and complex play for children with special needs.
Fosters tolerance and a sense of community in classrooms, modeling and explicitly teaching acceptance and appreciation of others.
Works with the teaching team to ensure the classroom contains sufficient supplies and materials for individualized instructional support.
Assist young children with personal hygiene, meals and other daily activities.

Collaborates with families and communities to support children’s social, emotional and cognitive development

Actively seeks to make connections with the families of children.
Develops an effective rapport with children and families.
Communicates the individual children’s goals and progress to families and ways in which the family can support their child at home.
Listens to families’ feedback and suggestions regarding their children’s strengths, opportunities, challenges and successes.

Contributes to a Community of Practice

Plans collaboratively and shares ideas and resources with instructional team
Collaborates with the teaching team to evaluate instructional effectiveness and to modify instructional approaches based on feedback,
Actively participates in professional development opportunities provided and seeks out additional professional development
Fulfills the standards of professionalism including appropriate dress, attendance and timeliness

What we’re looking for…

(1) completed two years of study at an institution of higher education; or (2) obtained an associate’s (or higher) degree; or (3) Child Development Associates credential and/or coursework in early childhood education/human development
Have prior work or volunteer experience with children or students with special needs
Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population
Strong writing skills to document daily outcomes are required to maintain records and documentation
Must be energetic, reliable, integrity-driven and have strong communication skills to ensure effective, positive interactions with their teaching team, staff, parents, and children
A solution-focused, collaborative work style, patience and a sense of humor are also required
Must be able to climb stairs and lift 45 lbs. This position may require you to change pullups
Interested in working with students with disabilities and possesses the interpersonal skills to be playful, enthusiastic, and bring a high level of energy into the classroom setting.
Able to develop an effective rapport with children and families.

What’s in it for you…

Competitive Salary
Employee Health Benefits that are in the 95th percentile of other schools in the DC Metro Area
Fully covered Dental
Benefits for you and all eligible dependents
Fully covered Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Life insurance with buy-up options
Free Online Wellness Platform for you and up to 4 eligible dependents
Competitive Paid Time Off, including early close Mental Health Days
5% Employer Contribution to your Retirement Account (whether you contribute or not)
AppleTree Scholarship to pay for continued education
Network Professional Development Opportunities

AppleTree’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

At AppleTree, we endeavor to foster an environment where each person’s true self and experience is welcome. We believe that only with a diverse and inclusive environment can you truly celebrate and support all students, families, and staff. Our commitment to diversity is founded on the belief that our community is strengthened by the vibrant exchange that occurs when individuals with different backgrounds, abilities, and heritages share their various perspectives with one another.