Dedicated Aid-Paraprofessional

Rocketship Public Schools•Washington, DC

25d

About The Position

Rocketship Public Schools is a nonprofit network of public elementary charter schools focused on student achievement, developing educators, and partnering with parents in underserved communities. The Dedicated Aid-Paraprofessional supports students’ academic growth, social-emotional needs, and access to instruction, working under the direction of special education case managers and in collaboration with teachers, specialists, and school staff. The role includes delivering individual and group instruction, implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans, tracking student progress and behavior, and supporting students’ personal care needs. The paraprofessional also helps maintain a safe and supportive learning environment, responds to student crises, assists with assessments, and participates in meetings and professional learning as assigned. The position may involve routine first aid and operation of classroom and mobility equipment.

Requirements

Two years of experience working with children or adults with special needs; moderate/severe needs preferred.
One year of experience in a classroom or education setting.
Team-oriented, detail-oriented, and resourceful, with the ability to manage responsibilities confidently and discreetly.
Comfort working in a start-up environment and flexibility.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Associate degree, bachelor’s degree, 48 or more college credits, or a passing score on Rocketship’s Paraprofessional Assessment.
Obtain and maintain District-approved Crisis Intervention System certification (e.g., PCM, Pro-ACT, CPI) or have applied behavior analysis (ABA) experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting people with moderate/severe special needs.

Responsibilities

Support student academic growth in reading and math and meet academic goals aligned with campus data goals.
Collaborate in instructional planning with teachers, specialists, and school staff.
Provide behavior management and social-emotional supports.
Implement student IEPs under the direction of the special education case manager.
Provide small-group and whole-group co-taught instruction using specified materials and curricula.
Monitor student goals and communicate progress with case managers and general education teachers.
Record data for individualized instructional programs and positive behavior support plans.
Implement behavior intervention plans developed by students’ case managers across settings to increase student access and engagement.
Collect and maintain student behavior data, which may include ABC (antecedent, behavior, consequence) data.
Use proactive strategies to prevent behavioral issues and de-escalate conflicts.
Communicate calmly and empathetically to defuse tense situations and guide students toward positive behaviors.
Provide routine first aid, including assistance for children experiencing seizures or respiratory disorders.
Support students’ personal needs, including feeding, toileting, and lifting.
Operate classroom equipment, including mobility equipment and classroom supports.
Participate in parent conferences and pupil instruction and training planning processes as needed.
Participate in assigned meetings and professional learning.
Respond effectively to student crises while ensuring students’ safety and emotional well-being.
Assist teachers with administering and proctoring standardized and classroom assessments, following testing protocols and student accommodations.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned or required.