Classroom Assistant (Immediate Opening)

bridgespcs; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 27,552 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (medical & dental)

401(k) retirement plan with matching

Staff engagement & wellness activities

Job summary

Bridges is seeking a passionate Classroom Assistant to support non-categorical self-contained and inclusion classrooms for PreK–5th grade. You will assist with instruction, social-emotional support, and daily living activities for students with diverse needs.

Collaborate with Lead Teacher and specialists, implement care plans, collect progress data, and help create a safe, inclusive classroom. This 10‑month role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; ParaPro exam preferred.
• Bridges employee for a minimum of 6 months preferred.
• Child Development Associate credentials or related coursework strongly preferred.
• Experience in special education or with autism/severe behavioral/academic issues preferred.
• Commitment to ongoing learning, including ABA/VB training.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Lead Teacher in management of non-categorical self-contained or inclusion classrooms.
• Implement prescribed care plans and assist with Adaptive Daily Living Skills (ADLS) and assistive technology.
• Maintain safety and act as a positive role model.
• Support assigned student(s) with physical and academic instruction.
• Regularly collect data to track progress in curriculum, IEP, ADLS, and ABA/VB.
• Follow Functional Communication Protocols and Behavior Protocols to respond to student behavior.
• Collaborate with service providers, ELL teacher, School Nurse, and Assistants to address student needs.
• Assist in incorporating students into all aspects of the academic environment.
• Contribute to a classroom culture that nurtures emotional, cognitive, and social development.
• Attend and participate in school events outside regular hours; other duties as assigned.

Skills

Time management

Independent work

Team player

Family partnerships

Learning oriented

Education

High school diploma or GED

ParaPro Exam completed

AA or 60 credit hours

BA or MA

Child Development Associate credentials or coursework

Job description

POSITION: Classroom Assistant (CA)

REPORTS TO: ECE or ELEM Assistant Principal

Bridges is seeking a passionate Classroom Assistant (CA) to support the whole classroom in our non-categorical self-contained special education classrooms and general education classrooms. The Classroom Assistant will assist with instruction, social-emotional support, and related daily living support for students in grades PreK–5th grade. Supporting classrooms with students who have emotional disorders, autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), developmental delays in one or more areas, intense behavioral challenges, multiple learning problems, and other related disorders.

There are two types of non-categorical special education classrooms where a Classroom Assistant could work.

1. A non-categorical special education classroom 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. Classroom training based on ABA and VB will be provided.
2. Or a Bridge 2 classroom; a setting for students with diverse and significant learning needs where a teaching team provides instruction across multiple subjects throughout the day. This model offers individualized instruction and adapted lessons from the general education curriculum with aligned standards.

Who We Are

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.

Who Are We Looking For

We are seeking passionate educators to build an inclusive PK‑5 school 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 employee 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.

Responsibilities Include

• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher in the management of a non-categorical self-contained or inclusion classroom.
• Implement prescribed care plan and assist with all Adaptive Daily Living Skills (ADLS) (toileting, cleaning, feeding, positioning) and assistive technology.
• Maintain 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.
• Having been a Bridges’ employee for a minimum of 6 months.
• 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.
• Be committed to their own learning.
• Have excellent time-management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.

Compensation & Benefits

$20.38 - $26.19 / Per Hour

This is a 10-month position.

Hourly rate is based on educational level, certification(s), and years of experience. The successful candidate will be hired 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.