DC - Teacher Assistant

The-Children; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Ongoing professional development

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

The Children's Guild DC in Washington, DC is seeking a dedicated Teacher Assistant to support students with diverse needs alongside lead teachers and clinical staff. Your presence will help create a safe, structured environment for every learner.

You will contribute to 1:1 and small group instruction, assist with behavior plans, and track data for IEP goals, while applying trauma-informed practices and PBIS strategies throughout the day.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate's or bachelor's preferred.
• Experience with children with disabilities or in a special education setting preferred.
• Familiarity with behavior intervention plans (BIPs), PBIS, or trauma-informed practices a plus.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Support students with diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs in the classroom under the lead teacher.
• Assist with 1:1 and small group instruction.
• Implement BIPs and PBIS strategies consistently throughout the day.
• Collect and record behavioral and academic data to support IEP goal monitoring.
• Promote trauma-informed, nurturing classroom culture.

Skills

Patience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's in Education, Psychology, or Human Services preferred

Job description

Are you someone who shows up — really shows up — for students who need it most?At The Children's Guild DC, our Teacher Assistants are the heartbeat of our classrooms. They are the consistent, caring, and steady presence that helps students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn every single day. We are looking for a dedicated, patient, and passionate Teacher Assistant to join our team in Ward 5, Washington, D.C.Who We AreThe Children's Guild DC (TCG DC) is a free public charter school serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade in the heart of Ward 5, Washington, D.C. As part of TranZed Alliance, one of the most experienced child-serving nonprofit organizations in the Greater Baltimore/Washington region, we provide a personalized, trauma-informed educational experience for both general education and special needs students.Our team of special educators, social workers, psychologists, therapists, and support staff work collaboratively every day to ensure every student thrives — academically, socially, emotionally, and developmentally.The OpportunityAs a Teacher Assistant at TCG DC, you will work side by side with lead teachers and clinical staff to support students with diverse learning, behavioral, and emotional needs throughout the school day. You will:Support students with diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs in the classroom under the direction of the lead teacherAssist with the delivery of individualized instruction, reinforcing lessons and supporting 1:1 and small group learningImplement student behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and PBIS strategies consistently throughout the school dayCollect and record behavioral and academic data to support IEP goal monitoringUse trauma-informed, positive reinforcement strategies to support student regulation and engagementHelp students navigate transitions, routines, and social interactions throughout the dayAssist with de-escalation of students in emotional distress, following established school protocolsSupervise students during non-instructional times including lunch, recess, and transitionsCommunicate observations and concerns to the lead teacher and clinical team promptlyContribute to a safe, structured, and nurturing classroom culture aligned with TCG DC's Transformation Education philosophyWhat We're Looking For High school diploma or GED (required); Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, or Human Services preferred Experience working with children with disabilities, behavioral challenges, or in a special education setting preferred Familiarity with behavior intervention plans, PBIS, or trauma-informed practices a plus Warm, patient, and genuinely caring approach to working with students with complex needs Ability to remain calm, consistent, and professional under pressure Strong communication and teamwork skills Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to applyWhy TCG DC?Mission-driven culture — join a team that shows up every day for students in one of D.C.'s most vibrant communitiesCompetitive salary commensurate with experienceComprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and visionOngoing professional development in trauma-informed care, PBIS, brain-based learning, de-escalation, and moreSupportive, collaborative team environment with strong teacher and clinical mentorshipCareer growth — many of our teachers and clinicians started as Teacher AssistantsFree breakfast and lunch for all studentsMeaningful work — your presence and consistency make a difference in a child's life every single dayReady to Make a Difference?If you are a caring, dependable professional who believes every child deserves a safe, supportive, and nurturing classroom, we want to hear from you.