Dedicated Aide

breakthroughmontessori; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 35,000 - 58,676; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision benefits

Professional development budget

Paid family leave

Job summary

breakthroughmontessori in Washington, DC, is seeking a Dedicated Aide for the 2026-27 school year. This full-time position supports students academically and socially, helping them adapt within the Montessori environment.

The role includes collaborating with educators and implementing individualized support plans. A strong commitment to the school’s mission and effective communication skills are essential. Competitive salary and robust benefits package provided.

Qualifications

• Encounter diverse student populations and tailor support to individual needs.
• Experience in a Montessori setting preferred.
• Ability to implement and document strategies specified in student plans.

Responsibilities

• Support up to 4 students in the resource room and 2 in general education.
• Facilitate student engagement in lessons and social interactions.
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff to ensure student success.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Patience

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Job Opportunity: Dedicated Aide

Location: Washington, DC

Department: Student Support

Application Deadline: Until filled

Expected Start Date of Position: August 2026

Employment Type: Full-time

Reports to: Special Education Coordinator

Compensation: Salary range is $35,000- $58,676 and will be commensurate with degree and years of experience

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

Breakthrough Montessori PCS seeks dedicated aides for the 2026-27 school year who are dedicated to public Montessori and excited to help shape this transformational school. The dedicated aide assists a student, helps them adapt to their classroom environment, and supports their learning to function independently at school. Under the direction of the Special Education Coordinator, and with the support of the Montessori Support Specialists, the dedicated aide uses research-based interventions to support their student’s academic, social-emotional, and behavioral growth.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The Dedicated Aide is a 10-month position. Typical working hours are Mondays from 8:00 am-4:30 pm and Tuesday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Responsibilities include the following:

• Work with up to 4 students simultaneously while in the resource room; work with up to 2 students simultaneously while in the general education setting
• Use the research-based strategies or interventions specified in the student’s IEP, 504, BIP or other written plan to:
  • Academic Support: Implement and document the use of student accommodations and modifications as outlined in the students’ Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
  • Academic Support: Encourage and support student participation in scheduled lessons throughout the school day (i.e. individualized, small group, whole group, etc.).
  • Social/Emotional Support: Monitor/document students’ ability to initiate/respond to social interaction from peers; model appropriate social behavior; model emotional regulation strategies (supported by special education teachers and/or Counselor) and monitor students’ ability to co-regulate.
  • Behavior Support: Keep the student safe and ensure the student engages in safe behavior with their classmates;
  • Engage students’ in work and ensure that the student follows classroom norms and expectations
  • Ability to reteach lessons to students
  • Encourage self-discipline, independence, and responsibility
• Participate in professional development provided by the school on Montessori pedagogy, the appropriate use of Montessori classroom materials, and approved modifications of these materials.
• Stay with all assigned students at all times, but fall back when the student is engaging appropriately and independently
• Collaborate with classroom Guide and Assistant(s) to fully understand classroom routines; assist student in daily routines of the classroom (including greeting the Guide and transitions between activities in the class).
• Implement any behavior or crisis plans that the student may have, including Behavior Intervention Plans as designed by a BCBA.
• Maintain data systems for all assigned students; collect and keep data as requested, including frequency data for behaviors, student activities, etc.
• Engage with all students’ related service providers, be present and participate (when appropriate) during the delivery of related services, and provide continuity between classroom interventions and related services.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues, specifically the SPED Teacher and Special Education Coordinator
• Participate in meetings, including:
  • Biweekly meetings of the student support team
  • Weekly meetings of the classroom team
  • IEP meetings (as necessary)
  • Inter-departmental meetings (as necessary)
  • All staff meetings
• Assist daily with arrivals, dismissals, and before care
• Assist with classroom set up following dismissal
• Participate in other school functions as requested by the Executive Director
• Other duties, as assigned

Required Competencies and Qualifications

• Have a firm commitment to upholding the school’s mission and anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy.
• Commitment to upholding the confidentiality of students and parents
• Proven ability to work as a member of a diverse team of educators
• Patience, punctuality, and responsibility
• Team player; experience working with an instructional team
• Excellent communication skills
• Creative, energetic, and nurturing personality
• Organizational and interpersonal skills
• Enthusiasm and commitment to our vision and mission

Education and Experience

• Experience working with diverse populations of students, parents, and families.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree preferred
• Previous experience working with young children with behavior and academic challenges
• Previous experience in a Montessori setting preferred
• Experience with families from diverse backgrounds
• Certification in SafetyCare preferred
• Completion of a 40-hour online training course, selected by the school, within a timeframe set by the SPED Coordinator

Benefits

We provide employees with a robust leave policy that includes:

• Paid time off
• Paid COVID sick leave
• Paid family leave (in addition to DC paid family leave)
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid leave for the observation of a religious holiday

Breakthrough invests heavily in the professional development (PD) of our faculty through:

• A weekly early release schedule with professional development and collaborative planning time from 1:30-4:30 pm every Monday;
• An individual professional development budget of $250/year to pursue additional PD opportunities;
• Conference participation and
• A Continuing Education grant application program that provides grantees up to $20,000 to complete Montessori teacher training, an advanced degree or other license.

Other benefits include:

• Health, dental, vision
• Retirement (Vanguard Retirement)
• AFLAC
• Educator wellness groups, facilitated by a clinical psychologist.

Breakthrough Montessori PCS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.