The Dedicated Aide supports students with special needs by implementing IEP goals and behavioral strategies to make learning accessible. Responsibilities include providing individualized academic support, collecting student progress data, and maintaining a safe classroom environment.
Elementary School Dedicated Aid Job Summary The Dedicated Aide supports students with special needs throughout the school day, implementing dedicated aide services plans that make learning accessible for the students. The Dedicated Aide will be trained in Crisis Prevention Institute to best support students throughout the day and will report directly to the school leader.
About KIPP DC For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.
Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike.
As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community
About the Team Elementary School includes six schools in Washington, DC, serving grades K-4. Our teachers, leaders, and student support teams work together to provide instruction that is rigorous, culturally responsive, and grounded in strong relationships with students and families. We believe classrooms should be academically challenging, joyful, and identity-affirming, and we support staff through coaching, collaborative planning structures, and dedicated development time.
As a Dedicated Aide, you will: Support teachers in ensuring safe environments and instructional opportunities that meet the needs of diverse learners. Support the implementation of behavioral and academic strategies outlined in a child’s IEP. Assist young children with personal hygiene, toileting/Diapering, meals and other daily activities when applicable. Support the classroom teacher in monitoring student progress by collecting data. Maintain confidentiality and treat all information about children and their families in strict confidence. Deescalate student behaviors using a variety of strategies. Establish positive relationships with colleagues, students, families and the community which reflect recognition of and respect for every individual. Demonstrate flexibility at all times. Dedicated aides are attached to the student’s IEP, and it should be expected that responsibilities will change as students’ needs change, including being reassigned to another child which may be at another campus. Location and Type of Work Fully In-Person (5 days per week onsite) This is an in-person, school-based instructional role located at a KIPP DC campus in Washington, DC. KIPP DC schools serve students and families in person, and this position requires daily on-site presence to deliver instruction, provide student support, collaborate with teammates, and engage with families. Dedicated aides support classroom instruction during the student day (generally 8:00 am to 3:30 pm). Dedicated Aide work hours are typically 7:30 am to 5:00 pm two days per week, and 7:30 am to 4:00 pm three days per week, to allow for duties, collaboration, and professional development.
Key Responsibilities Build Strong Relationships and Classroom Culture (approx.
30 percent) Demonstrate commitment to KIPP DC’s mission, with a focus on excellence, equity, and antiracist practice.
Build trusting, affirming relationships with students, families, and teammates.
Support the lead teacher in implementing strategies for classroom culture and positive behavior incentives.
De-escalate student behaviors using a variety of strategies.
Instructional Support (approx.
40 percent) Under teacher direction, provide individualized behavior and academic supports to improve achievement of academic and behavioral goals in support of students’ IEP goals.
Regularly observe students and take anecdotal notes or ABC data to inform the planning of small groups, classroom set-up, integration of students’ interests in learning activities, and subsequent assessments.
Work with the School Team to implement the Behavior intervention plan.
Attend MDT meetings with the student support team and teachers as needed for student or students that they work with Professional Collaboration, Development, and Feedback (approx.
20 percent) Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and weekly planning/feedback meetings.
Implement coaching and feedback from school leaders, coaches, and lead teachers/grade-level chairs.
Demonstrate flexibility at all times.
Dedicated aides are attached to the student’s IEP, and it should be expected that responsibilities will change as students’ needs change, including being reassigned to another child who may be at another campus.
Schoolwide Duties & Operational Expectations (approx.
10 percent) Assist children with personal hygiene, toileting, meals, and other daily activities when applicable.
Fulfill the standards of professionalism, including appropriate dress, attendance, and timeliness.
Attend MDT meetings with the student support team and teachers for students with whom they support per their iep Support students with Dedicated Aide services with arrival, lunch, transitions and dismissal.
Support school events such as family-teacher conferences, open houses, field trips, and community events.
The percentages for each key responsibility are estimates, and other duties may be assigned.
Flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged to accommodate organizational needs.
Required Qualifications High school diploma or General Education Development Certificate (GED) Commitment to working with students from communities with limited access to high-quality educational opportunities Demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to assist reading, writing, and mathematics instruction Strong communication skills with families and caregivers, including culturally responsive partnership Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to new tasks
Experience as an aide, assistant or paraprofessional in an urban K–12 public school setting Physical Requirements Must be able to remain in a classroom environment for extended periods to support assigned student(s) Must be able to monitor students throughout the school building, including transitions, lunch, and recess Core Competencies:
Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.
Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information. Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application or fail to receive a confirmation email after applying, kindly reach out to Danica Cunningham at danica.cunningham@kippdc.org. Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and the ability to assist with reading, writing, and mathematics instruction. A commitment to working with underserved communities and flexibility to adapt to changing student needs are required.
Market context
In the District of Columbia, elementary school aide openings often reflect steady demand for staff who can support classroom instruction and student engagement. This role is competitive because schools look for candidates with a high school diploma or GED, comfort helping with reading, writing, and math, and a clear commitment to underserved communities. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then tailor your application to show flexibility and experience supporting changing student needs.
