SY 25-26 Teaching Assistant, Floater en AppleTree Institute

About AppleTree

AppleTree’s mission is to close the achievement gap before students get to kindergarten. To accomplish this mission, we focus exclusively on Preschool and Pre-K education. AppleTree provides free, full-day public charter school programming for three- and four-year olds in 13 locations across Washington, DC,  employing our innovative and award winning instructional model, called Every Child Ready (ECR). This instructional model provides educators with tools and resources for “What to Teach”, “How to Teach” and “How to Measure Success.” Our instructional model is also used with partners across the nation. 

Position Summary

Floating Teaching Assistants serve as an integral part of the teaching team for AppleTree students. During the school day, School Aides provide instructional supports and implement classroom activities either in the absence of assigned teaching staff  or on a daily basis, when coverage is needed. School Aides are generally not assigned to a dedicated classroom but float as needed throughout the campus or between campuses as needed. School Aides instructional training alongside their teaching team and use their knowledge of the development of young children, the ways in which young children learn and scientifically based practice to support the social, emotional and cognitive development of young children. 

During the Extended Day Program, Floating Teaching Assistants may plan for and provide instruction to students enrolled in Before Care and/or Extended Day programming and serve as on-site Group Leader for Extended Day Team Members. 

If no instructional supports are needed, the Floating Teaching Assistant may support the School Operations Specialist and/or Principal in the operations of the school such as front desk support, assisting with events, meals and other operational tasks. Training is provided for operational functions as well.  

The Floating Teaching Assistant reports to the Principal.

Hours: 9:30-6pm 

Duties and Responsibilities                                                                                  

Supports with instructional activities for the school, during both regular and extended day

• Implements all aspects of the Every Child Ready instructional model with fidelity when substituting for absent teachers. This may include:

  • Maintains consistent implementation of Tier 1 behavior management techniques (SW, CDS, etc).

  • Creates engaging and educational displays, especially in public or shared spaces of the school.

• Supervises children during indoor and outdoor activities, as needed.

• Helps in the execution and administration of Extended Day, as needed.

• Upholds all AELPCS policies and procedures.

Supports in administrative and operational duties for the school

• Manages front office duties, such as copying documents, maintaining files, faxing, answering phones, taking student attendance, assisting with school meals program, supporting seasonal enrollment tasks, and maintaining a clean and orderly office environment

• Takes on additional projects from the Principal or School Operations Specialist as necessary.

Contributes to a community of practice

• Maintains positive relationships with students’ families and guests to the school.

• Shares feedback on curriculum and instructional culture to foster continuous improvement.

• Attends and participates in required professional development sessions including, Professional Learning Communities (PLC), Site-Based Professional Development (SBPD), All-Hands Meetings, and other sessions as assigned.

• Communicates professionally and respectfully with adults and students.

• Fulfills the standards of professionalism including appropriate dress, attendance and timeliness.

Requirements

Candidates must be highly qualified paraprofessionals.  

• Therefore, successful candidates will have: 

  • (1) Child Development Associates credential; and/or (2) obtained an associate's (or higher) degree; 

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in an early childhood environment.  

• Candidates must be energetic, reliable, integrity driven and have strong communication skills to ensure effective, positive interactions with the teaching teams, staff, parents and children.

• Candidates should have knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, computer skills that include (Google Suite, iOS, Word, Excel, online platforms, and knowledge of Microsoft Office software).  

• Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.                                 

Note                                                          
The preceding description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals in this role and is not designed to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of the Teaching Assistant, Floater. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.