Dedicated Aide for Health Support - CNA

POSITION: Dedicated Aide for Health Support (DA)

REPORTS TO: Dean of Culture

Bridges is seeking passionate Dedicated Aide for Health Supports to support students with special needs in our inclusion and non-categorical self-contained classrooms. The Dedicated Aide will assist with specialized instruction and related services for students in grades Pre-K3 - 5th grade. The types of students with special needs who have Dedicated Aides assigned to them include: students with autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), developmental delays in one or more areas, intense behavioral challenges, multiple learning problems, and other related disorders. Bridges classrooms are rooted in the principals 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. Training in classroom based ABA and VB will be provided. The position is a 10 month position.

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. Our Core Values are:

• Responsibility

• Engagement

• Acceptance

• Creativity

• Honesty

• Is a unique and independent individual who is prepared to pave their own path.
• Self advocates through their preferred communication modalities.
• Welcomes diversity with inclusion, openness, acceptance, and respect for others.
• Demonstrates empathy and a desire to help and support others in need.
• Perseveres in the face of challenges to meet their individual academic, social and extra curricular goals.
• Is prepared for next steps after leaving Bridges Public Charter School.

• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher in the management of a non-categorical self-contained/inclusion classroom for high level special needs students.
• 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.

• 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.

• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students.
• Communicate respectfully to students, staff and families at all times.
• Model, practice and discuss respectful, unbiased and effective communication with students.
• Other school culture expectations as assigned.

• Have a High School Diploma or GED, High School Diploma & passed the ParaPro Exam, AA or 60 credits hours, BA or MA.
• Have a Certified Nursing Assistant credential (CNA) and/or coursework in health services is required.
• Experience working in special education and/or with individuals with physical and health care needs strongly preferred.
• Child Development Associates credential and/or coursework in early childhood education/human development 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 own learning including training in ABA/VB.
• Demonstrate strong skills in partnering with families.
• 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 own learning.
• Have excellent time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
• Have a passion for urban public schools.
• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.