Designated Behavioral Aide

SHINING STARS MONTESSORI ACADEMY PCS

Now Hiring: Immediate / Urgent Need

Dedicated Behavioral Aide (1:1 Paraprofessional), Lower Elementary

Immediate opening to support a Lower Elementary student with significant behavioral needs in a warm, structured Montessori classroom.

Location

1240 Randolph Street NE, Washington, DC 20017

Classroom

Lower Elementary (Grade 3, approx. 9 years old)

Reports To

Principal

Position Type

Full-time, 10-month school year (2026 to 2027)

Start Date

Immediate / Urgent Hire

Certification

Current de-escalation / crisis-prevention certification required at hire

ABOUT SHINING STARS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS (SSMA) is a DC public charter school serving PK3 through 6th grade in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, DC. We offer a quality Montessori education infused with culturally inclusive principles, guiding children to develop to their fullest potential. SSMA operates across three grade bands (Children's House, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary) and includes an Avanza Dual Language Immersion program in Spanish and English.

POSITION SUMMARY

SSMA is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Behavioral Aide to provide one-on-one support to a student with significant behavioral needs in our Lower Elementary classroom (Grade 3). This is a critical, immediate-need role, and the student requires an aide who can step in with the skills to support him from day one. Candidates must already hold current certification in a recognized crisis-prevention/de-escalation model and bring direct, hands-on experience implementing behavior support plans and de-escalation strategies in a classroom setting. SSMA will cover the cost of all continued training once hired. The Behavioral Aide will work under the direction of the student's IEP team, the Lower Elementary lead guide, and school leadership to help the student access the Montessori curriculum safely and successfully alongside peers, and will be expected to support the child in a manner consistent with Montessori philosophy and practice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide consistent 1:1 support to an assigned student throughout the instructional day, including transitions, specials, and arrival/dismissal as needed.
• Implement the student's Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) and IEP accommodations with fidelity and consistency.
• Support the student's participation in the Lower Elementary uninterrupted work cycle, helping the child choose, engage with, and complete Montessori materials and lessons alongside peers.
• Apply Montessori's "freedom within limits" approach: allow the student appropriate independence and choice while maintaining clear, consistent boundaries and safety.
• Use proactive strategies and trained de-escalation techniques to prevent and respond to behavioral escalations safely, in a manner that respects the calm, orderly tone of the Montessori environment.
• Reinforce grace and courtesy practices, modeling and supporting respectful, peaceful interactions with peers and adults.
• Gradually fade support and prompt independence where appropriate, consistent with the Montessori goal of fostering self-reliance rather than dependence on an adult.
• Collect and record behavioral data accurately to support ongoing progress monitoring and IEP team decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with the Lower Elementary lead guide, special education case manager, school counselor, and related service providers.
• Support the student's social, emotional, and academic engagement within the Montessori prepared environment.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records in accordance with FERPA and IDEA requirements.
• Communicate professionally and consistently with the student's family and support team as directed by the case manager.
• Participate in IEP meetings, training sessions, and debriefs as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma required; Associate's degree or higher preferred.
• Current, valid certification in a recognized crisis-prevention/de-escalation model (e.g., CPI, Handle with Care, or equivalent) required at time of hire; proof of certification must be provided.
• Direct, hands-on experience working with students with emotional/behavioral disabilities, autism, or similar support needs required.
• Demonstrated experience implementing behavior plans and collecting behavioral data in a school setting required.
• SSMA fully funds all continued training, recertification, and professional development after hire.
• Familiarity with Montessori philosophy and the Lower Elementary environment preferred; willingness to learn Montessori practices required. SSMA will provide orientation to support this.
• Patient, calm, and consistent demeanor, with the ability to remain composed during high-stress situations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with teachers, families, and related service providers.
• Ability to pass required background checks and health screenings per DC charter school requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to actively move around the classroom and school building throughout the day.
• Ability to safely implement approved physical de-escalation or redirection techniques consistent with current certification, if required by the student's plan.

COMPENSATION & TRAINING

This role requires current de-escalation/crisis-prevention certification at the time of hire; SSMA is not able to fund the initial certification for this position given the urgency of the student's need. Once hired, SSMA covers 100% of the cost of all continued training, recertification, and related professional development. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS is an equal opportunity employer.