Substitute Program Aide

Gain rewarding experience with LEARN Academy!

As a Substitute Program Aide at Learn Academy, formerly known as Desert Choice Schools, you’ll have the exciting role of helping students with special needs develop academic and self-help skills, social and emotional regulation, flexible thinking, language development, and motor development.

Working as a Substitute Program Aide requires some specific characteristics that we look for, including:

• A genuine desire to help make a difference in the lives of children with special needs.
• A steady supply of compassion, empathy, enthusiasm, kindness, goodwill, and reliability.
• A willingness to learn about a variety of disability categories and learning differences.

LEARN Academy, formerly known as Desert Choice Schools (DCS) is a state-approved private day school in Arizona, serving students from kindergarten through grade 12.

We provide individually tailored services to students with special needs — including autism and emotional and learning disabilities.

LEARN Academy is a national leader in special education, academic intervention, and specialized behavioral services.

We use a structured program implemented in environments that facilitate functional independence and academic and social success.

• Competitive compensation plan
• Entry pay starts at $18 per hour with performance-based pay increases and mentored opportunities for advancement.
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree earn an additional $.50 per hour.
• This is a full-time, 10-month position with unpaid school breaks
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.
• 1-2 years’ experience working with children in a special needs educational setting preferred but not required – we are willing to train!
• Ability to collaborate and receive feedback, mentoring, and direction from peers and supervisors.
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining a professional and clinical perspective, with the ability to not internalize or personalize (e.g., emotionally) regarding certain student behaviors or mannerisms that occur.
• Demonstrated experience using physical ability and dexterity to safely and effectively use Crisis Management Interventions (including the use of therapeutic holds) of all involved (e.g., self, student, other employees).
• Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card or can obtain one.
• Providing direct instructional support to individuals and/or groups of students.