Chronic teacher (aide) absenteeism

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know about DC but in VA subs are not paid minimum wage. Subs for teachers typically make about $14 hr and subs for aides make about $12 hr.

DCPS subs are paid $120/day.

For teachers, or aides?

Aides are paid by the hour, subs are paid $120 a day for either a teacher position or aide position.

Aides aren't paid nearly enough. They do so much work. They hold small groups. They are with students more waking time than the teachers. They conduct lessons and read aloud. It's a shame.

[Anonymous]

A paraprofessionals pay scale for dc is

$13.48-$17.24 between 10 steps. Steps 1-5 are one year in between and steps 6-10 are two years in between.

[Anonymous]

OP, it is possible our kids are classmates (if not, we are in an identical situation in an EOTP school that is becoming more popular). I've noticed, of course, and it is unfortunate that the aide is often absent, that the subs are always different, and that they vary in how helpful they are. but I have to say I don't think my kid's experience has been hurt by it -- the main teacher is stellar and really keeps the continuity. I also think the aide is having family issues that she needs to deal with with some sense of emergency. The best idea that popped up on this discussion was to get a steady sub, but I don't know how possible that is. Who in the admin did you talk to, and what did they say?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had a terrible aide and it took a LOT to get rid of them. just a reality of sending your kid to preschool in a public school. If you want quicker action or more influence you have to go private.

That is hilarious and so untrue. Some of my kids went private early on and later switched to public. At private, they don't give rat's ass what you say if you're not a big donor. But at Public they are scared of parents because we have the law on our side when it comes to the rights of students versus administration and teachers. It's no picnic but you have more power and get a response quickly if you know the rules.

[Anonymous]

Aides in DCPS start at $13.48. They work 35 hours per week, 10 months of the year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We had a terrible aide and it took a LOT to get rid of them. just a reality of sending your kid to preschool in a public school. If you want quicker action or more influence you have to go private.

That is hilarious and so untrue. Some of my kids went private early on and later switched to public. At private, they don't give rat's ass what you say if you're not a big donor. But at Public they are scared of parents because we have the law on our side when it comes to the rights of students versus administration and teachers. It's no picnic but you have more power and get a response quickly if you know the rules.

uhh .. what law exactly do you think public schools parents have on their side to get rid of a teacher they don't like? ever hear of a union?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, it is possible our kids are classmates (if not, we are in an identical situation in an EOTP school that is becoming more popular). I've noticed, of course, and it is unfortunate that the aide is often absent, that the subs are always different, and that they vary in how helpful they are. but I have to say I don't think my kid's experience has been hurt by it -- the main teacher is stellar and really keeps the continuity. I also think the aide is having family issues that she needs to deal with with some sense of emergency. The best idea that popped up on this discussion was to get a steady sub, but I don't know how possible that is. Who in the admin did you talk to, and what did they say?

Talk to the principal. Many schools have subs that come daily. Ask to have a set sub. In fact ask the teacher who you can advocate for and ask the principal to have that sub in the room whenever possible.

It’s possible. My child’s para just quit and we have had the same sub and will have the same sub until they hire someone else.

[Anonymous]

be careful what you wish for ..... if they get rid of the aid, you may be stuck with a random sub for the remainder of the year.

If it is you want a consistent face - welcome to DC Public Schools!

My child's service provider (child with an IEP) went out on leave and no one told me. My child was not getting services. From what I have learned - this is not unusual.


Also - remind yourself (and parents of classmates) the next time they send their sick child in with the hope that the child will make it through the day that there is a chance that the teacher (or aid) has a medical issue they are working through. Giving your child a dose of advil so you can make it through you important lunch does not help anyone.