Area: Claremont, CT
Ages: 5.5 Year old daughter with PDA
Child's Neurodivergence Snapshot: Intelligent, sociable and loving, but highly anxious with significant emotional support needs. Anxiety/avoidance/resistance is triggered by anything she perceives to be a demand/expectation, e.g. eating a meal at suppertime, going to school, bathing regularly. She's high masking and will appear neurotypical in most contexts. However, her capacity and emotional regulation fluctuates, depending on how much stress (demands) has been building up in her system.
Support Style: Keeping her overall stress levels down through accommodations, mainly: (1) a low demand approach to parenting, school, and everything in-between and (2) access to a safe person for co-regulation.
As such, we are looking for an au pair to be a companion, a safe presence, an anchor for her. This person needs to be patient, grounded and emotionally intuitive; and genuinely curious about how she experiences the world.
The right candidate needs to be open to learning counter-intuitive low-demand approaches. No instruction or management; no rewards or punishments. Collaboration and trust are everything. This means meeting her as an equal, rather than trying to teach, lead or correct her. Follow her lead, join her in imaginary play, let her win games.
Working hours: Monday - Friday: 07:30 - 16:30
School holiday hours: Monday - Friday: 07:30 - 16:30
Duties: Companionship for the child; accompany her to school (on the days she is able to go), being a safe background presence in the classroom (non-directive, not a Learner Facilitator); outings/lifts for both our kids (we have a 4 year old neurotypical son); general errands, planning and family admin support
Requirements: Experience with PDA whether working with or through personal experience. Someone with a tertiary education. Someone calm, has a good read on emotions, intuitive, take initiative, organised, can be more of an equal to the child instead of a authoritative figure.
Start date: ASAP Start Date - permanent contract - Looking for a long term commitment
Salary: R20000 - R25000 per month (gross, before deductions) + SARS rates per km (R4.76) for any driving done directly for the family. Not to get to and from work.
All Au Pair Extraordinaire applicants must fill the following requirements:
Must have at least 12 consecutive months of formal child caring experience, excluding work done for friends and family. This experience must be within the last 2 years.
Must have their own, reliable car and at least 18 months driving experience.
Must have at least 2 contactable childcare references.
Must have a clear criminal record
Must have a passion for children
Must have Matric
Must have a South African ID document.
Closing Date: 2026-03-13