Respite Care & Learning Support Provider We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and experienced female Respite Care & Learning Support Provider to support a child in a private home setting. The ideal caregiver is calm, patient, emotionally regulated, and genuinely enjoys working with children. This role combines structured respite care with hands-on support that reinforces the child's communication, daily living, and learning goals while maintaining routines, safety, and a positive environment. The child may experience periods of emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Applicants must have at least one year of continuous, hands-on experience working directly with children who have special needs, completed within the last three years, and must be confident using calm, supportive de-escalation strategies, maintaining a regulated presence, and responding to behavior as communication rather than punishment. This is not general childcare. This position requires someone who can step into the role prepared and confident, and who is comfortable supporting a child who communicates using an AAC device and picture supports and who is learning at her own individualized pace. Caregiving Responsibilities Provide safe, structured respite care in a private household Follow the child's established routines and support daily transitions (as directed by the family) Engage the child in developmentally appropriate and interest-based activities such as play-based learning, structured games, social skills practice, and communication support Use calm, patient strategies to support emotional regulation and behavior Implement structured supports when appropriate, including visual schedules, first/then language, structured choices, and positive reinforcement Support attention, task completion, and routine participation Maintain a positive, respectful, and encouraging environment at all times Communicate professionally with the family regarding schedules, routines, and observations Ensure ongoing supervision, safety awareness, and consistent expectations during care hours Respect household guidelines, privacy, and confidentiality Learning & Skill-Building Support Responsibilities Reinforce the child's IEP-style, therapy, and communication goals as shared by the family Support the child's use of her AAC device, core board, and picture communication throughout the day Practice functional and daily living skills, including self-help routines, following multi-step directions, and everyday independence Deliver simple, hands-on learning activities at the child's level using the materials and approach selected by the family Break tasks into small, manageable steps and adjust pacing, length, and delivery based on the child's attention, energy, and regulation level that day Use multisensory and hands-on methods, including manipulatives, visuals, movement breaks, and interest-based examples Provide accommodations and supports as directed by the family, such as extended time, reduced written demands, chunked tasks, verbal prompting, hand-over-hand assistance, and scaffolded support Support attention, task initiation, and participation during learning activities Prepare and set up the learning space, materials, and activities before each session Assist with community-based learning, outings, or errands when scheduled, always with close supervision Keep simple daily records of activities completed, progress, challenges, and any behaviors observed Communicate regularly with the family about what is working and what needs adjustment Required Experience (Mandatory) Candidates must have at least one year of continuous, documented, hands-on experience working directly with children who have special needs or behavioral support needs, completed within the last three years. Qualifying experience includes one or more of the following (or closely related) settings: Classroom setting (self-contained, inclusion, or resource setting) Paraprofessional / paraeducator / instructional assistant role Behavioral support or intervention role Direct Support Professional (DSP), respite, or in-home support services Tutoring, homeschool instruction, or academic intervention with children who have special needs School- or community-based support programs Applicants must be familiar with structured strategies commonly used in caregiving and behavioral support settings. Applicants without direct experience supporting children with special needs will not be considered. A Plus (Not Required) Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Teaching license or education degree Experience with AAC devices or picture communication systems Experience supporting children with IEPs, 504 plans, or therapy-based goals Experience with structured literacy or Orton-Gillingham based reading instruction Additional Requirements Female applicants only (this role includes hands-on assistance with personal care, including toileting and hygiene) Weekday afternoon and weekend availability required At least one year of relevant experience (continuous, within the last three years) Calm, patient, dependable, and professional demeanor Comfortable supporting, redirecting, and holding gentle expectations while staying warm and encouraging Reliable transportation Ability to pass a background check Comfortable working in a private home and respecting household guidelines and confidentiality Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Due to the private nature of this position, a Non-Disclosure Agreement must be reviewed, agreed to, and signed before any job offer is extended. Allergy protocol (non-negotiable): Due to a severe allergy in the household, caregivers who have cats or dogs at home must take precautions before each shift, including freshly laundered clothing and no pet hair or dander carried into the home. This protocol is non-negotiable and will be reviewed during onboarding. Position Details This is a private household position paid hourly at the rate listed below. It is not a company or agency role, so it does not include benefits such as health insurance or healthcare, retirement or 401(k), or paid time off. Pay is issued directly by the family. Holidays worked are paid at time and a half. Please only apply if these terms work for you.

Hours:

Weekday afternoons and weekends. Open availability during these times is required. This role also includes overnight coverage on select weekends (for example, to support family travel), so overnight availability is required, though overnights will not occur every weekend.

Location:

Waldorf, MD Pay:

$18.00 to $20.00 per hour (depending on experience). Holidays worked are paid at time and a half.

Pay:

$18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person