Job Description Shadow Teacher (Support for Child with Mild Autism)Position: Shadow Teacher / Learning Support AssistantWork Location: Child's School (In-Class Support)Work Schedule: Full School Hours (MondayFriday)1. Role Purpose
The Shadow Teacher will provide individualized, in-class support to a child with mild autism to help them participate fully in academic, social, and behavioural activities. Lady Teacher preferred
The role focuses on independence-building, behavioural regulation, communication support, and ensuring inclusion within the classroom.
2. Key ResponsibilitiesA. Academic Support
- Assist the child in understanding class instructions and activities.
- Break down classroom tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
- Provide prompting (verbal, visual, or physical as appropriate) to complete tasks.
- Encourage independent work while reducing support gradually.
- Coordinate with teachers to modify worksheets, homework, and class tasks when needed.
B. Behavioural & Emotional Support
- Use positive reinforcement strategies to encourage good behaviour.
- Help the child manage transitions (class changes, break time, activities).
- Support self-regulation during moments of anxiety, sensory overload, or emotional distress.
- Follow a behaviour intervention plan (if provided by therapist).
C. Social Skills Support
- Promote healthy peer interactions and group participation.
- Facilitate turn-taking, sharing, and communication skills.
- Support the child during recess, lunch, and unstructured times when needed.
D. Communication Support
- Use child's preferred communication method (verbal, visual schedule, social stories).
- Help the child express needs and ask for help appropriately.
E. Collaboration & Reporting
- Coordinate regularly with parents, teachers, and therapists.
- Implement OT, speech therapy, and behavioural therapy strategies inside the classroom.
- Report daily progress, challenges, and improvements.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
3. Required Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, or related field (preferred).
- Experience working with children with autism or special needs (minimum 1 year preferred).
- Knowledge of:
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) basics
- Behaviour management strategies
- Sensory needs and classroom accommodations
- Good communication skills, patience, empathy, and emotional stability.
- Ability to follow therapy plans and coordinate with specialists.
4. Personal Attributes
- Calm, compassionate, and encouraging personality
- Ability to build trust with the child
- Consistent and reliable
- Observant and able to identify triggers
- Creative in handling behaviour and engagement
- Good teamwork and coordination skills
5. Reporting Structure
- Reports to: Parents + School SEN Coordinator
- Works closely with: Class teacher, OT, Speech Therapist, ABA therapist (if any)
6. Objectives / Expected Outcomes
Within 36 months, the Shadow Teacher should help the child demonstrate improvements in:
- Classroom participation
- Independent task completion
- Social interaction with peers
- Behavioural regulation
- Communication and confidence
- The long-term goal is to reduce dependency and help the child function with minimal assistance.
