Individualized Education & Development Support Specialist
Independent Contractor
About the Role
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and compassionate Individualized Education & Development Support Specialist to make a meaningful impact in the development of a bright and capable Senior Kindergarten (SK) student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Level 1 support needs, commonly described as high-functioning autism.
The child is able to participate in a mainstream private school environment and benefits from individualized support to further develop academic confidence, executive functioning, social communication, emotional regulation, independence, and essential life skills.
The role provides dedicated one-on-one support within a private school environment, with a focus on helping the student build academic confidence, executive functioning, social skills, independence, and essential life skills. Given the child’s developmental stage, the role requires an understanding of early childhood development and the ability to make learning engaging, age-appropriate, and increasingly independent. Experience in early childhood education, play-based learning, or supporting young children in kindergarten or primary-school settings is particularly valued.
The specialist will work as part of a collaborative support team that includes the student’s parents, classroom teachers, and developmental professionals. We are seeking someone who combines warmth and patience with initiative, sound judgment, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping a child reach his full potential.
Engagement Details
The specialist will provide individualized support throughout the school day and help translate educational and developmental recommendations into practical, consistent strategies.
The selected specialist will support the student across academic, social, behavioural, and executive functioning areas while encouraging increasing independence over time.
This role requires close collaboration with classroom teachers and developmental professionals, including SLP, OT, PT, and behavioural professionals, as appropriate.
Scope of Service
Individualised Student Support
· Provide consistent one-on-one support during classroom and school activities.
· Implement individualized strategies and recommendations developed for the student.
· Support the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP), in collaboration with the appropriate professionals.
· Assist with academic activities, including reading, writing, mathematics, and other subjects, under the guidance of classroom teachers.
· Break down complex tasks and concepts into manageable steps to strengthen understanding, confidence, and independence.
· Support executive functioning skills, including organization, planning, time management, attention, task initiation, and prioritization.
· Provide appropriate support during transitions, changes in routine, and other potentially challenging situations.
Social, Emotional and Life-Skills Development
· Support the development of age-appropriate social, emotional, and practical life skills.
· Encourage positive peer interactions through modelling, guided practice, and reinforcement.
· Foster self-confidence, self-advocacy, resilience, and increasing independence.
· Apply positive reinforcement and proactive strategies to support self-regulation, engagement, and positive behaviour.
· Support inclusion and participation during recess, lunch, extracurricular activities, and other non-academic periods.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
· Work closely with classroom teachers to implement strategies aligned with the student’s educational and developmental goals.
· Collaborate with developmental professionals, including SLP, OT, PT, and behavioural professionals, to understand and consistently implement recommended strategies.
· Attend relevant therapy or developmental sessions, in person or virtually, where appropriate.
· Adapt classroom materials, activities, and approaches to meet the student’s individual learning needs.
· Contribute constructively to discussions regarding the student’s progress, emerging needs, and support strategies.
Communication, Documentation and Progress Monitoring
· Maintain open, professional, and respectful communication with parents, teachers, school staff, and external professionals.
· Observe, track, and document progress across academic, social, behavioural, and executive functioning goals.
· Prepare concise daily summaries capturing relevant observations, progress, challenges, and follow-up items.
· Identify areas of growth and opportunities where additional support or adjustment may be beneficial.
· Provide timely updates regarding meaningful successes, concerns, or changes in the student’s needs.
· Participate in regular discussions regarding goals, strategies, and progress.
· Recommend appropriate follow-up activities that may reinforce learning and development outside the school environment.
Educational Resources and Materials
· Research, identify, and develop educational resources appropriate to the student’s learning objectives.
· Adapt or create engaging learning materials using resources and tools such as Teachers Pay Teachers, Twinkl, Canva, and other appropriate platforms.
· Organize materials and resources to support consistency and effective implementation across learning environments.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Preferred specialist will have:
· A bachelor’s degree or relevant post-secondary education in child development, psychology, education, behavioural science, kinesiology, or a related discipline.
· Demonstrated experience providing one-on-one support to children in educational, developmental, therapeutic, or behavioural settings.
· Early Childhood Education (ECE) training or experience working in kindergarten/early primary settings is considered a strong asset.
· Experience supporting children with autism spectrum disorder, particularly high functioning or comparable developmental or learning needs.
· Strong understanding of early childhood development, including social-emotional development, communication, self-regulation, school readiness, and age-appropriate learning strategies.
· Exposure to or experience working alongside professionals in areas such as ABA/behaviour intervention, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech-language pathology, or special education.
· Additional training or certification in individualized education, behavioural intervention, child development, or learning support is considered an asset.
Core Competencies
The selected specialist will demonstrate:
· Patience, empathy, maturity, and the ability to build a positive and trusting relationship with a child.
· Strong professional judgment and an appropriate balance between providing support and fostering independence.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
· Familiarity with Ontario school environments, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and multidisciplinary support involving educators, SLPs, OTs, PTs, and behavioural professionals is considered an asset.
· Ability to collaborate effectively with parents, teachers, school staff, and multidisciplinary professionals.
· Strong observation skills and attention to changes in behaviour, learning, engagement, and developmental progress.
· Ability to implement structured strategies consistently while adapting appropriately to the student’s evolving needs.
· Initiative and proactive problem-solving.
· Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
· Reliability, accountability, and consistent follow-through.
· Flexibility and composure in responding to changing priorities or challenging situations.
· A growth mindset and willingness to receive feedback, learn from specialists, and continuously improve.
Additional Requirements
· Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check.
· Two professional references, preferably from direct supervisors or regulated professionals who have directly observed the specialist’s work.
· Ability and willingness to participate in ongoing training and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Service Details
Service Environment
· Primarily based in a private school classroom environment.
· Outdoor supervision may be required during recess, extracurricular activities, or other school activities.
· Attendance at SLP, OT, PT, behavioural, or other developmental sessions may be required, either off-site or virtually.
· The role may involve periods of standing, walking, and light physical activity consistent with supporting a young child throughout the school day.
· Ongoing opportunities for professional development and collaboration with school staff and developmental specialists.
Service Schedule
School days, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Primary Location
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School
177 Beverley St, Toronto, ON M5T 1Y7
OT, PT, SLP clinics are located downtown/ midtown Toronto
Contract compensation
$65,000–$80,000 per annum, commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.
Engagement
Independent Contractor
To apply:
Please submit your resume and relevant qualifications to [email protected].
Pay: $60,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
