Au Pair for Active Neurodivergent Family - Pinelands Area

Pinelands, South Africa Posted on 19/02/2026

Overview:

We are seeking a calm, patient, and energetic au pair with a genuine understanding of neurodiversity to support a family with four children (Grades 8, 6, 3, and 1). All the children benefit from executive functioning support and a low arousal approach. They are an active, outdoors loving family who values hands on learning, limited screen time, and practical life skills. The ideal candidate is confident yet relaxed, comfortable with sensory overwhelm and dysregulated behaviour, and skilled at knowing when to engage and when to give space. You will play a vital role in the children's daily routines, homework support, and overall wellbeing, helping them develop independence while providing consistent, understanding guidance.

Main Purpose of the Job:

To provide dedicated support for the children's unique needs - through consistent guidance, homework assistance, and practical life skills development. You'll be a collaborative partner with Mom, supporting the family's neuro affirming approach and helping create structure and routine in a calm, low arousal environment.

• Assist and coordinate school pick ups and transport requirements, with Mom, according to the varying after school programmes of the children (varying between Pinelands, Rondebosch, and Lansdowne)
• Supervise children at home (in Pinelands) during snack time, free play, appropriate screen time, and homework
• Help children with homework. Help is especially needed, with Afrikaans, reinforcing language learning.
• Support executive functioning through consistent routines and structure
• Occasionally provide one on one support for the Grade 6 child, including engaging in activities and helping with self regulation
• Engage children in active outdoor activities such as cycling to school/park, swimming, gardening, beach walks, and nature exploration
• Assist with light housework and help children participate in age appropriate cooking and household chores
• Maintain open communication with Mom to coordinate daily responsibilities and support needs
• Use a low arousal approach-knowing when to talk and when to be quietly present, avoiding overwhelming questions or instructions
• Be comfortable around the family's pets (3 cats, 1 tortoise, and 6 fish)
• Flexibility, coordination, and collaboration with Mom are required, as responsibilities may shift depending on her schedule and availability

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation - Essential
• Fluent in English and Afrikaans - Essential (for homework support)
• Comfortable cycling or willing to learn - Desirable
• Availability to commit for at least one year - Essential

• Previous experience in au pairing or a childcare/support role - Essential
• Experience providing homework assistance - Essential

• Familiarity with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Essential
• Familiarity with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Essential
• Familiarity with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) - Desirable
• Understanding of a low arousal, neuro affirming approach - Essential

• Ability to support children when they are unwilling or struggling with homework, using patience and understanding rather than pressure
• Understanding of sensory processing differences and dysregulated behaviour
• Skills to reduce stress and anxiety through a low arousal approach - Essential
• Strong verbal communication and collaboration skills with both children and parents - Essential
• Excellent organizational and time management skills - Essential
• Confidence in hands on, practical teaching and life skills development - Essential
• Strong relationship building abilities with children of varying ages and needs - Essential

Working Hours: Monday - Friday: 1:45 PM - 4:45 PM (approximately 3 hours per day)

Support and training from the Facilitation Academy over a 4-6-week period, including access to online modules, individual training sessions, and a wide range of resources. Additional support available for communication and onboarding.

Salary: R8,000 per month plus AA driving rates reimbursement