Calm Outdoor Au Pair for Neurodivergent Family

Pinelands, South Africa Posted on 19/02/2026

Overview:

We are seeking a calm, patient, and energetic au pair with a genuine understanding ofneurodiversity to support a family with four children (Grades 8, 6, 3, and 1). All the childrenbenefit 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 lifeskills.The ideal candidate is confident yet relaxed, comfortable with sensory overwhelm anddysregulated 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 overallwellbeing, helping them develop independence while providing consistent, understandingguidance.

Main Purpose of the Job:

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

Job Objectives

• Assist and coordinate school pick-ups and transport requirements, with Mom,according to the varying after-school programmes of the children (varying betweenPinelands, Rondebosch, and Lansdowne)

• Supervise children at home (in Pinelands) during snack time, free play, appropriatescreen time, and homework

• Help children with homework. Help is especially needed, with Afrikaans, reinforcinglanguage learning.

• Support executive functioning through consistent routines and structure• Occasionally provide one-on-one support for the Grade 6 child, including engaging inactivities 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 cookingand household chores

• Maintain open communication with mom to coordinate daily responsibilities andsupport 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 responsibilitiesmay shift depending on her schedule and availability

General Requirements

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

• Experience supporting neurodivergent children - DesirableJob-Related Knowledge• 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 - EssentialJob-Related Skills• 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, includingaccess 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