Hi IM's and ID's,
I'm just wondering about becoming a teachers aide or learning support. I have a daughter who is on the autism spectrum and she's starting prep next year. I love the idea of working at a special school and being able to help my daughter when she starts school.
The hours would be really good as we don't have much family around to help with drop off and pick up.
Anyway I guess my question is what courses have you done. Pro's and Con's of the job and how hard or easy is it to find work? And any other advice you might have.
Thank heaps for your help.
4 Replies
It can actually be hard to get work. As you can imagine lots of mums want those jobs.
There is a course you can do. I worked as an aid for 2 years. The work tends to be part time (a few hours a day, depending on need in particular school), and three friends with a lot of experience didn't get there contracts renewed this year.
Your best bet is to talk to the schools in your local area. Special schools and mainstream. Some employ without you having done the course others expect the course.
Thank you for taking the time to reply to me ?
I did the course a few years ago (wow just realised it was like 10 years ago!) and picked up work quite easily but as stated it was part-time, I was actually doing it as well as working 3pm-12am 5 nights a week. I also travelled to a rural school (12 kids so I'm talking VERY rural) so half of my wage went on fuel lol, I was doing it for the mental challenge though, the other job was a factory one and mentally exhausting in its meniality. I would have loved to continue but even with the increased hours they offered in my final contract it couldn't compare to the promotion I was offered at the factory and the 10K raise that came with it. Due to my new hours I couldn't continue to do both so I gave it up. I wouldn't advise working with your own child though, do what you can at home to help but give her this step into independence.
I am currently finishing my cert iv in education support. Work can be very temporary and unpredictable. I volunteered around the school for 2 full days a week and other things at the school for the last 18 months. Fortunately I got a few hrs this year as my youngest started school. My hours from term 1 dropped and I am currently seeking work elsewhere. My partner is going to have to take our kids to and from school if i find a school elsewhere as we live out of town. If you are passionate about it just sign up to tafe and volunteer as much as possible. Also, it can be challenging to work with your own children as I have experienced. Be open to working at any school rather than the one your child goes to! Good luck.