Learning Guide

Title: Learning Guide

Location: Onsite M-F on Belmont, CA

Hours: 8:15 - 4 pm PST

Duration: Perm

Salary: $125,000/yr

Required Skills & Experience

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology,

Education, Speech-Language Pathology, or a related field preferred

• Familiarity with robust AAC communication systems (e.g., Proloquo2Go, TouchChat,

letterboards), or a demonstrated commitment to developing this knowledge

• Experience working with neurodiverse students, particularly those on the autism

spectrum, including students who use non-verbal or alternative communication

• Experience in a Non-Public or Independent School setting preferred

• High emotional intelligence and the ability to read non-verbal cues, body language, and

subtle shifts in student affect and engagement

• Understanding of sensory processing and co-regulation strategies

• Commitment to the belief that every student has something to say and the right to be

heard, understood, and included

• Ability to keep up with active learners, move between floor-time play and standing

transitions, and lift/transfer students if required (usually up to 40 lbs)

Minimum Requirements:

• Ability to pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) fingerprint clearance

• Within 60 days of hire, provision of TB (tuberculin) clearance, as mandated by the California Education Code

Job Description

This school is a premier independent school dedicated exclusively to the education

and empowerment of students on the autism spectrum. The Learning Guide’s primary mission is

to provide felt safety and communication access for every student they support. Learning Guides work alongside students who may use sounds, gestures, body language, or high-tech devices to express themselves. The goal is not to “make them speak” but to ensure they are heard, understood, and fully included in the life of the school.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific duties include:

1. Communication Access & AAC Support

• Model the use of AAC devices and communication systems, including Proloquo2Go,

TouchChat, and letterboards, consistently throughout the school day

• Support students in using their chosen communication tools across all settings, including

instruction, transitions, lunch, and play

• Serve as an active communication partner, interpreting and responding to all forms of

student expression including sounds, gestures, and body language

2. Sensory Regulation & Student Wellbeing

• Proactively identify early signs of sensory overwhelm and guide students to heavy work

activities, quiet zones, or sensory breaks before dysregulation occurs

• Investigate the need behind the behavior, approaching challenging moments with

curiosity rather than reaction

• Scaffold activities and transitions to be sensory-accessible, adjusting pacing, materials,

and environment as needed

• Maintain awareness of each student’s regulation and movement needs throughout the

day, adjusting support accordingly

3. Naturalistic & Instructional Support

• Facilitate learning during living moments, including lunch, play, and transitions, using

each student’s natural interests to build functional skills

• Learn individualized information about each student as it pertains to interests,

instructional levels, and motivations

• Be prepared to support any student on any given day or part of the day, providing

consistent and informed care regardless of pod assignment

• Assist the Pod Teacher in implementing individualized instructional plans and supporting

student access during structured learning activities

4. Personal Care & Daily Living Support

• Assist students with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed, which may include

toileting, feeding, and dressing

• Approach all personal care with dignity, privacy, and respect for student autonomy

• Follow established protocols for personal care and hygiene support, maintaining

accurate records as required

5. Observational Documentation

• Act as the eyes and ears for the Pod Teacher, noting subtle shifts in a student’s

engagement, mood, or affect that indicate progress or a need for adjustment

• Log meals, rest time, bathroom activity, and daily observations in Brightwheel and/or

hard copy as required

• Provide daily notes via the shared notes platform so the Director can compile data for

daily reports

• Take and upload photos to Brightwheel as part of ongoing student documentation

• Maintain accurate, confidential records of student interactions and observations

6. Collaboration & Training

• Communicate regularly and openly with staff regarding student progress, observations,

and any concerns

• May attend meetings with the Director, other specialists, and administration

• Function as a positive, contributing member of the team

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This role requires the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities. The role demands physical stamina to keep pace with active learners, move fluidly between floor-level play and standing transitions, and respond quickly in dynamic environments. The employee must be able to lift and/or transfer students, typically up to 40 lbs. Regular requirements include standing, walking, bending, talking, and hearing. The employee is frequently required to use hands to support students, handle materials, and operate communication devices. Visual requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a classroom environment, as well as shared outdoor and common areas.

The role involves working directly with children, and the employee must be prepared to respond

to accidents and emergencies as needed. The employee occasionally works in outside weather

conditions. The role may involve close physical contact with students and situations that require

a calm, grounded response to student dysregulation. The noise level in the work environment is

usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to

perform the essential functions of this role.

SCHEDULE:

• Monday to Friday

• Approximately 204 days, aligned to the annual school calendar

• Occasional off-hour work is required

BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary, based on education and experience

• 12 paid holidays, 10 days of paid sick time, and approximately 38 days of scheduled

school breaks annually, including summer, winter, spring, and other holiday recesses

• 100% employer-paid medical and dental benefits; vision benefits available

• 401(k) plan with employer contribution

• Ongoing professional development

• Tuition reimbursement