Erin M. Care Companion in Springfield, MA 01118

Hello there. My name is Erin. I am a Special Education certified teacher and mother of a brilliant child on the Autism Spectrum. Over the years, I have learned everything I can to be the best parent and support for my kiddo, and now, I have some time available to help other parents. I offer IEP homeschool instruction for 3rd and 4th grade in my home, along with specialized classes in writing, science, and animal husbandry in my home. I also have time in my schedule to offer tutoring, childcare, or parent support and training in your home. Overall, I have 15 years of experience working with children, both in formal and informal settings. I am energetic, playful, and artistic. That said, I am also trained in behavioral analysis and know how to firmly, but respectfully shape behavior by motivating kids to choose actions that get them what they need while also helping them learn and maintain happy and healthy relationships with others. Some skills and interests that compliment my teaching and childcare work include: art, music (multiple instruments), geeky science stuff, animal training, and creative writing.

I am, ideally, looking for either a part-time teaching / childcare gig or a parent training and support position. My goal is for you, as a parent, to have the kind of support I could have used all along - support that allows you to get a few things done, regenerate, and/or build your capacity as a parent, without having to worry that your child is not getting the best of you at any given time. You are the superstar in your child's life, not me. I am just here to ensure that your needs are met and you feel supported enough to step away for a moment from time to time. I am also here as a co-conspirator in yours and your child's personal and academic growth.

Comfortable with all animals (and can train, if desired); "behavior issues" are not a deterrent for me, experience with IEPs and behavior plans, willing to cook and do some organizing.

I offer a scale of rates between $15-50/hr, depending on what I am doing on any given day (for example, different rates for childcare or cleaning vs teaching, parent training, behavior support, or animal training) and will help you budget accordingly because I know what it is like to try to make ends meet without being isolated without the support I need. It's not a pipe dream!