Job Description
School Companion/Shadow
Job Title: School Companion / Shadow (1:1 Student Support)
Location: Los Angeles + Los Feliz/Studio City
Job Type: Part-Time Up to 35 Hours Per Week (School Day Hours)
Pay: $30–$35/hour, based on experience & education
About Us
At Forum Care Group, we believe that all children deserve to be included, understood, and supported in every environment—including the classroom. Our team helps students with special needs and other developmental differences thrive at school by providing personalized, relationship-based support tailored to each child’s unique strengths and challenges.
Your Role
As a School Companion (sometimes referred to as a “shadow” or paraprofessional), you’ll work one-on-one with a student during the school day, providing in-the-moment support to help them participate, learn, and connect with peers. Your role is to be a steady, positive presence—scaffolding communication, emotional regulation, and engagement with classroom routines and activities.
This is not a disciplinary or behavioral enforcement role. Instead, you’ll work as part of a collaborative team—including parents, teachers, and clinicians—to promote inclusion and empower the child to grow in confidence and independence.
Physical therapy and/or experience with cerebral palsy is a plus.
What You’ll Be Doing
• Accompany a student throughout the school day, providing one-on-one support
• Provide physical support for mobility and assistance in gross motor and fine motor movements
• Help the student navigate transitions, social interactions, and classroom expectations
• Reinforce communication, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation skills in real time
• Use relationship-building, play, and conversation to keep the student engaged and connected
• Collaborate with school staff and Positive Development clinicians to align on strategies and goals
• Track daily observations and share progress with the team
Schedule & Compensation
• Pay: $30–$35 per hour, based on education and experience
• Schedule: Aligned with school hours (typically Monday–Friday, 8am–3pm)
• Possible hours may extend to 30 min prior to school start and 30 min beyond school day end
• Opportunities for additional hours during school breaks or after-school support
Who We’re Looking For
• Passionate about helping children feel supported and included in educational settings
• Calm, patient, and empathetic—especially in moments of challenge or frustration
• Reliable and consistent; students depend on daily, predictable support
• Previous experience in schools or working with neurodivergent children is a plus
• Strong communicators who can collaborate with educators and families
Preferred Backgrounds:
• Teacher’s Aide, Special Education Paraprofessional, Childcare Provider, Behavioral Technician, Direct Support Professional, or similar roles
• Pediatric Physical Therapist, Pediatric Occupational Therapist
• High School Diploma or GED required; some college or relevant coursework in education, psychology, child development, or physical therapy is a bonus
• Must be 21+ with a valid drivers license and reliable transportation
• Background check and training completion required
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to follow the student’s lead throughout the day, including walking between classes - Child will have a wheelchair however aide can not always rely on chair and must be able to hold, carry, and manage a 40+ lb child that can not walk, sometimes facilitating movements such as walking to enable child to participate in play and learning activities.
• Ability to adjust positioning as needed to provide hands-on support
• Must be able to respond quickly and appropriately to ensure the child’s safety
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
• Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person