Developmental Play Partner (Home/Center Based)

As a Developmental Play Partner at Positive Development, your main responsibility is to work one-on-one with children, assisting them in developing communication, social, and daily living skills. Your role is interactive and focuses on using play and engaging conversations to promote growth. You're also responsible for documenting session notes and tracking the children's progress towards their goals.

To apply for the Developmental Play Partner position at Positive Development, you need to have a High School Diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old. We welcome candidates with experience working with children, especially those with autism, such as Teacher’s Assistants, Camp Counselors, and Childcare Specialists. Great communication skills and a positive attitude are essential!

The pay range for a Developmental Play Partner at Positive Development is between $22 to $28 per hour, based on your experience and education. This competitive pay reflects the importance of the work you will do in supporting children's growth and development.

At Positive Development, we understand the importance of a work-life balance. The Developmental Play Partner position offers thoughtfully designed schedules with flexible options, including part-time roles that can accommodate 5-, 3-, or 2-day-per-week work schedules. This allows you to integrate your job comfortably with other responsibilities.

Developmental Play Partners at Positive Development can enjoy a range of benefits, including a referral bonus, a monthly technology stipend, paid drive time and mileage reimbursement, as well as a 401(k) with company matching for qualifying employees. Additionally, full-time roles offer medical, dental, and vision coverage.

When answering this question, emphasize techniques that involve the child's interests and promote interaction, such as using sensory toys or favorite activities. Illustrate how establishing a connection with the child can lead to effective communication and skill-building.

Discuss your approach to taking notes during sessions, focusing on both qualitative and quantitative data. Highlight the importance of documentation in measuring progress and adjusting strategies to meet individual children's needs while aligning with the goals set by clinicians.

Explain how you would remain calm and patient, using de-escalation techniques and positive reinforcement. Share examples of how you’ve effectively managed challenging behaviors by redirecting attention and fostering a safe, supportive environment for the child.

Share a specific scenario where you facilitated social interaction among children, such as planning group activities that encourage teamwork. Highlight creative strategies you used to promote friendships and positive social behavior.

Identify key traits such as empathy, patience, enthusiasm, and good communication skills. Explain how these qualities enable a Developmental Play Partner to connect with children effectively and create a nurturing learning environment.

Provide examples where you tailored your intervention strategies to meet a child's specific needs, whether it was modifying activities or using different communication techniques. Emphasize your flexibility and commitment to supporting individual growth.

Discuss your awareness of safety protocols and the importance of being attentive to children’s physical and emotional needs. Share how you proactively assess environments and activities to mitigate risks while supporting engaged learning.

Express your passion for working with children and your belief in their potential to learn and grow. Highlight experiences that inspired your interest in this role and your dedication to making a positive difference in their lives.

Reflect on your interpersonal skills and ability to create trust. Explain how you involve families in the developmental process and share progress, showing that you value their input and partnership in supporting their child's growth.

Share your aspirations for professional growth, such as pursuing further education or credentialing in developmental interventions. Emphasize your commitment to lifelong learning and improving your skills to better serve the children you work with.