Job Details
PERSONAL AIDE FOR 9-YEAR-OLD
2025-12-30 KaiPod Learning Pasadena,CAPERSONAL AIDE FOR OUR 9-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER
We are parents to two beautiful girls (2 and 9yo). This position is for our older daughter, who has cerebral palsy and anxiety. We're looking for someone to assist her in daily life at home and in school, support her growth and independence, and become a trusted friend and steady presence in her world.
This is a long-term role (minimum 2 years) - ideally, we hope to find someone who can be part of her life for many years.
We are located in the Pasadena area.
About Our Daughter
She is a bright, funny, and loving 9-year-old who has overcome a lot. Born at 25 weeks, she spent her first six months in the NICU, and those early experiences shaped her nervous system. She startles easily and benefits from a calm, loving and measured tone of voice. She loves humor and creative play and connects deeply with those who are present and attuned to her nervous system needs, helping her feel safe enough to fully be herself.
She splits her time between home, school and therapy sessions. She is a wheelchair user and she is conversationally verbal with mild-moderate altered speech.
About our Family
We are a family of four living in the Pasadena area. Both of our children have special needs and, outside of family and work, we are dedicated to increasing inclusion where children live, learn and play. We recently opened an inclusive elementary microschool with our 9 yo is as our first student.
Your Role
- Physical Support
- Assist with daily activities including eating, bathrooming, transfers, and body positioning.
- Help with physical and occupational therapy exercises and massage, and support her in using mobility equipment (walker, stander, adapted bike).
- Accompany her at school and at home, ensuring her safety and comfort.
- Emotional Support
- Build a trusting, caring relationship - part friend, part mentor, part "big sister."
- Offer co-regulation and calm support during difficult moments.
- Learn and implement therapeutic and play-based strategies from our care team.
- School Support
- Accompany her to school, provide physical and emotional support, and collaborate with her teachers to promote her engagement and independence.
Who You Are
- Reliable and consistent, with the flexibility to make this a central commitment in your life.
- You LOVE working with children and are able to catch the gleam in their eye and expand that joy.
- Experienced working with children in a caregiving or teaching capacity.
- Naturally calm, kind, patient, and emotionally attuned.
- Physically strong and confident supporting a 65-lb disabled child (who bears some weight).
- Excited about building a long-term relationship with our family.
- Experience in the field of pediatric therapies and mental health a plus.
This role is for someone who:
- Open-hearted and inclusive - you see disability as a natural part of human diversity.
- Presumes competence and respects autonomy.
- Leads with empathy, curiosity, and joy in human connection.
DETAILS & APPLICATION
- Location: Greater Pasadena area
- Compensation: Hourly W-2 position. Rate $25-$30/hour (commensurate with experience)
- Benefits: Paid-time-off for sick leave and vacation, and major federal holidays.
- Other Minimum Requirements: References, Background Check, Standard vaccinations and TB test required.
- To Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Brinda Ghiya / brinda . ghiya @ gmail . com with the subject line: Interest in Personal Aide position. Please address the following questions in your cover letter:
- 1. What 3 words best describe you?
- 2. What makes you a good fit for this position?
- 3. Why are you interested and available for this position right now?
- 4. Can you meet the basic requirements of this position: Able to comfortably carry out physical responsibilities? Able to make this a central commitment in your life?
- 5. Do you have a reliable vehicle?