Autism & Inclusion Support Specialist
(Early Years – Montessori)
Barrie Montessori & Elementary Private School – Barrie, ON
Full-Time | Monday–Friday | 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
$22.00 – $30.00 per hour (based on qualifications, training, and experience)
Position Summary:
Barrie Montessori & Elementary Private School is seeking a skilled and compassionate Autism & Inclusion Support Specialist to support children ages 18 months to 4 years within our Montessori Toddler and Casa classrooms.
This role supports neurodivergent children, including children on the autism spectrum (ASD), through individualized, evidence-informed strategies that promote independence, emotional regulation, communication development, and social integration.
Our Montessori philosophy emphasizes observation, dignity, and individualized programming. The successful candidate will integrate autism-informed and behaviour-based approaches (including ABA principles where appropriate) in a manner that protects classroom harmony while meeting individual needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide direct classroom-based support for children with ASD and other neurodevelopmental differences
- Implement individualized support strategies and behaviour plans
- Support regulation, co-regulation, and communication development (including visual supports or AAC if applicable)
- Apply prompting hierarchies and fade support to promote independence
- Adapt Montessori materials and routines to meet developmental needs
- Document progress and contribute to goal tracking when required
- Collaborate with Montessori Guides, families, and external professionals
Qualifications:
- Experience supporting children on the autism spectrum (required)
- Background in ECE, CYW, DSW, Behavioural Sciences, Psychology, or related field
- Experience with ABA, behaviour therapy, or early intervention strongly preferred
- RBT certification or equivalent behavioural training considered an asset
- Knowledge of sensory regulation and inclusion strategies
- Experience working with children ages 18 months–4 years preferred
- Current Vulnerable Sector Check
- Current, valid First Aid & CPR certification (required)
Compensation:
Compensation is commensurate with experience and level of specialized training.
The higher end of the pay range ($28–$30/hour) will be considered for candidates who:
- Have formal ABA, RBT, or behaviour therapy training
- Can independently implement behaviour plans
- Have experience collecting and analyzing developmental or behavioural data
- Demonstrate strong collaboration skills with educators and external therapists
- Bring several years of relevant early childhood autism support experience
Ideal Candidate:
- Promotes independence rather than dependency
- Balances individual support with classroom cohesion
- Communicates professionally and collaboratively
- Demonstrates calm, grounded leadership in moments of dysregulation
- Aligns with Montessori values of respect, observation, and dignity
Barrie Montessori & Elementary Private School is committed to inclusive education and supporting the whole child within a peaceful, prepared environment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00-$30.00 per hour
Expected hours: 42.5 per week
Work Location: In person
