Part-time mother's helper for 8 year old boy

Schedule: 3–4 days/week, 4 hours/day (ideally something like 3pm - 7pm, occasional weekends would be a bonus). We can be flexible on which days of the week you work. About the role We're looking for an energetic, patient mother's helper to spend quality time with our son Lucas and provide some light household support during the visit. Lucas has autism but it quite high functioning. He is a sweet boy and generally easy to get along with. This is a great fit for someone who genuinely enjoys hands-on play and doesn't mind a bit of kitchen/tidying work mixed in. What you'd be doing With Lucas (the main focus):

• Initiating and leading play — Lucas doesn't play independently for long stretches, so we need someone comfortable going along with Lucas’s play (currently he’s very into playing baseball outside) and also coming up with games, activities, and ideas
• Helping Lucas do his Occupational Therapy exercises
• Supporting smooth transitions between activities, ex. Moving to dinner time. (a heads-up before wrapping up, extra patience moving from one thing to the next)
• Comfortable meeting him where he's at socially/communication-wise, rather than expecting him to adapt to a "typical" play style
• Following his interests and energy level, adapting as needed

• Simple kids' meal prep (snacks, lunch, easy recipes)
• Light tidying (kids' spaces, kitchen cleanup after meals)
• Helping tidy the kitchen before kids arrive home from school

• Experience with children who need an active, engaged play partner — someone who initiates rather than waits to be directed
• Patience with attention/focus support and transitions between activities (experience with neurodivergent kids is a strong plus, but not required if you have the right instincts)
• Comfortable in the kitchen with basic meal prep
• Reliable and consistent — Lucas will do best with someone he sees regularly
• Warm, energetic, and comfortable meeting a kid where he's at

• We also have a daughter (11) who has her own routine. This role is more focused on Lucas but there may be times when our daughter needs attention as well.
• Open to candidates with a range of backgrounds; what matters most is genuine comfort with active, kid-led play.
• We have a 5 month old puppy so must be comfortable with dogs
• If you have your own car and could do occasional school pick-ups that would be a bonus
• $20-$25/hr depending on experience and fit