PLAY Tutor / Instructional Assistant (Autism Support, Part-Time)

Relate & Grow is hiring part-time PLAY Tutors to work one-on-one with children with autism and other developmental needs in the Central Ohio area through engaging, play-based sessions.

This position provides hands-on experience working directly with children and is especially valuable for individuals interested in careers in education, psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, social work, counseling, or child development. Many of our tutors find this work especially rewarding because they get to build meaningful relationships with children and support important developmental milestones through play.

Position Overview

Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $16–$20 per hour depending on experience and training
Locations: Reynoldsburg and Dublin, Ohio
Hours: 5–10+ hours per week with potential for additional hours

Current Openings

1. Reynoldsburg (Home Setting)

Minimum 8 hours per week with the possibility for additional hours

Current schedule:
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

*Schedule may be flexible depending on family and tutor availability.

2. Dublin (Home Setting)
Minimum 5 hours per week with the possibility for additional hours

Current schedule:
Tuesday 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Two Wednesdays per month from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

*If these schedules do not match your availability but you are able to work at least 10 hours per week, we still encourage you to apply.

What a Typical Session Looks Like

Sessions typically take place in the child’s home and involve interactive, play-based activities that follow the child’s interests. Tutors may build with blocks, play pretend games, read together, explore sensory activities, or support communication and social interaction through play. The goal is to create meaningful engagement that supports the child’s development while making learning enjoyable.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one play-based intervention sessions
• Use PLAY Project and DIR Floortime methods to support social, emotional, and developmental growth
• Support learning and educational goals when appropriate
• Track session notes and performance data
• Communicate regularly with the supervising Relate & Grow consultant
• Participate in ongoing training and supervision
• Ensure the child’s safety and well-being during sessions

Who This Role Is Great For

• This position is a great fit for someone who is:
• Playful, patient, and creative
• Reliable and organized
• Comfortable working one-on-one with children
• Open to learning and receiving feedback
• Interested in child development, education, psychology, or related fields

Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• Experience working with children
• At least two years of college coursework (48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours) OR an active substitute teacher license
• Reliable transportation
• Candidates must also pass a background check and obtain an Instructional Assistant permit. Relate & Grow will guide you through this process and reimburse the cost after a period of satisfactory employment.
• First Aid and CPR certification is a plus but not required and can be obtained after hiring.

Training and Approach

Tutors receive ongoing training and consultation in The PLAY Project and DIR Floortime approaches under the supervision of a certified consultant.

These developmental, relationship-based approaches follow a child’s interests to strengthen communication, social connection, emotional regulation, and learning skills.

Why Work With Relate & Grow

• Flexible scheduling
• Competitive hourly pay
• Employee status (not contractor)
• Training and supervision in PLAY Project and DIR Floortime methods
• CEU financial assistance depending on role and caseload
• Liability insurance provided
• Workers’ compensation coverage
• PTO available for full-time employees

How to Apply

Submit your resume through Handshake

To learn more about Relate & Grow and our approach:
www.relateandgrow.com
www.playproject.org

Employee testimonials:
https://sites.google.com/relateandgrow.com/employeetestimonials/