Classroom Mentoring Aide

What happens when a child with learning disabilities such as ADD/ADHD, behavioral challenges or a developmental disability such as aspergers starts showing signs of social, academic or behavioral struggles in the classroom?

Many parents have been or will be faced with this exact challenge. We have seen that children with these challenges can be successful if they receive personalized attention and one on one support. Teachers in a typical San Diego classroom with 15-30 children don’t have the time to provide this specialized attention. Too often children with learning disabilities or behavioral challenges get kicked out of preschools, or private schools or parents have to go through a difficult process to get special services or support from the public school system. And the struggles these children have aren’t just academic and in the classroom. There are many social and behavioral challenges that children with learning disabilities or autism face during recess such as bullying or social isolation.

Many of these challenges start in preschool and kindergarten. Based on parent and teacher feedback, ClubXcite in San Diego has introduced a “Classroom Mentor / Aide” service for children who are showing signs of social, behavioral or academic struggles. A “Classroom Aide or Shadow” is a one on one social and academic coach who supports the child for 2-3 hours every day in the classroom. He/she will sit with the child and help support the child to be successful in the classroom. When the mentor arrives, typically an hour before recess, he/she gives the child a boost to stay focused, then helps them have positive social experiences during recess and transition back to the classroom afterwards.

Many children with learning or behavioral challenges develop anxieties from negative experiences they have in school and social settings. ClubXcite San Diego mentors are there to make their day more successful and enjoyable and help them build confidence in their abilities and support them through their struggles. Also the mentors are there to bridge the gap with other kids. It can be very hard for a child with impulsive, hyperactive or socially awkward behaviors to engage in appropriate play with other kids. The mentors are seen as “fun and cool” big brother/sister type role models by the kids. It is easy for the mentors to engage kids in play and role model appropriate social behaviors to the child they are supporting. Their youthful energy and their experience allows them to facilitate positive interaction between the children.

Measuring Success

ClubXcite classroom aides or shadows in San Diego work hand in hand with the teacher, and any other professional the child and family is working with. For instance if a child is being supported by a speech, behavioral or occupational therapist, the mentor can help implement some of the strategies learned in the classroom.