Tutor Information

Ways To Recruit Tutors

College and University Contact Information

Sample Flyer

Interview Questions

Things to Consider When Hiring Students

Things to Look For In the Interview

Tutor Information Sheet

Tutor Pay Statement Tutor Time Sheet

Tutor Rejection Letter

Independent Contractor Agreement

Sample Tutor Contracts

Surviving the Holidays

Instant Manager

Ways To Recruit Tutors

1. Email Flyers

One way to recruit tutors is to email college professors a flyer. Below is a sample email that might be useful. A list of college web sites and phone numbers is provided.

Dear Greensboro College Professors,

I am writing to you in the hope that you will consider printing this email and passing it out to your students. We are trying to recruit tutors to work with our son who is autistic. This is a great opportunity for students to have hands on experience. We are also willing to work with the college to help the students receive college credit for their work. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

(name)

 

Phone #

 

Make a difference in the life of a child!

Creative, committed and energetic tutors are needed to work with a young child with autism. This is a great opportunity for you to receive hands on experience with autism and training in a very specialized therapy! Experience with Applied Behavioral Analysis or Lovaas Therapy preferred but not necessary. Ongoing training will be provided and college credit might be available. Great pay starting at $ 9.00/hr. Dependability and consistency are a must! Please call XXX XXXX at 555-1212 if you want to be part of a team that will make a positive difference in a child's life!

Thanks!

 

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2. Hanging Flyers

Another way to recruit tutors is to hang flyers at various colleges. Below is a description of a sample flyer and things to include. A sample is included in this packet.

Draw up a one-page "advertisement" to explain what you are looking for in a therapist. Here is an example you may want to use:

"A VERY SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT"

(Photograph of child)

 

 

Hi! My name is XXXX and I am 2 years old. I like to play with trains and watch videos. I also like to play with Bert and Ernie and cars.

But, I am not like the other children I do not talk and play like them. I have autism so my mommy and daddy are looking for creative and energetic tutors to help me. Tutors must be willing to learn about autism, have fun, and should be very dependable.

College credit might be available and ongoing training is provided. Experience with Lovaas/ABA therapy is a plus but not needed. Creativity, enthusiasm, and hard work a must. Please call my mommy or daddy if you are interested.

• Be sure to include tear-off phone number tabs at the bottom
• Post on bulletin boards at universities close to your home
  
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College and University Contact Information

Greensboro College

Guilford College

High Point University

Salem College

UNC-Greensboro

Wake Forest University

www.gborocollege.edu

www.guilford.edu

www.highpoint.edu

www.salem.edu

www.uncg.edu

www. wfu.edu

336-272-7102 (main line)

336-316-2000 (main line)

336-841-4558 (career center)

336-721-2621 (main line)

336-334-5000 (main line)

336-758-5902 (career center)

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Sample Flyer

Hello! My name is Tyler

[Insert picture here]

I'm 4 years old, and I love to play with Thomas and Tank Engine and watch Barney videos with my brother. I also like to finger-paint and run and play in the park on weekends.

But, I'm not the same as all the other kids - I don't talk and play like them. I have autism. So, my mommy and daddy are looking for creative and energetic tutors to work with me in my home. You don't need to have any prior training or experience. If you love children, are responsible and dependable, and can commit to 9-15 hours per week -- then come join our team!

Training and ongoing supervision will be provided. Pay is $7.00/hour to start. People who have experience using ABA/DTT will be paid commensurate with their experience. Call my mommy or daddy at (555) 333-3333 for more details.

Make a difference in the life of a child!

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Interview Questions

5. Are you willing to be part of a staff and follow a strict curriculum and therapy rules set out by us and our son's consultant without ever deviating from it?

6. Do you believe that a child can recover from autism?

7. Are you open to being critiqued? (even seasoned tutors)

8. What do you envision working with our child to be like?

9. Why are you interested in this opportunity?

10. Schedule - Time: Assuming this is something you'll want to do, how many hours a week would you be willing to give?

11. Will you be able to come to our initial workshop?

12. If you weren't chosen to be one of our son's therapists, would you be willing to be reconsidered at a later date when/if there is "drop-out"?

13. Would you be willing to read a book about this therapy?

14. Other comments/questions.

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Things to consider when hiring students

1. School breaks (Fall, Christmas, Spring, Easter)

2. Class schedule and how that will conflict with workshops/clinics

3. Summer plans

4. Transportation

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Things to Look for in the Interview

• Rapport with your child
• Voice inflection
• Enthusiasm
• Maturity
• Experience with children
• Someone who attempts to engage your child
• Good social skills
• Eye contact
• Creativity
• Interest in what your are discussing

Interview Discussion Topics

• Your policy on tardiness
• Your policy on being absent/sick/vacations
• Your policy on video taping
• Your policy on workshops/clinics (payment, attendance)
• Your policy on team meetings (payment, attendance)
• Compensation
• Your policy on confidentially
• Special circumstances (your child's diet, medications

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TUTOR INFORMATION SHEET

Name _________________________________________________

Last First Middle

Social Security Number ___________________________________

Home Address __________________________________________

__________________________________________

Home Phone Number _____________________________________

Current Educational Status: ____________________ Sophomore

____________________ Junior

____________________ Senior

____________________ 1^st year Grad School

____________________ 2^nd year Grad School

Degree Earned: ____________________________________

Degree Being Pursued: ______________________________

Other Pertinent Experience:_________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Please list names of other families _________________________________________

you are working with or other _________________________________________

present employment: _________________________________________

References (Professional and Personal, indicate which) __________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

PAY STATEMENT

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

TUTOR NAME: _________________________________ S.S. #_________________

PAY PERIOD DATES: ________________________ HOURS WORKED: _________

PAYMENT TOTAL: __________________________ CHECK # _________________

.................................................................................................................................……….

PAY STATEMENT

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

TUTOR NAME: _________________________________ S.S. #_________________

PAY PERIOD DATES: ________________________ HOURS WORKED: _________

PAYMENT TOTAL: __________________________ CHECK # _________________

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

PAY STATEMENT

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

TUTOR NAME: _________________________________ S.S. #_________________

PAY PERIOD DATES: ________________________ HOURS WORKED: _________

PAYMENT TOTAL: __________________________ CHECK # _________________

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

PAY STATEMENT

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

TUTOR NAME: _________________________________ S.S. #_________________

PAY PERIOD DATES: ________________________ HOURS WORKED: _________

PAYMENT TOTAL: __________________________ CHECK # _________________

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

PAY STATEMENT

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

TUTOR NAME: _________________________________ S.S. #_________________

PAY PERIOD DATES: ________________________ HOURS WORKED: _________

PAYMENT TOTAL: __________________________ CHECK # _________________

WEEKLY TIME SHEET

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INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT

I agree to provide contract services to (your name) services and remuneration indicated below. I understand that my relationship to the (your family name) is that of an independent contractor and that the (your family name) do not withhold or pay on my behalf FICA, State, or Federal Taxes.

The (your family name) are required to provide a Form 1099 to all contractors who are remunerated over $600.00 in a calendar year. I am responsible for reporting and paying the required taxes on all remuneration provided me by the (your family name).

You will be paid on a bi-weekly basis beginning on __________________________ for services rendered. You will be provided a pay statement with each paycheck. Retain these statements for tax reporting purposes. You will not be provided with any other "itemized" statement at the end of the tax year.

Contractor Name: ________________________________________________________

Social Security Number:

Remuneration for services: $6.00 per hour for initial and any related training (to include

Accepted by: _____________________________________ Date: ________________

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REJECTION AND ACCEPTANCE LETTERS

October 03, 1999

Dear

Thank you for your interest in the position of an ABA tutor. However, the decision has been reached to offer the position to another candidate, due to their level of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis. Your enthusiasm and sincere attitude are commendable. If you have any interest in working as an ABA tutor with other families, now or in the future, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. Again, I appreciate your taking the time to meet with us and wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely,

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June 18, 1998

XXXXXXXXX

XXXX.

Cincinnati, OH 45239

Dear XXXXX:

I am pleased to offer you a position on Jeremy's therapy staff. Your first three sessions will be for training and observational purposes only and not compensated. After that time, your hourly rate of pay will begin at $ ______ an hour for direct therapy and you will be paid a $10.00 flat fee for attending staff meetings. After 90 days, consideration will be given to adjusting your hourly rate to $ _____ an hour with additional incremental increases as you become a senior therapist.

We consider your employment with us based on a status of "Independent Contractor" and not an employee or agent. Pursuant to this, you are not restricted or limited to providing your therapeutic services to a specific location. A Form 1099 will be provided to all contractors who are remunerated over $600.00 in a calendar year. FICA, State or Federal taxes are not withheld, therefore, you are responsible for reporting and paying the required taxes on all remuneration you receive from your work with Jeremy

By signing this document, I agree to abide by the following guidelines:

• I will arrive on time so that Jeremy gets the benefit of a full session each time I am scheduled for therapy.

• I understand that there are times that the Newport's (Judy and Dennis) are depending on me to be on time to work with Jeremy in order for them to meet other appointments, run errands or attend functions for their other children.

• If circumstances require me to cancel my therapy session, I will notify Judy and Dennis by phone (561-3344) as early as possible and do my best to find another therapy team member to replace me.

• I will not discuss Jeremy or his progress with anyone who is not part of his team unless I am given explicit permission to do so.

• I will keep things organized for the next person, so that valuable therapy time is not wasted looking for materials.

• I understand that consistency is critical to Jeremy's success. I will keep my notes about drills clear and concise so the next therapist knows what I did and where to begin the next teaching presentation

• I will remember that each drill is a fresh start, and that it doesn't matter what happened on the last one. I understand it is important to Jeremy that I expect him to do his best and that I maintain a positive attitude.

• I understand that, depending on the circumstances, it will be important to be consistent, neutral and firm, and that "giving in" in response to poor behaviors is not in Jeremy's best interest. However, I will never shout at Jeremy, nor hit or harm him in any way.

• I understand that while in training, other team members are in the room to teach and assist me. I will try to learn from other team members who are more experienced, and understand that suggestions are meant to help Jeremy's progress, and are not directed at me personally.
• I will do my utmost to let Jeremy know how great it is when he gets something right. I will try to .... Be silly! Be funny Be exciting! Be surprising!

• I will remember how important it is to smile and have fun with Jeremy.

• I will remember what is at stake for Jeremy - his future independence in the world - and I will be proud of the contribution I am making toward helping Jeremy meet that goal.

Please indicate acceptance by your signature below. An additional copy of this letter is provided for your records. We are looking forward to having you join Jeremy's team.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,

Accepted:

Date:

Social Security #:

Date of Birth:

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Surviving the Holidays

Katherine Lee, FEAT of NT

• Ask your therapists to not all leave at the same time. It never hurts to ask.

• Tell family members who are coming that this is a tough time for you. You need
  help, not expectations. Tell them all your therapists are gone. Explain it.

• Don't take on too much. Don't be the one to have every one over (unless this is relaxing for you). Keep in mind you'll have to be focused on preventing stimming, redirecting behaviors and following through, etc.

• If you plan to fill in therapy- don't do the 40 hours on your own. Talk about
  burnout. You will.

• Have your little guy or girl participate in every aspect of the holidays. Trimming the tree, decorating the house, everything. It will help that hurt in your heart and also be a great learning experience for your child.

• Have prepared answers to those questions family and friends will ask. I am still hit with questions, when I least expect it. You don't want to get angry and you don't want to become sad. Being prepared can help. If you want to stay away from the discussion, plan answers that change the subject. (I'm not being rude here. There are just times when it is not appropriate for folks to ask, but they will any way.)

• At night, when the kids are in bed, sit by the fire with egg nog and read a book (and I'm not talking about Let Me Hear Your Voice). Or watch an old Christmas movie. Do some thing for you!

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Instant Manager

Katherine Lee, (FEAT-NT)

As parents running programs, you have no choice but to put on the management hat anyway and do your best. And we must do it while we are learning to cope with and learn more about the world of autism. Here are some tips, learned by trial and error:

1. When hiring, make your expectations known up front, in writing if possible. You can use that in follow-up meetings with your therapists. It is a reference point.
2. Be as efficient as possible. Your team will look to you as their role model to what level they will rise. If you are late in meeting them for therapy, they may determine it is OK to be late for you. If you cause them to be late to another client, they may find it acceptable to be late arriving to your house if working with another client.
3. Emotions- this is the hardest part of managing a team. Try to leave them out of your management style. I still struggle with not showing emotion when therapists have to cancel, are late, etc. That emotion is born of concern for my child. Still, I have a responsibility to not take my pain out on my therapists.
4. Address your issues. Not flooding your therapists with emotion does not mean not addressing problems. If you let something go, it will be there underneath, waiting to accidentally pop up when you least expect it.
5. Prepare to compromise. When you discuss problem areas, you may find you and your therapist disagree. (i.e., He/she may not feel promptness is important. You do) You will need to choose your battles carefully. Perhaps having a therapist who comes faithfully but is five or ten minutes late is better than no therapist at all. These are decisions you will need to give much thought.
6. DO NOT BE HASTY IN YOUR DECISIONS. DO NOT SAY THINGS YOU WILL REGRET LATER! Give what you say a lot of thought. Think over your responses to all situations.
7. Make sure you tell your therapists they are doing a great job, that you appreciate them. Because of the stress we are under, this can be tough to remember. They need encouragement.
8. Communicate in writing your needs, changes, expectations in the program. I am constantly updating our communications plan to try to make it better. Writing insures that everyone knows what is going on and if there is a conflict, you can always look back at the memo to remember what was agreed on originally.
9. Be honest with your therapists when you are having bad days(weeks) emotionally. (If you are in a constant state of distress, you may want to seek some help from an outside source.) It will help them understand better the stress you are under.
10. Remember your therapists with a little kindness...for some of you this will mean remembering their birthdays...for others, dropping them little notes, for others, just paying them compliments. Whatever is your style.
11. A good manager always listens to his/her staff. Even if there is disagreement, he/she gives them the respect of listening. This can be hard, even volatile, when it comes to our own precious children. But it is a must to try.
12. Keep the confidence of your therapy team. If they tell you something in trust, tell no one else.
    
    
    
13. Don't gossip about your team or with your team.
    
    
14. Know your program so you can talk with knowledge about your child.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, remember that you did not sign up for this, you were drafted. You are willing to do anything for your child, which includes learning. If you make mistakes, learn, and move on. I constantly tell my therapists I am not a born manager, just doing what I can in difficult circumstances.

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