The student, at the age of 17, presents a complex and multifaceted profile, indicative of someone who is on the autism spectrum. Her journey through life has been marked by both remarkable strengths and formidable challenges, making her a unique and intricate individual.
She possesses a deep passion and knowledge for cat breeding. She aspires to establish a cattery and has taken proactive steps towards this goal by registering as an official cat breeder with two recognized organizations in America. Her connection with cats extends beyond a mere hobby; it’s a profound part of her identity. It is through these feline companions that she finds solace and a sense of purpose, a path back to her own version of normality. Her passion for breeding and showing cats signifies not only her dedication but also her desire to make a commercial venture out of it. This endeavor not only represents a potential source of livelihood but also a therapeutic outlet for her.
The young lady's academic path has been anything but straightforward. Her struggles with mental health, particularly depression, have cast a shadow over her educational journey. These emotional challenges have been further compounded by the impact of medication, which has presented formidable obstacles. The side effects of these medications have not only affected her cognitive functions but have also had a profound impact on her emotional well-being. This complex interplay of mental health and academics necessitates a tailored and empathetic educational approach.
One poignant aspect of her life is her living arrangement. At present, her father still feels the need to sleep inside his daughter’s room for her safety. It serves as a stark reminder of her vulnerabilities and the level of care she requires. This unique family dynamic underscores the need for a Tutor who possesses not only academic prowess but also emotional intelligence and a profound sensitivity to the intricate nuances of such a complex familial situation.
It is crucial to note that the student is not currently on any medication, but her past experiences with medication side effects and self-harming incidents have left a significant impact. She has engaged in self-harming behaviors, which have been a way to cope with the emotional pain rather than a suicide attempt. Unfortunately, these episodes have left her with noticeable scars on both arms, leading her to wear long sleeves consistently. The scars serve as a visible reminder of her struggles and pose challenges, especially in hot weather. There is hope that in the future, these scars could be addressed or covered in a way that allows her to feel more comfortable without the need for constant concealment.
The student's daily routine currently revolves around spending most of her time indoors, predominantly in her room. This pattern of behavior underscores the need for a supportive and structured environment that encourages gradual expansion of her comfort zone. Her vegetarian dietary choices, while well-intentioned, may also require careful attention to ensure she receives a balanced and nutritious diet. Addressing these dietary concerns is essential to support her overall well-being.
The role of the Tutors is multifaceted and nuanced, reflecting the complex array of needs and aspirations that define her unique journey marked by her passion for cat breeding, and her resilience in the face of mental health challenges. It encompasses providing emotional support, encouraging her interests, and gently guiding her towards recovery and personal growth.
The primary focus in the short term is to utilize the transformative potential of her love for cats and create a holistic environment that promotes her healing and development. The Tutors' role is to support the student in regaining her confidence and rediscovering her passion and enthusiasm for life. This involves nurturing her interests in cat breeding and other related activities to create a positive and engaging environment that contributes to her overall well-being. The Tutors should possess a remarkable combination of kindness, extreme patience, a love for cats, and a background in animal science or a related field such as biology or medicine. These qualities are essential to establish a strong rapport with the young lady, given her sensitive nature and deep connection with her feline companions.
Moreover, the Tutor should bring a touch of entrepreneurial spirit to the role. This includes having some business experience, as the primary objective is to assist the student in setting up a cattery. This endeavor requires not only academic guidance but also mentorship in various aspects of entrepreneurship. The Tutors should be well-versed in creating business plans, financial planning, marketing, and calendar management. These skills are instrumental in helping her gain the confidence and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of establishing and managing a successful cattery.
Addressing the student's history of mental health challenges and self-harming behaviors requires a Tutors who is not only academically proficient but also emotionally intelligent and sensitive. The Tutors should be supportive in her journey towards recovery. This includes creating a safe and nurturing environment where she feels understood, valued, and emotionally supported.
Overall, the role of the Tutors in the young lady's life is not limited to academic instruction but encompasses being a compassionate ally, mentor, and guide. It involves creating an environment where her talents are nurtured, her passions are encouraged, and her emotional well-being is prioritized. The Tutors' impact extends beyond the classroom, shaping her journey towards a fulfilling and meaningful life, including development of social activities and peer interaction.
While supporting the student would constitute the full-time responsibilities for the Tutors, the role also includes aiding the mother of the family, who has been struggling and overwhelmed with the burden of managing various tasks and responsibilities on her own. This aspect of the role involves helping the mother with various household tasks, such as coordinating appointments, managing repairs, and offering general support. This part-time role complements the primary focus on the children's well-being and education. The combination of these responsibilities makes this job a 1.4x role for a Tutor couple, signifying the full-time dedication to the student's educational and personal growth, along with part-time assistance to ensure a well-balanced and supportive family environment. Considering the multifaceted nature of the role and the diverse range of responsibilities, the scenario suits a duo comprising a married mixed-gender couple or a long-term boyfriend/girlfriend.
The role with both the student and her mother allows for a minimum average of 70 hours of contact time per week divided between the Tutors. This is over the usual 56 hours for such a role. It is not known at this stage how much time will be needed for the student and how much for the mother, and the Tutors will need to be accommodating and flexible in this regard. It is particularly noted that while the family transition from their current arrangements to having Tutors around most of the time, there may initially be more hours needed with the daughter. The Tutors are additionally reminded that their hours are an average over the duration of each Term of the contract, and in is very likely that they will need to make themselves available for more than 70 hours a week at the start. This extensive daily commitment reflects the unique and intensive nature of the Tutoring services required in this specialized role.
The Tutors will be entitled to two consecutive days off per week. These days off are typically scheduled for the weekend, but flexibility is paramount. The Tutors must be willing to adjust their days off to accommodate different parts of the family’s differing plans and other commitments. This might involve periods of travel and times where each Tutor is on different ‘weekend’ schedules.
Annually, the Tutors will have a minimum of 9 weeks of holidays; the Tutors should not always expect to be off at the same time. These holiday periods should be scheduled in agreement with the family. The Tutors are expected to be adaptable to changes in the family's schedule, including travel and other unforeseen circumstances. Whenever possible, the family will strive to provide up to two weeks’ notice for any significant alterations to the schedule.
The family will provide separate accommodation near their home and will make a room available in the home for the Tutors; there may be occasions when staying in the home overnight is appropriate.
During travel, the family will ensure the Tutor has private accommodation but there may be occasions where the Tutor must share a room with the student. A car for local use will be provided, or a public transport allowance when more suitable. The Tutors must both be drivers. Rent and utilities for accommodation will be covered by the Client except for the Tutor’s personal phone bill.
The successful candidates will be able to offer more than the minimum requirements of this position and must have been raised in a socially appropriate background. They will not only be excellent practitioners, but also good role models: educated and polished, with excellent manners and personal values.
The Tutors must be fit, healthy and a non-smokers – active and energetic with a love for the outdoors; the kind of people who always makes the most of their environment to enhance teaching and learning opportunities.