Life as a Care Professional
What is working with an Apex family like?
At Apex Social, we are passionate about creating long-lasting connections between families and care professionals. You’ll find that we ask a lot of questions about your hobbies, lifestyle and preferences so we can support you in finding a compatible family - one that you feel comfortable living and working with and one where you will thrive, professionally and personally. Are you happiest with lots of activity and excitement around you or do you prefer a quiet and serene home? Would you prefer one child or multiple children? Whatever your preferences, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss them with our dedicated Matching Specialist and to interview with several families so you can choose the fit that is right for you.
Once you’re matched with a family, you’ll have the opportunity to use your education and experience to foster your host child’s development. Working in your family’s home will provide you with a dynamic experience as no two days are alike.
A Typical Day of Work Might Include:
- Leading the children in their morning routine
- Helping children with activities such as stretching, following a visual schedule or training in self-care activities
- Preparing a healthy breakfast for the kids
- Checking school supplies
- Transitioning kids to school online or in person
- Providing learning support
- Preparing a healthy lunch
- Taking children outside for a walk or outdoor activities
- Participating in therapies with the child
- Consulting with therapy team members regarding therapy homework for the week
- Providing opportunities for play, creative activities, exercise, or other types of enriching activities tailored to their abilities
- Connecting with parents for a smooth transition at the end of the day and providing feedback about the day
Your time working with your host family will give you opportunities to broaden your horizon in so many ways! As a care professional, you’ll also grow “soft skills” by working with children in a home setting. We have found that many of our care professionals gain skills in:
- Multi-tasking – Between juggling therapy sessions, preparing meals, and helping children get ready for school
- Organization – By analyzing the child’s schedule and planning out how to best accomplish goals you may set for them
- Communication – Through providing feedback to parents on their child’s therapy sessions or calming sibling rivalries
What is living with an Apex host family like?
Many prospective care professionals wonder what living with an Apex family is like. While no two situations are the same, you’ll find that all our families share a desire to build a strong partnership with you to better the lives of their children, support both your professional and personal development and
create an attractive living environment for you to feel comfortable in.
Apex families value their care professional’s privacy and are required to provide a comfortable private room for your home away from home. And, while you will be working and living in the same environment, you’ll have a set schedule so that you can clearly separate work and personal time. You’ll have the benefit of no commute, a safe work environment and being a valued member of a family team! You’ll also have the benefit of being included as a member of the family with perks like vacation travel and local memberships while at the same time having ample free-time to explore a new area and make new friends.
What will I do in my free time?
When you work with an Apex family, you will have at least 1.5 consecutive days off each week and one full weekend per month.
This gives you time to recharge and also to explore your new local community!
You will also enjoy two weeks of paid time off during your Apex year and will have the chance to plan fun and exciting adventures! At Apex, we love to see all of the adventures our participants have - from road trips to swimming with dolphins to exploring National Parks and attending our Annual Surf Outing in San Clemente, CA.
Where do you want to explore during your time off?
Your host family will also contribute $500 towards your continuing education. Your local Area Director can recommend local colleges you can attend as well as our partner Universities who offer online certificate and graduate programs in education and special education.
The Apex Social community values volunteerism and our care professionals often volunteer at local schools, equine therapy centers, food kitchens and more. Opportunity awaits you and our team will be there to help you find lots of interesting, fun and educational ways to fill your free time!
What additional support does Apex Social provide?
Once you start with a family, you’re not left on your own! You’ll enjoy the full support of Apex Social throughout your placement experience. A local Apex Area Director will conduct an in-home arrival orientation to make sure your placement gets off to a great start and from there, she will check-in with you on a monthly basis or more often as needed. Plus, your local Area Director will connect you with local Apex care professionals in your new community who are working and living with Apex families and organize monthly activities for your group. Our care professionals have enjoyed backyard pool parties, hung out at festivals, attended baseball games, gone bowling, volunteered together and more! Our goal at Apex Social is your success!