Center for Neurodivergence

Teacher’s Aide in School, Cebu

Support that follows your child into the classroom, so they can learn, take part and belong.

  • Child-centred
  • One team approach
  • Evidence-based
  • Families supported
A child doing a handstand while two friends hold her legs up, laughing
  • Classroom
  • Friendships
  • Routines
  • Independence
Supportin class,every day.

What is a teacher’s aide?

A teacher’s aide, often called a shadow teacher, works alongside your child in their regular school. They help your child follow lessons, manage routines, cope with big feelings and connect with classmates.

Our aides are trained and certified by CFN and supported by our clinical team. They use the same strategies your child works on in therapy, so support stays consistent from clinic to classroom.

The goal isn’t to do the work for your child. It’s to help them do more on their own, step by step.

Three children smiling together on a playground roundabout

Belongingtoday.Independencetomorrow.

Who this helps

A teacher’s aide can help if your child:

  • Finds it hard to follow instructions or stay with a task in class
  • Has meltdowns, shutdowns or anxiety at school
  • Struggles with transitions, noise or busy classrooms
  • Finds it hard to join in with classmates or group work
  • Needs help with routines like arriving, eating or moving between activities
  • Is autistic, has ADHD, a learning difference or another diagnosis
  • Is starting school or moving to a new school
  • Has been told by school that they need extra support to stay in class

You don’t need to have all the answers. We’ll help you work out whether an aide is the right support.

What we do

  • Stays with the lessonYour child gets help following instructions and finishing work, in their regular class.
  • Learning their wayTasks are broken into small steps, so your child can focus and complete work in a way that suits them.
  • Calmer when things feel bigThe aide spots early signs of stress and helps your child calm, reset and return to learning.
  • Friends and playtimeSupport to join in, make friends and manage recess and group activities.
  • Predictable daysArrivals, changes and new situations feel less stressful with a familiar person and routine.
  • A school that understandsWith your consent, we share what works with your child’s teacher so the whole classroom supports them.

How it works

A clear, planned path from your first question to your child settling in.

  1. First conversation

    Tell us about your child and their school. We’ll help you decide if an aide is the right next step.

  2. Understanding your child’s needs

    We review existing reports or arrange an assessment if needed.

  3. School agreement

    With your consent, we contact your child’s school to agree how the aide will work in class.

  4. Matching an aide

    We choose an aide suited to your child’s needs, age and personality.

  5. Support plan

    We set clear goals with you, the school and, where involved, your child’s therapists.

  6. Starting in class

    The aide is introduced gradually so your child can build trust and comfort.

  7. Regular updates

    You’ll receive a weekly report on how your child is doing.

  8. Review and building independence

    We review progress and adjust support, reducing it as your child becomes more independent.

Why families choose CFN

  • Aides backed by a clinical team

    Our aides don’t work alone. They’re guided by therapists who understand your child.

    Meet our team
  • Consistent from clinic to classroom

    The same strategies used in therapy are used at school.

  • Neurodiversity-affirming support

    We help your child take part as themselves, not hide who they are.

  • Working with your school, not around it

    We build a respectful partnership with teachers and school staff.

  • Focused on independence

    Support is planned to grow your child’s skills, not to last forever.

Connected care, beyond the classroom

If your child needs more than school support, other CFN services are available as part of one plan.

Teacher’s Aide

Courses for parents

Learn at your own pace, with video and written lessons made for busy families.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a teacher’s aide and a shadow teacher?

They’re the same role. In the Philippines, “shadow teacher” is the more common term.

Does my child need a diagnosis?

Not always. We need a clear picture of your child’s needs, which may come from existing reports or an assessment.

Will my child’s school allow an aide?

Many schools do, but each school has its own policy. With your consent, we contact the school and agree the arrangement before the aide starts.

Which schools do you work with?

We support children in schools across Metro Cebu.

Does the aide take over from my child’s teacher?

No. The class teacher stays in charge of the lesson. The aide works alongside your child and helps them take part, then steps back as they gain confidence.

Is the aide with my child all day?

Support can be full day, half day or for specific lessons. Hours are agreed in your child’s support plan.

Will an aide make my child stand out or become dependent?

Our aides support your child discreetly and step back as your child gains skills. Building independence is part of every plan.

Who guides the aide?

Our therapists supervise each aide and review progress regularly, so the strategies match what your child works on in therapy.

How will I know how my child is doing?

You’ll receive a weekly report and take part in progress reviews.

Does my child need to be in therapy with CFN to have an aide?

No. An aide can support your child on their own, or as part of a wider plan with our other services if that would help.

How much does it cost?

Fees depend on hours and your child’s support plan. Contact us for current pricing.

A young boy in a red bucket hat, with friends sitting behind him

You don’t have to figure out school alone.

Tell us about your child and their school. We’ll listen, answer your questions and help you find the right support.