Early Intervention Teacher

About the role

Autism New Zealand is a provider of early support services funded by the Ministry of Education. EarlySteps provides the earliest possible support to improve education opportunities, participation and learning outcomes for autistic tamariki with high learning support needs in the early childhood sector through the provision of effective co-ordinated specialist supports. EarlySteps provides an autism specific, neuro affirming, whānau centred, culturally responsive, inclusive and evidence informed early support service, supporting autistic tamariki and those with a probable autism diagnosis through to the end of Year 1.

Key responsibilities

• Provide high quality neuro affirming, inclusive, whānau centred and autism specific support for parents and whānau, early learning services, schools and other service users
• Provide a service and support that is culturally responsive and protect the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Strengthen the capabilities of those who are best placed to support the engagement, participation and learning of children
• Support key transition points in the child's learning pathways such as transition into the early childhood and school as required
• Enhance inclusive and neuro affirming practices in early learning services, schools and other education settings
• Establish and maintain effective service relationships with parents/caregivers and facilitate positive parent/professional partnerships
• Complete Ongoing Resource Scheme (ORS) applications in consultation with parents, team members and other educators
• Develop and implement transition plans for children receiving a comprehensive service who are six months from school entry in collaboration with the family/whānau and other team members
• Develop and implement inclusive programmes by working collaboratively with parents, whānau, caregivers, teachers/educators and other professionals
• Undertake supervision of education support workers, as designated

About you

• A Bachelor or Diploma of Teaching or Diploma of Teaching (early childhood)
• A registered teacher in New Zealand
• Have attained a postgraduate diploma in specialist teaching (early intervention) or intend to undertake the postgraduate diploma within the next two years
• At least three years early childhood teaching experience
• In depth knowledge of, and experience with autism, including knowledge of the Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guidelines and NZ Disability Strategy
• Ethical, responsible, and reliable with excellent written and verbal communication
• Highly developed relationship management skills, including building rapport, conveying empathy and understanding and creating a supportive environment
• Able to obtain and regularly maintain a regular satisfactory New Zealand Police Vetting Check
• Clearly speak and understand English, and able to work and live in New Zealand legally
• Current clean and full NZ driver's licence essential; use of a private car is also required (mileage paid)

About us

Autism New Zealand is a provider of early support services funded by the Ministry of Education. Our Vision is 'Empowering the autistic and autism communities'. Our Purpose is 'Every Step Together' - providing services and support, education and information to enable autistic people and the wider autism community to make informed choices, and to advocate for a society where autistic people are valued and supported.

How to apply

Applications close Monday 31st August 2026.

For more information on Autism New Zealand, visit our website www.autismnz.org.nz

For enquiries or a full job description, you are welcome to contact [email protected].

Please don't email applications through, please apply through Seek.