More than a sitter — a trained, trusted buddy your child can build a relationship with.
Support for children and teens who may benefit from extra supervision, structure, companionship, social interaction, routine support, community involvement, and individual attention.
For Parents: dependable support built around your child
Every child is different. Our goal is to match families with a Companion Buddy who can provide positive, consistent, age-appropriate non-medical support while respecting each child’s communication style, routines, interests, preferences, and family expectations.
We don’t just recruit workers. We develop them.
Companion Buddies move through a structured workforce pathway before placement: application, screening, training, internal certificate completion, interview, family matching, supervised experience, and advancement opportunities.
- Apply
- Screen — identity, references, background history and role-specific checks.
- Train — boundaries, safety, communication, autism/developmental-disability awareness, sensory awareness, routines, confidentiality, incident reporting, emergency procedures, CPR/First Aid where required, transportation safety and family communication.
- Complete the Wilkes Academy Companion Support Certificate — an internal training certificate, not a Florida professional license.
- Interview & Employment Opportunity
- Family Match — based on availability, experience, age group, interests, communication needs, transportation and requested support.
- Grow — Companion Buddy → Developmental Support Companion → Respite Support Pathway → Direct-Care/Personal-Support Pathway → Lead Companion → Supervisor/Coordinator.
Service Scope & Safety Notice
Wilkes Companion Buddy Services are designed to provide non-medical companionship, supervision, recreational support, community participation, routine assistance and other services permitted within the company’s authorized scope of operation. Companion Buddy Services are not represented as ABA therapy, behavioral therapy, mental-health treatment, nursing, medical treatment, occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech therapy. Services requiring professional licensure, government authorization, Medicaid/APD enrollment, certification or additional training will only be offered after applicable requirements are satisfied.
Ready to request a Companion Buddy?
Tell us about your child, the support you need, your schedule and how services may be paid for.