Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A school companion supports children and young people with physical, intellectual, or emotional disabilities in their everyday school life. The specific tasks depend on the individual needs of the child and may include:
Support during lessons (e.g. providing structure, motivation, or help with concentration)
Accompanying the child during breaks, on the way to school, or on school trips
Assisting with communication between the child, teachers, and classmates
Helping organize school materials and daily routines
Encouraging independence and social integration
Important: A school companion does not replace a teacher or therapist – they complement the school’s educational work with individual support.
Yes, that’s generally possible. At Schulbegleiter PRO, we focus on personal suitability, reliability, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility. While a background in education or experience working with children is beneficial, it’s not required.
New team members receive training, ongoing professional development, and expert guidance to prepare them thoroughly for their role.
Working hours usually follow the school schedule of the child being supported. This means most assignments take place in the morning through early afternoon.
Part-time positions are common, and in some cases flexible working models are possible – for example, if a child is only accompanied on specific days. School holidays are generally work-free.
Who covers the costs for school, individual, or bus accompaniment?
The costs are usually not paid by the parents, but covered by a public funding body:
For emotional or psychological disabilities (§ 35a SGB VIII): the Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt)
For physical or intellectual disabilities (§ 53 ff. SGB XII / SGB IX): the Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt)
In individual cases (e.g. for preschool children): the Regional Associations (LWL/LVR) may be responsible
Parents or guardians must submit an application to the relevant authority. Once approved, we as the provider take over the organization and delivery of the support.
Bus companions ensure that children and young people with support needs are transported safely and reliably between home and school.
Typical responsibilities include:
Assisting with boarding and exiting the vehicle
Securing children safely (e.g. seatbelts, wheelchair anchoring)
Providing reassurance and supervision during the ride
Communicating with drivers, parents, and the school
Their role is to create a calm, safe environment and support each child’s individual needs throughout the journey.
Parents submit an application for integration assistance (Eingliederungshilfe) to the responsible Youth Welfare Office or Social Welfare Office.
The child is usually assessed by specialist services.
Once approved, parents choose a provider they trust – for example, Schulbegleiter PRO.
We then take care of the coordination and provide a suitable companion for the child.
At Schulbegleiter PRO, all team members receive regular professional consultations, team meetings, and training sessions.
An educational specialist provides ongoing guidance and support – especially when challenges arise in everyday school life or when reports need to be prepared.
Yes! Many of our team members come from a wide range of professional backgrounds. What truly matters is your social skills, patience, and enthusiasm for working with children.
We offer internal training and a thorough onboarding process to ensure that career changers are well prepared for their role.
Every new school companion begins with a basic training course that covers all essential foundations for the role. In addition, we regularly offer advanced training sessions on topics such as autism, ADHD, inclusion, and child protection.
Yes. To work as a school companion, you need an extended police clearance certificate in accordance with § 30a of the German Federal Central Register Act (BZRG).
This certificate must be free of entries and is legally required to ensure the safety of the children and young people you support.
Yes. In accordance with the German Measles Protection Act (§ 20 para. 8 IfSG), all staff working in schools or similar institutions must provide proof of sufficient measles immunity.
This requirement does not apply to individuals born before 1970.
As a school companion at Schulbegleiter PRO, you benefit from having your vacation time aligned with the official school holidays. This means you share the same breaks as the students – a great foundation for a healthy work-life balance.
You can use this time to rest, recharge, or pursue personal interests – without having to coordinate around school schedules.
erholen, zu reisen oder Zeit mit Ihrer Familie zu verbringen.
Yes. If you are getting married or expecting the birth of your child, you are entitled to one or two days of special leave for these important life events.
We want to make sure you can fully enjoy and be present for these meaningful moments.
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Simply apply via our contact form or by email with a short résumé. After a personal interview, we’ll work together to find a placement that matches your strengths and experience.
