Ruby on Rails Developer

Dalza - Building the Coalition of the Determined

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Remote but you must be able to attend in-person commitments where required

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Part-time (50% of your working week) · Fully remote

The Honest Bit

We’ll be straight with you, because we’d want the same.

Dalza is early-stage. That means lean budgets, evolving priorities, and a product that’s still taking shape. You won’t find big teams, established processes, or someone to hand you a perfectly specced ticket. Some things are figured out; plenty aren’t yet. You’ll wear real responsibility, sometimes with less scaffolding than a larger company would give you.

In return, you get something most roles can’t offer: the chance to own a backend outright, make the decisions that matter, and watch your work directly improve the lives of children and the families supporting them. If that kind of ownership and purpose is what you’re after, we’d love to hear from you.

Ready to join the Coalition?

The application form is the only way to apply for this role. 

APPLY NOW

We review every form submission personally. To keep that process fair and focused, we will only consider applications submitted through the form above.

Please do not send your CV or application by any other channel. We will not review or respond to:
– Emails to any Dalza address, company or personal
– CVs or messages sent to individual team members
– LinkedIn messages or connection notes to anyone on the team
– Direct messages on any other platform

Anything sent outside the form will go unread. The form is the only channel, applying any other way will not get your application seen, so please use it.

For genuine questions about the role, you may contact pioneers@dalza.com. This address is for questions only and is not a route to apply.

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For many families of neurodivergent children, the weight of that question becomes heavier through the first few weeks of the new school year. 

Many autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, and sensory-sensitive learners rely on predictability to stay regulated. 

When people, places, and pace all shift at once, their cognitive load and anxiety can climb, which makes it tougher to focus, follow instructions, or find their footing socially. 

Practical routines matter: for example, clear, predictable structures and consistent cues reduce uncertainty and support attention. 

You might also want to consider what experts call “acute monitoring.” In plain language, that means capturing quick notes, often daily or weekly for two to four weeks, to track how the recent changes are affecting your child and to adjust support quickly. 

What should you track when everything shifts? 

Keep it light but useful, just the breadcrumbs adults can act on:

• Sleep & morning start: tiredness amplifies anxiety and inattention.

• Mood & stress signals: clinginess, shutdowns, pacing, nail-picking.

• Triggers & tolerances: noise, crowded corridors, moving between spaces.

• Appetite & energy: dips and spikes often mirror stress.

• Social notes: who they sit or play with; who helps them feel safe.

Equally important is where those breadcrumbs live. School is only a slice of your child’s year (a child spends on average 14% of the year in school). What happens at home, aftercare, and therapy shows up in class, and the other way round. 

When notes sit in scattered emails and WhatsApp threads, the teachers miss patterns and parents end up re-explaining. Strong parent–teacher partnerships are consistently linked to better academic, social, and emotional outcomes; sharing a clear, current picture is what makes that partnership work. 

That’s where Dalza helps. It’s an award-winning, secure app that holds a living record of your child. One hub you control, where school, home, and therapy can see the same up-to-date essentials.

Tracking Patterns • Feedback • Action Plans (made simple):

• Patterns: Log short notes on sleep, mood, behaviour, appetite, and those tricky moments. Over a couple of weeks, the trends pop.

• Feedback: Capture input from teachers, therapists, and even from your child, how does this change feel, and does that shift week to week?

• Action Plans: When a pattern appears (e.g., loud assembly → overwhelm), agree one small tweak (headphones + movement break), record it, and see what changes.

It only takes a quick note each evening to start spotting patterns and feel the stress of trying to remember it all lifting. 

You decide who sees what, when (POPIA/GDPR-aware by design). If school staff or therapists change, all the necessary information is immediately available, so your child’s support doesn’t skip a beat. 

Change is inevitable; disruption isn’t. With a short burst of acute monitoring and one calm place for Patterns • Feedback • Action Plans, your child’s support stays responsive, and you don’t have to hold it all in your head. 

At Dalza, we’re here to make sure you never feel alone in this journey, and that your child has every chance to shine.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical or therapeutic advice. Please consult qualified professionals for individualized recommendations.

By the Dalza Team

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The post Why Can’t my Child Cope with New-Term Change? appeared first on Dalza.

The post Smoother transitions for kids with additional needs (and their parents) appeared first on Dalza.

The Realities Special Need Parents Face

Parents in this position often juggle:

• Endless appointments with doctors, therapists, and educators
• Paperwork for schools, funding, or accommodations
• Advocacy for their child in systems that don’t always listen
• Balancing the needs of other siblings and family members
• Their own emotions of grief, guilt, pride, and hope — sometimes all at once

It’s not just parenting. It’s parenting plus project management, advocacy, and constant problem-solving.

The Emotional Side of Parenting a Child with Special Needs

Special need parents often experience cycles of:

• Isolation – Feeling that others don’t fully understand their daily reality
• Burnout – Trying to be everything for everyone, all the time
• Resilience – Finding strength in small wins and progress others might not even notice
• Joy – Celebrating unique milestones that mean the world

Acknowledging these emotions is important. Parents need space to be honest about how hard it is — without judgment.

What Helps Special Need Parents Cope

1. Strong Support Networks
Having people who listen, help practically, or just show up can make all the difference.

2. Access to Reliable Information
Conflicting advice adds to the stress. Clear, trustworthy information empowers parents to make confident decisions.

3. Tools to Stay Organized
When life feels chaotic, systems that simplify the load are a lifeline.

4. Permission for Self-Care
Parents are not machines. Rest, hobbies, therapy, or even just five minutes of quiet can help restore balance.

How Dalza Supports Parents Directly

Dalza isn’t just about supporting children, it’s about supporting parents too. We designed Dalza to:

• Put everything in one place so you don’t carry it all in your head
• Keep teachers, therapists, and both parents aligned
• Reduce the stress of repeating the same story over and over
• Give parents peace of mind that nothing is being missed

When the weight is shared, parents have more space to be what their child needs most, a source of love and stability.

Final Thoughts

Special need parents carry a heavy load, but they shouldn’t have to carry it alone. Your resilience, advocacy, and care are powerful forces in your child’s life. And while the challenges are real, so are the joys — the small victories, the breakthroughs, the moments that remind you why you keep going.

At Dalza, we see you. We stand with you. And we’re here to make sure you have the tools and support you need to keep moving forward, not just as a parent, but as a person.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or therapeutic advice. Please consult appropriate specialists for personalized guidance.

By the Dalza Team

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The post Special Need Parents: Carrying the Load Together appeared first on Dalza.

At Dalza, we’ve walked this path ourselves. We know how heavy it can feel — and we know that with the right support, no parent has to carry it alone.

The Reality of Being a SEND Parent

SEND parents often find themselves:

• Coordinating between multiple specialists, teachers, and therapists
• Managing paperwork, reports, and applications for support
• Advocating for accommodations in schools or activities
• Juggling the needs of their child alongside work, family, and personal well-being
• Feeling isolated because others don’t fully understand the journey

This role is relentless, and it’s easy to feel like you’re never doing enough. But here’s the truth: showing up for your child every day already makes you more than enough.

Challenges in the System

Many parents say the hardest part of being a SEND parent isn’t their child’s needs, but the fragmented systems around them. Common struggles include:

• Having to repeat their child’s story over and over
• Miscommunication between professionals
• Long waiting times for assessments or services
• Limited school resources or inconsistent support

These obstacles can leave parents feeling like project managers instead of mums and dads.

What Helps SEND Parents Thrive

1. Information Sharing Made Simple
Having one place to keep all reports, assessments, and updates makes it easier to stay organized and advocate effectively.

2. Community and Peer Support
Connecting with other SEND parents provides validation and practical advice. No one understands better than those walking the same road.

3. Professional Guidance
Trusted teachers, therapists, and doctors are vital in helping families understand options and make informed decisions.

4. Self-Care and Balance
SEND parenting can take a toll. Looking after your own mental health is essential to sustaining your energy and resilience.

How Dalza Supports SEND Parents

Dalza was created to ease these very struggles. As a SEND parent, you can use Dalza to:

• Store and share your child’s full developmental profile
• Track progress, behaviours, and interventions
• Communicate with teachers and therapists in real-time
• Ensure both parents (and other caregivers) stay aligned
• Reduce the need to repeat the same information at every meeting

By simplifying coordination, Dalza gives parents back the time and headspace to focus on what really matters — their child.

Final Thoughts

Being a SEND parent is one of the hardest jobs in the world. But it’s also one of the most powerful. You are your child’s advocate, cheerleader, and safe place.

With the right tools and community, you don’t have to carry the weight alone. Dalza is here to help shoulder the load, so you can focus less on paperwork and more on connection, growth, and hope.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or therapeutic advice. Please consult relevant specialists for personalized guidance.

By the Dalza Team

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The post SEND Parent: Navigating the Journey of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities appeared first on Dalza.

Why Preschool is a Key Stage

Preschool years are often when ADHD behaviours become more visible. Unlike at home, group settings highlight difficulties with:

• Sitting still during circle time
• Following group instructions
• Waiting for turns
• Managing frustration without meltdowns
• Playing cooperatively with peers

These struggles don’t mean your child is “naughty” or incapable. They simply need extra support to thrive in structured environments.

Practical Strategies for Managing ADHD in Preschoolers

1. Create Predictable Routines
Children with ADHD thrive on consistency. Predictability helps reduce anxiety and supports regulation.

• Use picture charts for morning and bedtime routines
• Prepare your child for transitions (“In five minutes, we’re leaving the park”)
• Keep meals and sleep times regular

2. Break Down Instructions
Preschoolers with ADHD often get lost in multi-step directions.

• Give one step at a time
• Ask them to repeat it back
• Use gestures or visuals to reinforce your words

3. Build in Movement
High energy is part of who your child is — don’t fight it, channel it.

• Schedule short bursts of physical play throughout the day
• Use “wiggle breaks” during seated activities
• Include outdoor time whenever possible

4. Focus on Positive Reinforcement
Children with ADHD hear “no” more than most. Flip the script by celebrating effort.

• Use stickers or tokens for simple goals
• Praise immediately and specifically (“I love how you shared your toy”)
• Keep rewards small but consistent

5. Support Emotional Regulation
Big emotions are common in preschoolers, even more so with ADHD.

• Create a calm corner with sensory toys, pillows, or books
• Label feelings (“You’re feeling frustrated because the game ended”)
• Teach simple calming strategies like deep breathing or squeezing a stress ball

6. Partner With Teachers and Caregivers
Consistency matters. Share what works at home and ask what works at school.

• Set up regular check-ins with teachers
• Keep routines and language consistent across environments
• Involve specialists early if needed (occupational therapists, speech therapists)

How Dalza Makes Management Easier

Dalza was designed to take the weight off parents’ shoulders by making coordination simple. With Dalza, you can:

• Record your preschooler’s routines, preferences, and challenges
• Track progress and behaviours over time
• Share updates instantly with teachers and specialists
• Keep both parents aligned, even with busy or separate schedules

Instead of repeating the same story again and again, you can give every member of your child’s team access to the same, up-to-date information.

Final Thoughts

Managing ADHD in preschoolers isn’t about making life perfect. It’s about building systems of support that let your child flourish in their own way. With structure, consistency, and compassion, preschoolers with ADHD can develop the skills they need to thrive — both now and in the future.

At Dalza, we’re here to help you simplify the journey and focus on what matters most: your child’s well-being and growth.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical or therapeutic advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personalized recommendations.

By the Dalza Team

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The post Managing ADHD in Preschoolers: Gentle Strategies for Everyday Life appeared first on Dalza.

What ADHD Looks Like in Preschool Years

At this stage, ADHD often shows up as:

• Constant movement or inability to sit for circle time
• Difficulty waiting for turns or sharing
• Emotional outbursts when routines change
• Struggles to follow multi-step instructions
• High energy that overwhelms peers and teachers

Some of these behaviours are typical for preschoolers, but when they are intense, frequent, and disruptive, they may indicate ADHD.

Treatment Options for Preschoolers

1. Behaviour Therapy (Parent- and Teacher-Led)
This is usually the first line of support. Behaviour therapy gives adults tools to shape the child’s environment in ways that encourage positive behaviours.

• Praise and reward systems
• Clear routines with visual aids
• Consistent, calm consequences for rule-breaking
• Frequent reminders and step-by-step instructions

2. Parent Training Programs
These programs empower parents with strategies to handle challenging behaviours and create a consistent home environment. Benefits include:

• Reduced stress at home
• Improved communication between parent and child
• Practical routines that make daily life smoother

3. Support in the Classroom
Preschool teachers play a huge role in early intervention. Effective strategies include:

• Allowing movement breaks during structured activities
• Using songs, games, or visuals to guide routines
• Creating calm corners for children to regroup
• Structuring activities in short, manageable bursts

4. Occupational Therapy and Sensory Support
Many preschoolers with ADHD have sensory sensitivities. Occupational therapy can help them regulate and engage more fully in play and learning.

5. Medication
Medication is rarely the first choice for preschoolers. It may be considered if traits are severe and interventions are not enough, but decisions should always be made with the guidance of qualified pediatric specialists.

Why Early Support Matters for ADHD Treatment Options for Preschoolers

The preschool years are foundational. Support during this time helps children develop:

• Better social skills and peer relationships
• Confidence in learning environments
• Emotional regulation strategies
• A sense of security and predictability in daily routines

Early support reduces frustration for both child and parent — and sets the stage for smoother school transitions later.

How Dalza Supports Preschool Families

Dalza is designed to make this journey less overwhelming by:

• Helping parents track behaviours and patterns over time
• Storing reports, therapy notes, and teacher feedback in one place
• Allowing teachers, therapists, and both parents to collaborate in real-time
• Providing a living profile of your child that grows with them

Instead of trying to remember everything or explain it repeatedly, you can keep everyone aligned with just a few clicks.

Final Thoughts

ADHD treatment options for preschoolers is about starting small, staying consistent, and building a support system that grows with your child.

Every child’s path is unique — but with the right structure, patience, and teamwork, your preschooler can thrive.

At Dalza, we’re here to make sure you never feel alone in this journey, and that your child has every chance to shine.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical or therapeutic advice. Please consult qualified professionals for individualized recommendations.

By the Dalza Team

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The post ADHD Treatment Options for Preschoolers: Gentle, Supportive First Steps appeared first on Dalza.

At Dalza, we’ve seen first-hand how overwhelming it can feel for parents in the early days of exploring an autism diagnosis or even noticing early signs that their child may be autistic. With so many therapies, programs, and opinions out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin/hard to know where to start. This article brings together key principles of supportive autism care/effective autism support— and how Dalza can help you organize and sustain it.

Understanding Autism Support

Autism support usually spans several key areas:

• Communication and language – Speech therapy, visual supports, sign language, or AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices.
• Social development – Structured play, social skills groups, and opportunities to practice interaction in a supportive environment.
• Sensory regulation – Occupational therapy, sensory breaks, or tools like noise-cancelling headphones and weighted blankets.
• Learning support – Tailored educational plans that reflect your child’s unique learning style.
• Emotional well-being – Approaches that build resilience, self-confidence, and self-advocacy over time.

Support looks different for every family — and that’s okay.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Research consistently shows that early support makes a difference. This doesn’t mean rushing into every therapy at once, but rather identifying where your child needs help most necessarily and building from there.

For example:

•  A child struggling with speech and language may benefit most from early communication  intervention. 
•  A child overwhelmed by sensory input may first need occupational therapy to regulate their environment.
• A child facing daily meltdowns at school may need an individualized education plan before anything else.

The key is to prioritize, not overload.

Creating a Supportive Home Environment

Autism support doesn’t stop at therapy sessions. Home life plays an equally important role.

• Visual schedules help children understand routines.
• Calm spaces give them somewhere safe to retreat when overwhelmed.
• Predictable routines reduce anxiety and build confidence.
• Play-based learning turns everyday activities into growth opportunities.

Parents often underestimate the power of simple, consistent strategies at home.

Working With Schools and Specialists

One of the hardest parts of autism support is making sure everyone — parents, teachers, therapists, doctors — is on the same page. Miscommunication is common, and it can leave parents feeling like they’re the only ones holding it all together.

That’s where Dalza steps in. Our platform lets you:

• Keep all assessments, reports, and notes in one place.
• Share your child’s profile with teachers and therapists.
• Track behaviour, progress, and feedback in real-time.
• Ensure both parents stay updated, even if time and schedules make communication tough.

When everyone has access to the same picture, support becomes more consistent and effective.

Building a Long-Term Plan

Autism is lifelong, and support evolves as your child grows. What works at age 4 may not be enough at age 10, and what works in primary school may need to shift in high school.

Think long-term:

• Early years: focus on communication, sensory support, and basic routines.
• Primary school years: build academic accommodations, peer support, and emotional skills.
• Teen years: focus on independence, self-advocacy, and planning for the future.

Dalza helps parents build a continuously updated record so you don’t have to start from scratch at every transition.

Final Thoughts

Autism support is not about “fixing”. It’s about helping  children shine, in their own way, with the right tools and people around them. Support should empower — not overwhelm.

At Dalza, we believe no parent should carry the weight of coordination alone. By connecting parents, schools, and specialists in one place, Dalza helps create a seamless support system that evolves with your child.

You’re not just managing autism. You’re building a future where your child feels understood, capable, and valued.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult qualified professionals when making decisions about diagnosis and treatment.

By the Dalza Team

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The post Autism Support: Building the Right Network for Your Child appeared first on Dalza.

Why Parents Need Support Too

So much of the conversation about special educational needs is centered around the child — but parents matter just as much. When parents are stressed, isolated, or burnt out, it affects the entire family.

Parents often need support in three key areas:

1. Emotional Support – Someone to listen, validate your experience, and remind you that you’re not alone.
2. Practical Support – Tools, strategies, and guidance for handling day-to-day challenges.
3. Community Support – Connections with other parents who understand and can share what worked for them.

When these supports are in place, families are better equipped to handle the ups and downs of parenting a child with learning or developmental challenges.

Where to Find Parenting Help and Support

• Friends and family – Lean on people you trust. Even small acts, like babysitting for an hour, can make a big difference.
• Support groups – Local or online communities can provide empathy, resources, and practical advice.
• Therapists or counselors – Professional support for managing stress, relationships, or your own emotional needs.
• Schools and specialists – Many schools and clinics offer parent training sessions or workshops.

Sometimes, just knowing there’s someone else walking the same road is the most powerful form of help.

Practical Ways to Lighten the Load

• Create routines – Routines reduce decision fatigue and bring structure to chaotic days.
• Share responsibility – If you’re co-parenting, use shared calendars, apps, or agreements to stay aligned.
• Ask for clarity – Don’t hesitate to ask teachers or specialists to explain recommendations in plain language.
• Document everything – Keep track of assessments, progress, and feedback so you don’t have to repeat yourself constantly.

Dalza was designed with exactly this in mind: to take the burden of organization off parents’ shoulders.

How Dalza Provides Parenting Support

At Dalza, we know the parenting journey can feel isolating. That’s why our platform was built to help:

• Centralized information – All reports, notes, and assessments in one place.
• Collaboration tools – Real-time communication with teachers, therapists, and specialists.
• Shared access for both parents – So you don’t waste your rare five minutes together just updating each other.
• Peace of mind – Knowing you’re not the only one carrying all the details.

Parents who use Dalza tell us they feel less stressed, more connected, and better equipped to advocate for their child.

Final Thoughts

Parenting help and support doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it’s a grandparent who steps in to help. For others, it’s an online community of parents who truly “get it.” For many, it’s tools like Dalza that help reduce stress and create clarity.

Whatever it looks like for you, know this: asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. And when you’re supported, your child is better supported too.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult qualified professionals when making decisions about diagnosis and treatment.

By the Dalza Team

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The post Parenting Help and Support: Why You Don’t Have to Do This Alone appeared first on Dalza.

The Main Areas of ADHD Treatment

1. Behavioural Interventions
These are often the first line of support, especially for younger children. Behaviour support focuses on  helping parents and teachers create environments that are  structured, predictable and supportive of the child’s needs.Examples include:

• Visual reward charts that celebrates  focus, effort or task completion
• Clear and consistent  expectations for rules and routines
• Positive reinforcement and encouragement that recognises effort and progress 

2. Educational Support
Children with ADHD often struggle in traditional classrooms. That’s why individualized strategies can make a huge difference:

• Classroom accommodations (shorter tasks, movement breaks, seating at the front)
• One-on-one support from an educational psychologist or learning support teacher
• Extra time on tests or reduced homework loads

3. Therapies
Some children benefit from working with specialists who can provide additional support and strategies such as:

• Occupational therapy to support  sensory regulation, motor development and participation in daily activities 
• Speech therapy to strengthen communication, self-expression and understanding
• Social skills groups to provide guided opportunities for practicing and building confidence  in peer interactions

4. Medication
For some families, medication is part of the plan. Stimulants and non-stimulant medications can reduce ADHD symptoms, but they are not a cure. They work best when combined with other supports, and require careful monitoring by a qualified doctor.

Why Early Childhood ADHD Treatment Matters

ADHD doesn’t go away on its own. Left unsupported, it can affect school achievement, social development, and emotional well-being. Early treatment can:

• Reduce frustration and conflict at home
• Help your child build self-confidence
• Improve relationships with peers and teachers
• Set the stage for long-term coping strategies

Even small steps early on can make a big difference.

What Parents Can Do

• Learn about ADHD – The more you understand, the better you can advocate.
• Keep notes – Track behaviour, sleep, and responses to different strategies.
• Collaborate with schools – Share what works at home and ask what works at school.
• Seek professional guidance – Don’t feel like you have to make decisions alone.

How Dalza Supports the Treatment Journey

One of the biggest frustrations parents tell us about is having to repeat themselves — at every new appointment, to every new teacher, every year. Dalza was designed to solve this problem.

With Dalza, you can:

• Store reports, assessments, and medication notes in one place
• Track your child’s progress over time
• Share updates instantly with teachers and therapists
• Keep both parents aligned, even in busy or separated households

It’s not a treatment in itself — but it makes every treatment more effective by keeping your child’s entire support system connected.

Final Thoughts

Childhood ADHD treatment isn’t a straight road. It’s a journey of trial, adjustment, and collaboration. What works today may need to be revisited tomorrow — and that’s okay.

The most important thing to remember is this: your child is not defined by their diagnosis. With the right supports in place, they can thrive, learn, and build a future full of possibility.

At Dalza, we’re here to make sure you don’t have to carry the weight of this journey alone.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or therapeutic advice. Please consult appropriate specialists for individualized recommendations.

The post Childhood ADHD Treatment: Finding the Right Approach for Your Child appeared first on Dalza.