Level of education: I am currently working toward my Bachelors in Liberal Arts with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology at The University of Colorado Denver. I will graduate in December of 2016 and plan to continue on into either a masters or PHD program after that.

Additional skills or certifications: I have taken addition early childhood education classes including Human Development and Early Childhood Education, my studies in addition to my years of experience working at the preschool qualify me to be Early Childhood Lead Teacher certified in the state of Colorado. I am also First Aid and CPR certified, trained in Universal Precautions and have had Montessori training by certified staff, making me extremely knowledgeable about the Montessori method of teaching and learning.

Experience: I have roughly over twelve years experience caring for children. I have always had an undeniable connection with children and a passion for both teaching and learning. I first began babysitting when I was about twelve and regularly babysat the summer before I was old enough to get a job. When I was 16 I started working as a Teachers Assistant after school at a preschool. I learned a lot about children and how differently each learns, as I was responsible for helping with up to 12 three year olds. When I was 19, I moved to Boulder and began working at a preschool. I am now 24 years old and have been a member of the staff for almost five years now. While working at there, I have gained an immeasurable amount of knowledge, compassion and understanding of children. I have been a Teachers Assistant for the preschool program, the “extended day” and now I am primarily in the toddler classroom. Preschool classes are a group of children mixed ages two and half through five, the extended day program is for children who turn 5 early in the school year and is a supplemental kindergarten program and the toddlers are ages 18 months to two and a half years old. I am very familiar with the Montessori method and I have also worked as a nanny and occasional babysitter for numerous families in the community.

Experience with the following age groups: Infants, toddlers, preschool ages, early elementary school ages

Interests and hobbies:I am a very active person and have a variety of interests. I absolutely love yoga and practice daily. I like to be outside, so of course hiking, biking and swimming are among some of my favorite activities along with group fitness classes. I lead a very healthy lifestyle and love to cook accordingly! I am also extremely passionate about my studies in psychology and human development. Aside from that I have a few random hobbies including painting, drawing, jewelry making and gardening.

Describe your childcare style:I like to build a relationship between the child and I based upon love, understanding and respect. I want the child to feel safe and know they can trust me and in doing this I know boundaries are necessary. My Montessori background definitely has an extremely strong influence in my childcare style. I know the importance of allowing the child room to grow into their own person. I encourage individual decision making with positive feedback and redirect any challenging behaviors in a way that allows the child to feel a sense of control.

What activities do you like to do with children:I am a very energetic person and love to keep busy with children. I think it is very important that children spend time outside and in nature, so I love any outdoor activity the child has an interest in. I think it is important to have a variety of activities as the child learns from these various experiences. Arts and crafts are a favorite indoor or outdoor activity. Allowing the child to help with things like cooking is a great way to promote healthfulness and independence. I love reading, dancing, singing and any activity that fosters creativity and encourages the child to use his or her imagination. While I love to have fun and be goofy with the children I also know the importance of healthy boundaries and limits. If poor choices are being made, I like to redirect the child as opposed to simply telling them what not to do. I will warmly remind the child what they should be doing instead. When the child is having a very difficult time listening or making unhealthy choices, I will give them healthy options to choose from thus fostering independence while also reassuring trust between myself and the child.

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? I absolutely love working with children and while I love my job at the preschool, working as a nanny and babysitter will allow me more flexibility. I also enjoy getting to know families on a deeper level!

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?A nanny should be loving, nurturing, reliable, trustworthy, quick on their feet, flexible, understanding, compassionate, empathetic, patient and most of all a nanny should believe in each and every individual child. I think it is so very important to know that every child is different and to be able to adapt accordingly to ensure the best possible outcome for every child!

Additional comments: