Level of education: BAS in Early Childhood Studies.

Additional skills or certifications: First Aid and CPR certified. I took several nursing classes as well. Knowledgeable about car seat safety as well as SIDS.

Experience: 16 years! I have been babysitting since I was 12 years old. I have several younger cousins. My first paid nanny position was for a 1 year old when I was 16 years old. I provided care for him full-time M-F in the summer months. I look back and consider this where I fell in love with caring for and educating children. My next paid position was when I was 18. I was the assistant teacher in the infant room full-time while completing my AA degree. I then worked as a personal care attendant for 13 foster children aged 3-16 with disabilities who had been adopted legally by a lovely couple. This position helped me decide to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies. I nannied for another family with 3 adopted children who had disabilities. I earned my BAS in Early Childhood Studies while I nannied 30+ hours a week for a family with infant twins and their 3 year old brother. I also nannied for one other family part-time with a 6 year old girl. After graduation I accepted a position at an Autism Center doing ABA therapy with children. I ultimately was not happy in a cubicle for 8+ hours a day. I accepted a nanny position with an autistic, non-verbal 5 year-old girl and her 7 year-old brother. I loved taking her to occupational therapy appointments, as well as horse therapy, music lessons, etc. When she went to kindergarten, I found another amazing family with 2 little girls, one who wasn’t even born yet 😊 I stayed with them for 2 years before moving to Colorado. I have been employed with a family since October 2017 but am looking for a new position as they are relocating.

Experience with the following age groups: Birth to 17 years old.

Interests and hobbies:I absolutely love being outside! Growing up in frigid Minnesota helped me appreciate the weather here in Colorado. I camp, hike, snowboard, play tennis, and do yoga. I love seeing live music! I was a gymnast and dancer as a child and teenager and still love to do both! I am also pescatarian and am passionate about eating healthy, so like to get kids involved with preparing healthy snacks and meals!

Describe your childcare style: I describe my childcare style as having freedom within limits. I believe it's important for children to explore independently as well as together with their caregiver, but in a safe environment with boundaries. I believe it is important for children to gain physical, emotional, social, and cognitive skills that are learned through play. I use positive reinforcement often to help a child overcome behaviors. I do like to refer to Janet Lansbury books, but I also know every child is different and may need a different approach. I am stern when necessary but make sure the children know I am there for love and support as well. I also believe that kids benefit from routine, which I am very good at keeping!

What activities do you like to do with children:Depending on the ages of the children, I like to do arts and crafts on snowy or rainy days. I try my best to get outside every day with children. I love to bring them to lessons and watch them grow. I love going to museums, the zoo, butterfly pavilion, parks, etc. I also love to incorporate imaginative play every day! I use every moment as a learning opportunity!

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? It has always been my passion to teach children and watch them grow and develop! I have felt so appreciated in my past positions and been given nothing but praise when asking for evaluations of how I am doing as a nanny. I also love to organize and help keep the family's house clean so they can get home and spend their time with their children, rather than have to do household tasks. Overall, I just like to help make the parents lives easier while providing education and safety for their kids.

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?I believe being patient and loving are two important qualities in a nanny. Also being a self-starter is important. Seeing that something needs to be cleaned or organized and completing the task without being asked makes one nanny stand out from the next. Being efficient and organized while being able to multi task is important when juggling multiple kids, schedules, and chores! Being a good communicator is extremely important as well! I really value open communication between the family and the nanny when it comes to discipline, schedules, tasks, etc. I think a good nanny will tell them parents when they are seeing things that could be improved and offer tips on how to do so, but always staying respectful of the parenting style.

Additional comments:I am open to and have experience traveling with families. I value being treated as part of the family, but also respect the boundaries as an employee/employer relationship and hope to find a family who feels the same way! Overall, I just want to find the right family I can work with for years to come and truly enjoy going to work every day!