Level of education: B.S. degree in Elementary Education

Additional skills or certifications: I have current CPR and First Aid certification.

Experience: I have over 18 years experience teaching and caring for children, 10 of which include toddler, preschool and early school age classroom environments. Since 2012, I have done short-term and long-term nanny positions with several families in the Fort Collins, Longmont, and Boulder areas.

Experience with the following age groups: The range of age groups I have worked with and cared for includes 12-14 months and walking independently, up to 7 to 8 years of age. The ages I specialize in are children from 14+ months to 3 or 4 years of age. I am definitely open to working with older children as well.

Interests and hobbies:Road biking, hiking, walking, going to the library for children's books and books to help increase my professional knowledge and advocacy of the latest in childhood education and research, And casual, non-competitive tennis and ping pong.

Describe your childcare style:My style of childcare entails prioritizing safety, while emphasizing learning, fun, and creative play. I love reading to children of all ages, and often mimic the emotions in books to help children's connections to the stories and characters. I ask how and why questions to fuel children's interests and to engage their inquiring minds and imaginations. With children under 2 years of age, I especially enjoy observing their play, interests, and curiosities. I realize by building and creating open ended activities, children's individual and developmental growth is supported and encouraged. In many instances, I feel there is a happy medium to be discovered, with young children, as they are observed engaging in hands-on activities and experiences. Specifically, I let them show me when they are ready to try new or more challenging skills and activities. I also role model courtesy and good manners with children. When an inappropriate behavior arises, rather than giving a time out, I choose to try to redirect, giving positive alternatives and explaining consequences. Natural consequences are an effective "teacher." I will always follow the parents' directions and style.

What activities do you like to do with children:Depending on the children's age, interest, and developmental readiness levels, I will offer personalized activities. These activities range from reading books, walks in the neighborhood, singing songs and fingerplays, active and creative play at parks, process based open ended arts and crafts, science experiments, educational games, puzzles, cultural events, museums, and field trips.

Why are you interested in working as a Nanny or Babysitter? I am very interested in working with and helping children as a nanny because it is my passion and a joy. I take pride in the positive impact I have seen and made with children, who are our future!

What qualities are important in a Nanny or Babysitter?The qualities which I emphasize as being important are: dependability, integrity, responsibility, respectfulness, enthusiasm, flexibility towards alternative ideas or techniques, playfulness and being a lifelong learner.

Additional comments:I look forward to meeting you!