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Anah J.

lauren — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:37:03 +0000

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I am currently a student at Fordham University Lincoln Center getting my Bachelors Degree of Science in Psychology. My expected graduation is this December 2011, which pleases me because it allows me to pursue what I love – working with children. I love children, and made sure to choose my classes in my academic career to accommodate my eagerness to learn about them. In addition to my academics, I also am in charge of the care for a child with special needs. I assist with the treatment and care of a child with Pervasive Developmental Disorder. From experience and knowledge gained through my undergraduate studies, I use Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) to help with her condition. I care for her 4-5 times a week and work with her behaviorally and assist with learning through play. It is my hope to find a family for whom I can provide stability and confidence by caring for their child/children.

Originally from San Diego, I left home to begin my studies in neuropsychology at Fordham University in New York. Although my class schedule has been rigorous and demanding, I have been babysitting for several families throughout my time here. My short-term goals are to pursue a Master’s degree in neuroscience and education and then to go on to a PhD in neuropsychology. My long-term goals are to work with children in neuro-oncology to assess their treatment and to help them cope with their disease. As somebody who struggled with my health all throughout my childhood, I feel that I have the best qualities needed to help children from all kinds of backgrounds. Furthermore, my experience with being sick led me to make friends with a little girl named Elizabeth. Unfortunately, Elizabeth lost her battle with cancer and passed away before I was able to say goodbye to her. I feel that this made me stronger and gave purpose to my life. Additionally, it allowed me to see my favorite characteristics of empathy and compassion in myself.

My hobbies include reading and listening to music. I recently started taking Krav Magaa classes and am learning how to play the guitar. I enjoy cooking because I am a vegan and enjoy learning new ways to cook my meals. I have always looked up to Audrey Hepburn due to her work as an ambassador with UNICEF so I spend a lot of my down time (if any) watching Turner Classic films.

Education

Fordham University, graduated 2011

B.S. in Psychology

Childcare experience:

1 semester at the child development center where I cared for the children for 2-4 hours a week in accordance with the course in which we learned about child care.
More recently, however, I have been in charge of the care of a 9 year old girl who has lived with Autism.

Availability:

For the 2012-2011 school-year, I will be available Monday through Thursday and am flexible with time.
I am also available for occasional weekend sitting.

Long-term availability:

Available until December 16, 2012

I will be SmartSitting while...

I will be SmartSitting while potentially attending either Columbia University or Fordham University as I intend to pursue a M.S. degree in Neuroscience and Education or Applied Psychological Methods on my way to receiving a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology. In addition to my academics, I am a research assistant at Columbia University where I work with a neuropsychologist studying a protocol for children and adolescents with various types of cancer.

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

My childcare expertise lies in pre-schoolers, school-aged children, toddlers, and special needs children (particularly Autism).

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

The activities and skills I enjoy teaching and sharing with children are reading, writing, crafts, music appreciation, and how to bake/cook!

Most memorable childcare experience:

Perhaps my most memorable childcare experience is with the child I currently care for, Natalie. Natalie is a special needs child with Autism. I met Natalie while I was studying at a local Starbucks by my University. She was in there with her mother and just ran to me and immediately hugged me and gave me the sweetest smile. Her mother subsequently asked if I can help babysit from time to time and I, absolutely taken by Natalie's presence, immediately accepted the offer.

In 5 years, I hope to be...

In 5 years, I hope to have finished my Masters Degree and in to a Doctrate Program where I will receive a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology. I also hope to continue my role as a research assistant working with children with medical and neurological disorders.

I am a:

College graduate, 2011-2012 after school sitter, full-time sitter, a special needs sitter

Ashleigh H.

lauren — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:33:54 +0000

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I recently moved to New York to pursue my love for theatre, music, and dance. Currently I work for Once Upon A Time, Inc., a performance company based out of Queens that focuses on bringing theatre to children and elderly who do not have the opportunity to see shows. I have been lucky to work over and over with children in some capacity through theme parks, dance teaching, substitute teaching, camps, children’s theatre, and babysitting.

Originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I hold a degree in Musical Theatre from Catawba College, a very small private college in North Carolina. Although I began babysitting at a young age, I did not babysit during college. Instead, I worked as a tutor for my college and began teaching dance to middle and high school students. Including my first teaching job in college, I have taught at six dance studios and two performing art programs. Through performance I have had the opportunity to share what I love with children all over the country! I toured with Theatre IV’s National Touring Children’s theatre for three tours and worked at Tweetsie Railroad, a theme park geared for children eight and under. I also worked as a substitute teacher in two school districts in Connecticut. Throughout my post and pre-college years, I have continued to babysit for various families, and I often sit for the children that I teach.

Although my primary loves are performance related I also love reading- both for myself and to children, crocheting, practicing yoga, and making jewelry.

Education

Catawba College, graduated 2008

BA Musical Theatre
Dance and Music minors
Honors Program
Alpha Chi Honors Society
Alpha Psi Omega Drama Honors Society

Childcare experience:

6 years occasional/ summer babysitter
5 years dance/acting instructor
year substitute teacher (preschool to high school)
year performer at a children's theme park
1 year touring actor with children's theatre
2 years Spanish tutor

Availability:

Mon-Fri 2pm-midnight
Occasional weekends and mornings

Long-term availability:

Available until June 2011

I will be SmartSitting while...

Auditioning for theatre and performing with Once Upon A Time, Inc., a children's theatre company based out of Queens, NY. I also serve as a substitute dance teacher for a studio in Flushing.

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

Pre-schoolers and up- but I absolutely love toddlers!

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

Dance (ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, etc), Acting and Improv, Music Theory, reading to children, jewelry making, basic Spanish

Most memorable childcare experience:

I have so many moments, it's very hard to share just one. With my students the best moments are always seeing my students perform on their own. I also have numerous funny potty training moments, and I was able to take one child to her first Broadway show! However, the one that sticks out in my mind involves a sister and brother (9 and 7), who I babysat over a summer period. I am an avid reader, and love to encourage others to read. This summer I had convinced both children to enroll in a summer reading program at our local library. We worked hard all summer to log their reading hours and work towards goals that the library had set. For the 9 year old girl this was no problem, but it was a bit of a challenge for the seven year old boy.

In 5 years, I hope to be...

An established performer and choreographer, probably head to graduate school to get an MFA in Choreography!

I am a:

College graduate, a Hamptons sitter, a 2011-2012 after school sitter

Ali K.

lauren — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:05:55 +0000

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I was born in Washington D.C., grew up in New Jersey, spent a year at George Washington University and graduated from Oberlin College this past May. I just moved to New York City and am thrilled to begin my post-graduate life in such a vibrant, multi- faceted city! In terms of interests, the anchor in my life has been art. I've created, critiqued, reviewed, researched, and analyzed it. I am a trained oil painter and take commissions. Recently, I helped paint a community mural in Harlem, mostly taking children’s drawings and transforming them into paintings. It was so rewarding to know that these little artists would walk past the mural every day and recognize their own creations. In my free time, I take dance classes. I love to share my knowledge and passion with others and would be thrilled to help facilitate a child’s creativity in whatever form it may take!

I have experience working with kids from elementary to high school. While attending Oberlin College, I co-taught a Spanish course for kindergarteners at the local elementary school, tutored Spanish at the high school, provided homework help for middle school kids, and assisted with a children’s after-school program. At Eastwood Elementary School’s After School Program, I helped with homework when needed, but mostly chatted and played with the kids. I found it extremely refreshing to spend time with them and was often included in their games! I love to work one-on-one with people and see babysitting as an opportunity to participate in a child’s growth and development. I seek to actively engage children, to spark their curiosity in the world. I hope to serve as a positive role model, an older friend to look up to, just like the wonderful babysitters I had growing up.

Education

Oberlin College B.A, graduated 2011

Major: Studio Art
Minor: Art History

George Washington University, attended 2007-2008

Dean's List

Childcare experience:

1 semester: high school tutor, middle school tutor, elementary after school program assistant
1 semester: co-teacher of elementary school Spanish

Availability:

Mon-Fri: 2pm-10pm
Also available for occasional weekend sitting

Long-term availability:

Short-Term

I will be SmartSitting while...

Tutoring, working on painting commissions, and preparing for graduate school.

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

I have experience with kids ranging from elementary to high school.

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

Art, Spanish language, dancing, reading, writing, and visiting museums!

Most memorable childcare experience:

By far my best experience tutoring was with Deb, a sophomore at Oberlin High School. We focused on Spanish. She was very easy to work with and actually interested in the material. We exchanged cell phone numbers and she was responsible enough to call me to confirm our appointments. She caught on quickly and it is clear that she understood what we covered. Her Spanish accent and comprehension improved greatly over the course of the semester. I made sure to correct her pronunciation and to look up all vocabulary she did not know. I told her to keep a list in her notebook so she could refer back to it. It was clear that in class, they did not speak enough and were expected to remember vocabulary the teacher did not cover. We would go through her homework together, but I encouraged her to try each exercise on her own before I stepped in. She would tell me stories about her family, her pets, the German her grandfather taught her. The more I got to know her, the more rewarding the experience became.

In 5 years, I hope to be...

A painter/professor of art! (Okay, that might take more than 5 years)

I am a:

College graduate

Sheila N.

lauren — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:16:03 +0000

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I am a Canadian certified teacher with 8 years of experience teaching preschool - 8th grade. I have been lucky enough to travel and work, and have taught in England and South Korea (and of course Canada). I have worked in many different schools and classrooms, and feel that my diverse experiences have greatly prepared me to handle any situation that involves children with ease. I have always been interested in working with children, and have spent much of my life doing so. As a university student I worked as a swimming instructor/lifeguard at my university pool, and city pool in my hometown. I also worked as a camp counselor at an outdoor camp, and then later as a supervisor at a residential camp, responsible for the counselors caring for the youngest group of campers called the Waterbugs.

I have tutored students 1 on 1, and have also led group activities which I implemented within a school, including an after school sports club, a math club and an art club. My undergraduate degree is in Child and Youth Development, which helps me to understand the developmental needs of children at various ages; this combined with my experiences as a teacher really enables me to work with children of all ages and to encourage them to grow and develop while having fun.

My hobbies include reading, and spending time with my own baby (my cat). I also enjoy running and being outdoors. As a newcomer to the New York area, I am having a blast spending free time checking out new areas and exciting places to see.

Education

Lakehead University, graduated 2003

First Class Standings
Bachelor of Education - Primary/Junior Qualifications

Brock University, St. Catharines, graduated 2002

Honor's Bachelor of Arts - Child and Youth Development
Thesis: Establishing the criteria for a sexual abuse prevention program for people with disabilities

Childcare experience:

8 years - Elementary/Middle School Teacher in Canada, England and South Korea
1 summer - Daycare Teacher (infant/toddler/preschool)
2 summers -camp supervisor/counsellor (preschool/elementary)
4 years - Swimming Instructor (all ages)

Availability:

Available at any time

Long-term availability:

Until August 2012

I will be SmartSitting while...

Studying for my Masters in Education and teaching ESL part-time.

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

Pre-school and school aged children, but I am comfortable with infants and toddlers as well.

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

All sports and outdoor activities, reading, dancing, baking

Most memorable childcare experience:

As a 4th grade teacher, I had the incredible experience of earning the trust and love of a student who had given up on teachers, school and adults in general. A student who was behind his peers developmentally, socially challenged and from a troubled home taught me about the world in a way I hadn't seen it before. After months of working together, we established a trusted and caring relationship, and this student was able to rise above the chaos in his life to realize that there were good things in the world to look forward to and appreciate. As he grew and became more confident in himself, he improved academically and made gains socially. Eight years later and I still think of him and how he changed my life, as much as I know I changed his.

In 5 years, I hope to be...

Making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children.

I am a:

College graduate, 2011-2012 After School sitter, Full-time sitter

Nira S.

lauren — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:07:45 +0000

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I am currently a graduate student at Columbia University studying Mental Health Counseling and have future hopes of eventually becoming a psychologist! I have always loved children and felt a great connection with them. I’m hoping to find a great family to provide sitting for!

I’m from New Jersey and completed my undergraduate degree at Pennsylvania State University. Up until that point, I had gained experience with children from babysitting and working as an after-school and camp counselor. My hobbies including traveling—after graduating I went backpacking for a year, then worked in NJ as a residential counselor at a group home for adolescent mothers. This job included direct service with the adolescents and their young children (10 little ones under the age of 3 in one house!)I moved to NYC in the fall of 2010 to begin my graduate degree and immediately found work for two families on the UWS. I sat for both families throughout the entire school year and loved my time with them. I had so much fun spending time with the children (ages 1 through 6) around the city- taking them school, museums, parks, and playing with them in the home, as well as dinner/bath/bed preparation!

My hobbies include yoga, ballet, photography, painting, and baking. NYC has an amazing amount to offer and I try to take advantage of the wonderful culture, art and music whenever I get a bit of free time. I’m flexible and understanding that life can crazy and unpredictable and I always hope to reassure a family that I can be there for them when needed!

Education

Pennsylvania State University, graduated 2008

B.S. Psychology

Columbia University

Teachers College- M.A. Psychological Counseling, 2011
Ed.M. Psychological Counseling, 2012

Childcare experience:

10 years babysitter
1 year after-school counselor
2 summers as a camp counselor

Availability:

Thursday, Friday 4pm- midnight
Saturday until 6pm
Sunday any time

Long-term availability:

Available until June 2012

I will be SmartSitting while...

Being a full-time graduate student.

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

I am comfortable with infants, toddlers, pre-school and school-aged children.

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

Yoga, ballet, photography, baking, reading and writing

Most memorable childcare experience:

I had a very memorable childcare experience while babysitting for a 6-year old boy. Last year, around the holidays, his mom asked me to take him to Grand Central to see the train show, which he was extremely excited about. I had spent much time with him building train tracks, reading books about trains, and teaching him about the different subway lines. The day was amazing for us; he enjoyed riding the subway down and his enthusiasm energized me as well. We spent about an hour where the train show was in Grand Central and then he showed me how the arch effect works in Grand Central (where you stand at opposite arches and can hear each other!). We got ice cream before heading on the subway back uptown. This day was really special for us and I loved my time with him, we shared true enjoyment during our trip to the holiday train show.

In 5 years, I hope to be...

Almost finished completing a PhD and en route to be a psychologist!

I am a:

College graduate, An infant sitter, CPR certified sitter

Nina S.

lauren — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:54:12 +0000

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I am currently a Public Health student at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Being a student I have a pretty open schedule, which allows me to do what I have enjoyed so much for years: work with children. Growing up as one of five children I began gaining experience with taking care of little kids at a young age. My parents would always joke that I thought I was the mother of my three little sisters based on the way I took care of them and watched out for them. Being away from them, and the three little children I helped to raise back in Philadelphia - Ethan, Gabe and Sophie - this past year has been difficult, but I look forward to finding new little sisters and brothers here in the city.

I chose to study Public Health because of my great passion for giving back to the community. I was raised with a great set of values that led me believe that every person could use a helping hand, and I know I am capable of lending it to them. I have worked with many large-scale non-profit organizations over the years including Invisible Children and Falling Whistles, who work to provide for children in Northern Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. But I also think it is just as important to give back to our own local underprivileged communities. This is why throughout my high school career I spent countless hours tutoring at inner city schools and working at day care centers.

But volunteering isn’t my only hobby. I also love playing soccer and doing arts and crafts. I have become accustomed to watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on a regular basis and know pretty much every song in every Disney movie ever made! It really brightens my day to see the excitement a child bears on his or her face on a daily basis, and I hope I get the chance to see that same light in your child’s eyes!

Education

New York University, expected May 2015.

Public Health Major

Childcare experience:

3 years weekly and occasional babysitter
1 year camp counselor.
3 years after school tutor.
1 semester day care worker.

Availability:

Sunday- all day
Monday- from 6pm on
Tuesday- from 11:30am to 4pm
Wednesday- from 1pm on
Thursday- from 1pm to 4pm
Friday- all morning until 4pm
Saturday- nighttime

Long-term availability:

Available until May 2012

I will be SmartSitting while...

Studying Public Health at New York University and hopefully spending a good amount of time doing volunteer work.

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

All children ages 0-10, but I am most comfortable working with toddlers (2-4)

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

I love playing soccer and doing intricate arts and crafts projects. I have been known to coordinate an impromptu dance party when there is extra time to kill, and am pretty much willing to get down and dirty with whatever the kids are into.

Most memorable childcare experience:

I had been working for one family in particular for couple years, and their youngest daughter (who I started working with when she was just a couple months old) was just under 3 at the time. Her parents had been trying to get her to move out of the crib and into her "big girl bed" for a while. One night when the kids were getting ready for bed I asked her, "Are you going to sleep in your big girl bed tonight?" She excitedly said yes, but there was no guarantee that she would follow through on this promise (as she hadn't many times in the past). But she humored me and got into the big bed, and I laid down next to her to make her relax enough to fall asleep. After she was out I snuck out of the room quietly as not to awaken her. When her parents got home they were thrilled with the accomplishment.

In 5 years, I hope to be...

Working for a non-profit organization having just finishing some field work in a third-world country (possibly through the Peace-Corps)!

I am a:

Current undergraduate college student, 2011-2012 After School sitter

Adrielle B.

lauren — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:08:22 +0000

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I am a professional singer, actress and dancer! I graduated early from AMDA, college and conservatory of the performing arts in Manhattan a little over 2 years ago, and since graduation have performed in national and regional tours across the country, in shows such as Dreamgirls and High School Musical! When I’m not booked for a show, I like to remain as involved in the arts as possible whilst auditioning for my next venture, which led me to working with children.

When I was in grade school, I wasn’t allotted many opportunities to pursue my love of singing and acting, as most music programs were cut in my hometown of San Diego, California. This inspired me to found a music school here in the city, Sing Smart Act Smart YOUTH! (SSASY singers!) Alongside with a few of my college voice and acting teachers, we started a non-profit organization for kids to take affordable singing, acting and dance classes here in Manhattan. I run the program and facilitate all of our outreach and scholarship programs (we always welcome more SSASY singers into our family!) and I also teach in-home private voice lessons to children. It is extremely rewarding to be able to share my love and knowledge of music with kids, and I couldn’t think of a better “day job” than to do so. I am also a studio manager for Downtown Dance Factory in Tribeca, and help run the dance program...I am surrounded by children all day long and I must say, something new and exciting happens everyday, which is a great perk!

In connecting with parents through my teaching, I soon became a regular babysitter for many of my voice students! I’ve babysat before, as a teenager in school, and now it’s even more awesome to be able to play and interact with the kids, on top of helping them.

Education

AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts Musical, graduated 2009

Theatre Major

Childcare experience:

5 years of collective babysitting experience (evenings, weekends and after school)
Experience working with children with autism
Teaching experience (voice and dance to kids ages 5-12)
Tutor in math and reading

Availability:

Occasional weekend and evening babysitter
Available Wednesdays and Thursdays starting at 8pm (end times are flexible)
Fridays at 7pm (end times are flexible) and weekends vary, usually any time after 5:30.

Long-term availability:

Available indefinitely

I will be SmartSitting while...

Auditioning for Musical theatre, running a non-profit musical theatre school and teaching voice and dance to kids in Manhattan.

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

Toddlers and early school-aged children but I am also quite comfortable with pre-teens and teenagers.

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

Music lessons (singing), Dance (ballet and Jazz), reading and math, and I love playing games and getting outside to play as well.

Most memorable childcare experience:

I loved it when I was babysitting for a five year old girl, Kayla. It was so funny, because Kayla threw tantrums all day and all night, until I came over to watch her. She never threw a single tantrum while I was there. I think she was trying to impress me! Usually it's the other way around... her mom never understood it. She is 8 years old now, and I am happy to say that through a few pep-talks with her, she no longer throws tantrums... not even for her parents! I love being able to be a positive influence and impact on a child. There's nothing quite like it!

In 5 years, I hope to be...

A famous Pop-singer, with a prominent children's performing arts center in Manhattan where kids can go to study singing, acting and dance at affordable prices! I also want to be an award-winning author and actress, and eventually have my own talk show.

I am a:

College graduate, Special needs sitter

Jessica K.

lauren — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:38:15 +0000

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I am an educated and interactive nanny seeking a full-time live-out nanny position with a family in Manhattan. I've lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for the last five years, where I attended Saint Mary's College of California and nannied. I have had both full-time and part-time nanny experience with a variety of ages (18 months-12 years of age) in the last 5 years. I have also worked with twins boys (age 5) and children diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and ADHD. I am CPR certified and can drive. For the last year, I cared for multiple families, equaling 5-9 children and 50+ hours per week. This experience has made me into a very flexible and well-rounded nanny. I'm hoping to find one family to grow with for the next 2-3 years until I decide to go back to school to obtain my Master's in Women's Studies.

As a nanny, I hope to act as a big sister type. I am very affectionate and silly, but I am also firm and can be very strict when needed. I believe that children need consistency, and I am very big on communication with parents and teachers in order to assure that issues and behaviors are being addressed consistently. My job as a nanny is to make your life easier and to help you raise your children to become responsible, independent, and well-adjusted adults. Healthy eating is important to me. I love farmer's markets, and I enjoy cooking and baking. I like to be active and to play, and I like to encourage kids to be active as well. A frequent saying of mine is "if the sun is out, so are we." I am also a former lifeguard and enjoy swimming. I love to get my hands dirty and to play intensively with children, but I also like to set-up situations in which children can play independently and freely. Reading, exploring, coloring, and having dance parties are also frequent activities I like to do with children I babysit.

I would describe myself as down-to-earth and practical. I enjoy the simple things in life, and I value modesty and sincerity. I appreciate directness and honesty—communication is huge for me! I try to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and I would love to join a family who practices the same. When I'm not nannying, you can find me in a bookstore or a yoga studio. I'm passionate about women's issues, anthropology, and the environment. I love learning about and exploring the world we live in, and I hope to encourage children I interact with to do the same.

Education

Saint Mary's College of California, expected Dec. 2011

B.A. Socio-cultural Anthropology (focus on Women's Studies)

Childcare experience:

2 years, lifeguard
4 years, volunteer Sunday School teacher
4 years, part-time/full-time nanny

Availability:

Tuesdays and Fridays: 8am - 8pm
Also available for occasional weekend sitting

Long-term availability:

Available until Fall of 2012.

I will be SmartSitting while...

Volunteering for the New York Asian Women's Center and volunteering as a Rape Crisis Advocate. I want to nanny in New York and volunteer with different women's organizations before I head back to school to obtain my Master's in Women's Studies.

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

2-5 year olds. I have a lot of experience with 3 and 5 year old boys, but also have experience with girls. I also have experience with twins (boys, age 5).

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

I love baking, swimming (former lifeguard and swimmer), dancing (took tap and jazz lessons for 10 years), reading, coloring, and am open to sports of all kinds! I also love being outside!

Most memorable childcare experience:

One of my most memorable memories is a day that I spent with two little girls I had the privilege of taking care of, ages 2 and 3.5. We spent 2-3 hours using our imaginations outside. We collected grass, flower petals, rocks, and even dirt and put them all in a bucket filled with water. We found sticks and used them as magic wands and spoons to stir our "magic potion." We even found some glitter to add to our magical potion (which, of course, I explained we could not actually drink, but we pretended to). We spent the day being fairies and witches, running around the backyard, casting spells and pretending to live in castles or caves. Later, we drew pictures of what we had acted out and built a fort made out of pillows. When they went down for naps, the 3.5 year old and I talked about how we would dream of being fairies and live in castles inside flowers.

It is so refreshing and so wonderful to get the chance to live in an imaginative world that kids can dream up! Working with children gives me the opportunity to slow down and to use my brain in a different way than I normally would.

In 5 years, I hope to be...

Working on a college campus at a Women's Resource Center, acting as both a counselor and mentor to young women. Working in such a position would allow me to positively influence students, whether by setting up workshops and events or by coordinating volunteer opportunities. It would give me the chance to be part of a community and to really empower individuals to make the world a better place.

I am:

A current undergraduate college student, CPR Certified, a 2011-2012 afterschool sitter

Quinn D.

lauren — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:29:20 +0000

Click Here To Read My Full Bio!

I have recently moved to New York City after finishing my undergraduate degree at Syracuse University. I graduated with a degree in History Education, and some day hope to return to graduate school and pursue a teaching degree. Although I love the idea of teaching, it is my passion to work one on one with children and build a relationship with families that will last a lifetime. Coming from a home in which both of my parents worked full time, my babysitters were major players in my life. They not only took care of me as if I was their own little sister, but to this day we still speak and I have had the pleasure of taking care of their children. I was drawn to SmartSitting because it makes it possible for me to not only offer stability to a family, but to also build the same bond that I was lucky enough to experience growing up.

I grew up in small town outside of Buffalo, NY. My family owns a farm and I love any kind of outdoor activity. As much as I love home, I knew I wanted to be in a bigger city, so I decided to test the waters and take an internship in New York City. Working in the Education Department of the Historic House Trust I learned how much the city had to offer and how much I loved working and teaching children. I specialized in lesson and field trip planning for K-8th grade at twenty-five museums throughout the city. I have also student taught middle and elementary school children in the greater Syracuse area and babysat for my bosses’ children at two different jobs throughout college and high school.

I love to work with energetic and outgoing children who are curious and love to learn something new every day. Sports, cooking, and arts and crafts are some of my favorite past times. For me, being active and busy are important parts of life and exposure to many different hobbies is essential in child development. I understand every child is unique and want to be a part of discovering their passion.

Education

Syracuse University,2011

B.S. Arts and Sciences
Major - Secondary History Education
Dean's List all four years

Childcare experience:

4 years occasional night and weekend sitter for 8 year old girl and 4 year old boy
2 years occasional night and weekend sitter for two girls ages 4 and 2
1 year occasional night and weekend sitting for two boys ages 3 and 1
Group Leader for Middle School summer camp program
2 years student teaching Middle School in the greater Syracuse area.

Availability:

Monday- Friday: 12pm- 8pm
Occasional late night, weekend, or travel sitting

Long-term availability:

Available until October 2012

I will be SmartSitting while...

Researching then attending Graduate school to get my masters in education.

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

Elementary and Middle school-aged children but I am also comfortable with toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

Cooking, reading, ice-skating, swimming, board games, painting/drawing, dance, interactive history (field trips), and anything creative!

Most memorable childcare experience:

My most memorable childcare experience was when I was a group leader working with middle school children. I had a 7th grader in my class that would not engage in activities and interact with the other children. When I asked her what was wrong she told me that she didn't need to try or participate because she hated school and was never going to finish so there was no reason for her to be there. Everday I would work hard and make her feel special and included, tell her how smart she was and how importante she was to the group. One day she walked into the classroom and instead of complaining about how much she did not want to be there, she asked me about college and what she could study if she went. By the end of the program she had gone from not even wanting to finish middle school to looking forward to studying English at a 4-year university.

Watching her transformation from beginning to end and seeing my perseverance and encouragement pay off was an amazing experience. To build that bond over a long period of time and having a child trust me enough to guide them in the right direction is a feeling I will take with me forever.

In 5 years, I hope to be...

Finished with my Masters and teaching history to 7th and 8th graders.

I am a:

College graduate, 2011-2012 after school sitter

Peter H.

lauren — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:25:34 +0000

Click Here To Read My Full Bio!

I’m a half-English, half-American recent college graduate trying to make a name for himself in the Big Apple! I currently work at a nonprofit organization that specializes in U.S.-China relations, and although I absolutely adore the work, for some time I’ve been hoping to jump career tracks and work in a field that allows me to be a little more creative! One of the things that I love about working with children is the sheer joy and creativity that their perspective can bring, and I would consider it a privilege and a pleasure to be given the opportunity to nourish that perspective.

As the oldest child in a family of 6, I grew up surrounded by younger kids whose welfare I always seemed to be at least partially responsible for! During middle school and high school, I began babysitting for various families – often friends of my parents or siblings – and found that I truly enjoyed taking care of children. I leapt at any chance to babysit, and I began to work with a few families on a semi-regular basis. These jobs sadly ended when I moved to America for college to pursue my BA in East Asian Languages and Civilizations (and to keep indulging my love of theatre!), though I was always eager and willing to help these families during my summers home. One summer I worked at the Olney Theatre Center in Olney, Maryland, where I organized children’s auditions for a production of Peter Pan.

After graduating, I spent some time in Washington, D.C. and London, alternately working as an intern and looking for more permanent employment. While back in London, I worked as a personal assistant to a family of three children who were relocating to Australia, providing me another opportunity to care for a wonderful set of kids. Finally, in April of 2011, I stumbled across a job opportunity in New York, where I’ve been working since. These days, I live in a house in Brooklyn with four roommates, two beautiful Labradors, two cats (one of whom, legend has it, is part bobcat!), and two chickens. When I’m not working, I spend my time reading anything I can get my hands on, drawing and sketching, scribbling down story ideas, and nurturing my love of HBO shows. I am also planning on taking design classes and working towards a TOEFL certification, so that I might one day be able to teach in China – something that’s been a long-held dream of mine!

Education

University of Pennsylvania, graduated 2010

B.A. in East Asian Languages and Civilizations (concentrating in Chinese)

Childcare experience:

After-school sitter for three years during high school
Occasionally an evening sitter during summers home from college
Worked as a P.A. for a family for 3 months
Which included after-school sitting duties

Availability:

Monday-Tuesday: 7pm-midnight
Wednesday-Sunday: 2pm-10pm

Long-term availability:

Available until at least March 2012

I will be SmartSitting while...

Working freelance as an online proofreader and editor for a startup company; possibly working towards a degree in teaching English and working up the nerve to move to China!

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

Grade school- and middle school-aged children (6-16)

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

Music lessons (piano and singing), music appreciation, soccer, Mandarin Chinese language, drawing, writing.

Most memorable childcare experience:

My most memorable experience was certainly my time spent babysitting a family of three girls, as I helped their parents with their upcoming move to Australia. I got to know them so well - I loved how involved they were with the move, and I was constantly amazed by how they saw it as a huge adventure instead of a potentially terrifying experience! When they did move away it was heartbreaking. But I stayed in touch with them as they travelled around the world on their way to Australia - especially with the oldest, Tatiana.

One of the things they'd been most excited about was an elephant reserve in Sri Lanka. But when they got their, the conditions the elephants were kept in were apparently appalling. The younger girls didn't notice, but Tatiana was horrified, and angry! I read an email from her that was utterly sad and indignant, and she said she was going to write to the Sri Lankan government about it. I wrote back and told her never to lose that spark, amazed that such intensity of emotion could come from a ten-year-old! Though it might not have happened while I was caring for them, I was truly impressed, and it made me realise how grateful I was to have gotten a chance to know these wonderful girls as people, not just kids. It's an experience I'd love to have again.

In 5 years, I hope to be...

Writing my own webcomic and possibly a book about my experience starting up a Shakespeare theatre company in Shanghai for Chinese audiences!

I am a:

College graduate, 2011-2012 After School sitter

Kayla H.

lauren — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:59:41 +0000

Click Here To Read My Full Bio!

I am a dedicated, loving, responsible, and most importantly, an energetic young woman that loves working with children. After recently graduating from college, I have been on the search for my career and life calling. Although I have pondered working in other fields, I have decided that the one and only perfect field for me is working with children. I have had years of experience and understanding with children and have been told by various family members and friends that my ideal job would be as an elementary school teacher..

I have had many years of experience working with kids from all different backgrounds. Last summer I was even fortunate enough to travel with a group of students to Accra, Ghana. There, we built a music and art center for an elementary school. During the three weeks of hard work, we were able to teach lessons to the classes and certainly impacted those Ghanaian children we interacted with. I have found that my various leadership positions throughout both high school and college have given me the confidence and communication skills to deal with any child, parent or family member while providing childcare.

I have worked with children ever since I can remember. I have three other siblings and therefore have always been around kids of all ages. I began babysitting when I was thirteen years old, and since then have found I have a passion for working with children. I began working at a summer beach camp eight years ago and have returned every year since then. The children I care for and teach surf and kayak lessons for range from ages 4-16. Besides working at the summer beach camp, I have also cared for infants and toddlers. While at Union College, I volunteered at a daycare in Schenectady where I worked with children from the age of two months to five years old. I was also been a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters for all four years of my college career, where I mentored a young girl steadily throughout the years. Overall, I consider myself a veteran childcare provider and have been trusted to care for over 40 different families throughout the Santa Barbara community.

Education

Union College, 2011

B.A. Sociology. Minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Childcare experience:

10 years, babysitter
5 years, camp counselor/lifeguard
3 years, head camp counselor/lifeguard
4 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteer
2 years, infant and child swim instructor
10 weeks, Daycare volunteer at YWCA

Availability:

Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm
Available most holidays/weekend/weeknights

Long-term availability:

November 2011-June 2012

I will be SmartSitting while...

Putting together applications and exploring options for graduate school.

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

Infants to teenagers. I have experience working with all ages but have spent the most time with children ages 6-10.

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

Spanish and Portuguese, swimming, all sports (especially basketball), longboarding, being outdoors, kayaking, experiencing everything that the day offers, laughing, yoga, cooking, expanding the imagination, dancing, finding balance in life, and overall appreciating being a child.

Most memorable childcare experience:

My most memorable childcare experience was quite recent. About a year ago, I was accepted to become a "big buddy" at Camp Erin for a child during her bereavement process after losing her father to a heart attack. One beautiful fall weekend, a group of over a hundred bereaved children and their buddies set off into the Adirondacks for a weekend of camping, fun and grieving excersises. For the first two days my buddy was unable to express any emotions and instead resulted to fits of anger and isolation. When the last day came, I was a bit disappointed because although we had built a relationship, I believed that we had still not made much progress in her bereavement process. However, during our cabin's free time I found her sitting on a rock crying to herself. I cautiously walked up to her, held her in my arms and there she was able to let out her emotions; finally.

After leaving that weekend, I felt confident that I played an integral role in allowing her to set aside her anger and finally let her feelings out. I was later informed by the camp director that this was a huge step in her bereavement process.

In 5 years, I hope to be...

Happy and healthy working hands-on with children of any age and making a difference in someone's life.

I am a:

College graduate, Full-Time Sitter

Jamie S.

lauren — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:33:00 +0000

Click Here To Read My Full Bio!

I am about to enter my third year in a doctoral program in children’s psychology. This has allowed me to spend time with many children in a variety of settings. I adore children and am fascinated by their development and unique perspectives on the world around them. I understand the importance of engaging children in developmentally appropriate, fun, educational activities, and my educational background allows me to do so with confidence. I take the responsibility of caring for someone else’s children very seriously, and believe that open lines of communication are imperative between the parents I work with and myself.

Originally from Long Island, I attended Syracuse University where I majored in Television Radio and Film. I realized that a career in children’s television gave me an opportunity to combine my love of children with my interests in media and I pursued several internships in the children’s television world. I fell in love with curriculum research, and decided to dual- major in Psychology. I graduated in 3.5 years and landed my dream job working as a researcher for Dora the Explorer. After 2.5 happy years there, I realized that I wanted to work with children on a more individual level, which led to my decision to pursue a doctoral degree in School-Clinical Child Psychology. Throughout my studies, I have made working with children a priority and have made time to babysit and work at after-school programs. I have also worked as a tutor and have successfully helped many families prepare for the ERB exam.

In my spare time, I enjoy practicing Vinyassa Yoga, love to experiment with new recipes, and indulge in the occasional reality television show. I love living in New York City and taking long walks and discovering new parks and restaurants.

Education

Syracuse University, graduated 2007

B.A Television, Radio and Film and Psychology
Summa Cum Laude

Yeshiva University, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psycohology

M.S. School Psychology, received 2011
Psy.D. in School-Clinical Child Psychology, expected 2014

Childcare experience:

June 2011-present: Therapist for children who have experienced abuse and neglect
September 2010-June 2011: provided twice weekly remediation for an 8 year old boy with LD
August 2010-June 2011: Therapist for preschoolers with developmental delays
March 2007-September 2009: Led focus groups for Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!
2005-2007: counselor at an afterschool program for children in Syracuse
1999-present: babysitter for many children ranging in age from 6 months to 12 years

Availability:

Monday through Thursday evenings
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all day

Long-term availability:

Can commit for at least a year

I will be SmartSitting while...

Earning my doctorate in children's psychology.

My childcare expertise lies in working with…

Infancy through preschool, though I am comfortable with school-aged children as well. Additionally, I have a lot of experience working with special needs children in educational settings.

Activities and skills I love to teach and share with children:

Swimming, cooking, reading, yoga, preparation for ERB exam and state tests.

Most memorable childcare experience:

I was riding the bus home from school with newly 4-year-old Henry. He was fascinated by bus drivers, so we often stood near the front of the bus so he could have a good view of the driver. One day, the driver turned to Henry and offered to let him make the announcements for the remainder of our ride. Henry was thrilled to call out, "Next stop, 86th Street!" etc. He was extremely excited to tell his parents, sister, other babysitters and friends, and still recalls this story with tremendous joy over a year later. Being a part of that special experience with Henry will always be a fond memory for me!

In 5 years, I hope to be...

Building a psychology practice that specializes in assessment and treatment of children in Manhattan.

I am a:

College graduate, 2011-2012 After School sitter, Special Needs Sitter