I am well-rounded and have worn many "hats" in my lifetime: student, barista, pastry chef, research assistant, special-needs aide, mom and super-nanny!
For the past five years I have worked as a stay-at-home mom with my son, Eliot, and, in November 2013, I also began providing daycare. I have cared for children from infancy to toddlerhood and have forged special relationships with all of my charges. My son is starting grade 1 and I am currently looking for a new family with children to work with. In the past, I have worked as a teaching assistant, an aide and a baker but, right now, I cannot imagine spending my days without young children.
My motto is: "there's no bad weather, only bad clothing!" In other words, I spend most of the day outside walking, biking and playing at parks. As for inside time, I favour reading out loud, arts and crafts and "building" toys like Lego. Having worked for years in the pastry business, I am also an avid baker and love getting kids involved in the kitchen. I am certified in first aid and food safe.
I am a loving but firm caregiver; I dont believe in punishment but I discipline through empathetic limits, leadership and natural consequences. I know that when kids act up or whine, its because their need are not being met and, in difficult moments, I have learned to regulate my own emotions before reacting to disruptive behaviour. I also give children in my charge lots of freedom when it comes to play: if they are happily engaged in an activity, I will leave them alone with their imaginations unless they request that I join them. At the park, I will watch them from afar instead of hovering or directing them (while insuring their safety of course. ). Children are excellent problem solvers and I believe they can resolve most conflicts amongst themselves with minimal mediation. My son just finished his third year in a Montessori program and I am a huge believer in the Montessori philosophy.
I am available from 8:45 am until 5:30pm and have flexibility on the weekends as well. In the fall I will also have to pick my son up daily at school at 3:15 so he would spent a couple hours each day with us. Let me know if you think we could be a good match!

• Education: Graduate degree
• School: McGill/Uvic
Skills
• Swimming
• Homework & tutoring
• Cooking
• Errands / groceries
• Housekeeping
Specific Skills
• Infants/Babies (0-18 months)
• Toddlers (18-36 months)
• Preschool/School (3+ years)
• Kids with allergies