GENUINE NANNY: JULIE K.
Full-time - All Bay Area
MEET OUR RESPONSIBLE, RELIABLE, AND NURTURING
GENUINE NANNY JULIE!
I am a 40-year-old career nanny, and I love what I do! Honestly, I can't imagine doing anything else. I find so much joy in working with children and I believe that is evident to everyone around me. I have over 25 years of experience providing childcare services to families in many different locations across California, as well as other States across the nation. I have a proven track record of creating a safe and nurturing environment for children, while implementing age-appropriate activities and developing strong relationships with the children and parents. I love being creative, and setting up new activities that allow children to explore the world around them and have fun, all while learning new skills that challenge them and contribute to their growth.
MY BELIEFS AS A GENUINE NANNY
I believe... That children thrive in environments where they are loved, understood, and feel safe and secure; an environment where their needs are being met physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.
I believe... Children learn through play and should be given the opportunity to do things independently. An adult or caregiver should only step in when it's clear the child is in need of assistance. Children are receptive when they feel respected and cared for
I believe... That being a nanny is not just a job, it's a pivotal role in contributing to the overall growth, development, and well-being of every child. Relationships and sensory experiences (seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, & smelling) stimulate the brain --creating millions of connections, making the child's early experiences crucial-- which is necessary (especially) in the first five years of their life. Therefore, providing an environment where the child is stimulated and loved is very important.
PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY, STRENGTHS,
WORK ETHIC, AND VALUES:
I am a hard-working and trustworthy individual who puts all my effort into the things I do. I am very passionate about working with children, and love to create an environment where each child has the opportunity to learn and grow. I am warm, sensitive, and I am proactive at positively engaging each child in my care.
I am very knowledgeable in the field of child development and have tons of experience. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who tries to be fair and loving in all that I do. I think I am extremely flexible and adaptable to change. I can be creative and resourceful. I would also say that I am a very dependable and responsible person, one in which you can entrust with the care of your most precious creations, your children.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A NANNY?
For as far back as I can remember, I've had a passion for working with young children. My mother owned and operated many childcare centers and I grew up loving and nurturing children who came to us from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ages. Growing up, I looked forward to going into the centers before and after school to help out, and have always treasured watching them learn and grow. Nurturing the development of children is my calling in life. I love knowing that I help contribute to each child's well-being. This is why I chose to pursue a career in childhood development and education.
AVAILABILITY & COMPENSATION
Spoken languages: English
Compensation: $35-$45 / hr, Blended rate.
Available start date: February 2024
Preferred Schedule: I am looking for a full-time position. However, I am very flexible with my availability.
Available for Travel: Yes
TRANSPORTATION DETAILS
Neighborhood/Area: Moving near my next position
How will you commute to work? Own Vehicle
Are you comfortable driving a family car with children? No, I prefer not to drive the children.
FAMILY PETS
Are you allergic to any pets/animals? No :)
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
College Degree: AA Child Development
Child Development: Yes
CPR Certificate Training?: Yes
WORK EXPERIENCE
Twins Experience: 5-8 years
Multiple Children/Siblings Experience: 20+ years
Family Asst Experience: 5 years
Infant Experience: 10-15 years
Toddler Experience: 15-25 years
School Age Experience: 8-10 years
MOST RECENT CHILDCARE POSITION
FT Nanny, September 2020 to July 2023; 5 mo., 21 mo., 3 yrs
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Due to the pandemic, social distancing was enforced and limited public ouGngs. However, we would go for walks and play in the Presidio
• Prepared healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks for the children
• Organizing indoor and outdoor activities
• Assisting parents with bathing, dressing, toilet training, and bedtime routines
• Children’s laundry
• Cleaning as it pertained to children
• Cared for children while their parents traveled for overnight or weekend trips.
Will we be able to speak directly with this family for a reference call? Yes!
FT Live-in Nanny, February 2018 to July 2020; Newborn
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Infant care such as swaddling, feeding, changing diapers, bathing, nap Gme routines, all doctor’s appointments, and administering medication when necessary.
• Sterilization of newborn materials
• Baby’s laundry
• Provided a nurturing environment
• Engaging age-appropriate activities to drive his psychological, social, and intellectual well-being.
• Healthy, organic homemade baby food and meals/snacks were prepared for him on a daily basis
Will we be able to speak directly with this family for a reference call? Yes!
FT Live-in Nanny, February 2017 to February 2018; Twins 2 yrs
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Preparing healthy, well balanced meals for the children
• Transporting children in family’s vehicle to and from park and activities
• Organizing indoor and outdoor activities, including games, arts and crafts, nature walks, water play, swimming, and physical activity.
• Assisting parents with bathing, dressing, potty training, and bedtime routines.
• Accompanied the family on short vacations, as well as caring for the children in their home while their mother traveled (overnight to week+ vacations)
Will we be able to speak directly with this family for a reference call? Yes!
WHAT IS YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR EMPLOYERS? ANY EXAMPLES TO SHARE?
Open-communication is always inviting and effective. If we are open and honest with each other about what we need and want, we can effectively learn about what our expectations are of each other. Simply knowing that the other person is approachable, not demeaning or belittling; makes communication easier --it makes a difference in how we communicate with each other. It's not necessarily what is said, but how it's said. If we can be respectful and listen to each other, not speaking over or dismissing the other person, it allows room for better understanding of what we both need/want. Following through with what we have said will help build trust in the relationship for both myself and the parents.
WHAT TYPE OF NANNY ROLE ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AND WHAT ENVIRONMENT YOU WOULD BE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN
I thrive the most in situations in which I am able to grow and learn with the child(ren) I am working with. Therefore, I am seeking an opportunity that is full-time, preferably with infant(s)-aged newborn-one so that the level of comfort is established immediately, and the adaptability curve is easier on the child, family, and myself. In my experience, children thrive more when parents feel comfortable with being able to attend to their individual duties inside and outside of the home, knowing that their child is in good hands. That being said, the feedback, parenting style and suggestions that the parents share with me is always welcome.
PLEASE DESCRIBE HOW YOU HAVE TAKEN INITIATIVE IN YOUR PAST NANNY POSITIONS.
In all of my nanny jobs, I have bonded with each child. One example is when Henry was having a hard time reading, his teacher discussed with me that he was falling behind in class. I came up with a plan and solution for Henry, each day after school we went to the park for a few minutes then to the library. Henry and I read and worked on his reading each day for a little bit after school, and each day would be timed and different to make it exciting and fun. I also created a reward chart for him so each day he would read and improve. He would get a sticker, then at the end of the week we would go pick a prize! As we continued this, Henry got better and even got the Best reader award in his class at the end of the year!
WHAT ARE YOUR DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY AND CHILD-REARING VALUES?
Discipline should be consistent and based on an understanding of the function of the behavior and on an understanding of the child's developmental level. It should be constructive in nature, including such methods as diversion or redirection, praise for appropriate behavior, encouragement for effort, or separating the child from the situation. The goal is to assist them and guide them in developing self-control. Behaviors are merely a child's attempt to communicate. You can use each opportunity to teach rather than punish or discourage them.
I would say that I am more authoritative in my child- rearing. I don't think children always need to have a caregiver that is in control, but having rules and expectations is important. Being able to understand, and communicate with children so that they understand why we have rules and social expectations will prepare a child and benefit them now, and later on in life. I believe children need to have some autonomy to express themselves and for their personal development. I think parents and caregiver should be firm but also warm, respectful and loving.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A NANNY OR WHILE WORKING WITH A FAMILY?
Lack of mutual respect and/or communication. Specifically, it is challenging when a parent, who has allowed you into their home, to care for their child, also feels the need to always be right instead of listening, respectfully disagreeing, and agreeing to disagree on an issue. It is important to not be right all the time, but to find a comfortable median where the child will thrive the most. The choices one makes as a parent should reflect a choice that will benefit the growth and nurturing of the child's development.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
I really love to travel and am always up for a new adventure. I love experiencing and exploring new places and cultures. I like to cook and baking. I try out new recipes when I can. I enjoy a good comedy show, weekend getaways with friends/family, and hiking. I come from a very large family with three brothers and three sisters and I love spending time with them. We are all spread out across the U.S. but I try to see them as much as possible. I also enjoy trying new things I haven't done before. And of course, I love caring for children; they bring an enormous amount of joy to my life.
WHAT MAKES YOU SPARKLE?
I'd say my enthusiasm and my love for all the little children. I believe that this is definitely a gift that God has given me.
