About Sarah

Hi there! I am located in Inner SE Portland and am looking for a part-time position (10-15 hrs/wk). I have been working part-time (Mon, Tues, Thurs) since Sept. 2014 watching a 3-year-old girl. However, her family will be out of country the next three weeks and I am hoping to find some extra work during that time. Last summer I have been cared for a 6 1/2-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother during a transition period for both the family and me. Before that I cared for a 17-month-old boy and a 4-year-old girl for 18 months, primarily spending time with the baby, with big sister joining us when not in school. Starting in February 2012, I cared for a 2-year-old boy and his 5-year-old sister for the 6 months leading up to my move from Vashon Island, WA to Portland. Their parents hired me with the understanding that I would be moving sometime in 2012. And before that, I nannied for a family with two children who were 9 months and 4-years-old at the start of the job. All in all, I have been nannying as a full-time job for 4 years now, and have over 10 years of experience in childcare. Each of the families I have worked with over the past decade will be happy to give glowing reviews of my time spent with their children. In addition to the genuine joy I experience when caring for and watching children grow; I possess many characteristics and skills that compliment my work. I am a great listener and am often told by friends and employers that I have nurturing and comforting nature; they they feel relaxed around me. I am kind, empathetic, generally very happy, and quick to laugh. I am easygoing, yet good at setting boundaries and following house rules to ensure safety and stability for everyone. I have studied a number of different dance styles over the years with a focus on ballet and modern, but also including several styles of Latin dance, African, funk, and am now having a go at hip-hop. I studied piano for 11 years and am a huge music lover with an affinity for many genres from all over the globe. While I never studied drama, growing up home schooled, in the country, with a neighborhood full of children and the fields and forest as our playground; we developed great amateur acting skills and vivid imaginations. I am quite interested in the history and composition of the fine arts as well. I love to read in order to learn about history and different cultures, and also as a means of relaxation. I took French in high school and college (though I am admittedly rusty these days), and am in the process of learning Spanish. I am excited about my new yoga practice, as well as eating delicious and wholesome food. I am fond of animals having grown up on a small farm, and like to spend time during the day outdoors (weather permitting). Activities that I enjoy doing with children - aside from playtime, and depending on age and parental preferences - include: board and card games, puzzles, building things (Lego, blocks, blanket forts, etc.), arts and crafts, lots of reading, nature walks, cuddling (upon request); outings to parks, libraries, museums, play groups, play dates, music and dance classes, and story times. I am happy to assist with child related cleaning, food prep, and errands; but will require additional compensation for any unrelated side jobs. I have experience with newborns-teens, am comfortable with caring for up to 4 children at a time, and have a good understanding of child development (as well as variances in development) and sibling/peer dynamics. I have experience with children with food and environmental allergies and am CPR/first aid certified. I own a car, have a clean driving record, can provide a background check, and am a non-smoker. If you have any additional questions, or would care to see my resume and discuss my availability/pay rate, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you! ~Sarah.