Nanny in Toronto, Ontario

Hello, I am a childcare provider with over fifteen years of experience. My schedule just opened up because the family I worked for very suddenly had to leave the country. I've nannied infants, toddlers, kids, preteens and teenagers of all abilities and temperaments. I am also a creative writing professor at George Brown—I teach one evening a week (6:15 pm) and Saturday mornings. I hope to find a position that allows me to work about 10 to 25 hours a week in order to make my student loan payments. In addition to childcare, I am an expert cook and frequently prepare meals for families. I can accommodate all kinds of diets: low-carb (my partner is a type-1 diabetic), kosher (I have worked in Orthodox Jewish households), gluten-free, raw, vegetarian and vegan. My cooking is low-budget and kid-friendly—my secret nanny superpower is making elaborate mosaics out of vegetables so that kids will eat them. My biggest accomplishment as a nanny is potty-training and sleep-training a 1-year-old. I like to brag about it because it was extremely difficult. I also have experience in house cleaning and, if the baby is napping or the kids are happily doing their own thing—I tend to spend that time engaging in a thorough cleanup. I also love organizing closets etc. Seriously, give me a major organizing task that you've been avoiding: I love quietly sorting through summer shoes in winter or cleaning expired food out of a cupboard. Giving order to things can make your household feel more peaceful and put you at ease during a busy work week. I'm an animal lover and experienced dog-walker, cat-sitter, bird-whisperer. Essentially, what I do is more "household management" than babysitting. I got into this business when I graduated from McGill University with a degree in English literature and philosophy but, unfortunately, discovered the philosophy factory was no longer hiring. I recently completed my MFA in creative writing and have been successfully continuing my work as a freelance author. Freelancing is often unreliable so I've continued my work with families because it is both dependable and deeply meaningful. I suppose I started babysitting when I was very young. Unfortunately my father passed away and my mom worked long hours so I was left to care for my little brother. Pretty soon I had a small business going and neighbourhood parents were frequently dropping off their kids with me. It was around this time that I got involved with the organization Free the Children and, through them, I travelled around the world working in various kinds of childcare facilities. I have worked with children with HIV and AIDS, children living with chronic or terminal health conditions, and children with various emotional and behavioural challenges. I have also tutored high-school students at some of the most prestigious private schools in North America. Lately, I have dedicated most of my time to helping teenagers with essays for scholarships or university applications. This past March, I guest-lectured at Dalhousie University where my writing is being taught as part of the undergraduate curriculum. I am looking for a family who can provide me steady hours throughout the week so that I can continue my freelance work on the side and teach one to two evenings at the college. I am willing to work around your schedule so long as hours are reliable and we are both committed to fostering a great working relationship. I can travel so long as I am notified ahead of time. I am happy to provide references upon request. I'd also be a great hire for families who run their own business because I am truly a jack-of-all-trades. I can proofread, respond to emails, coordinate schedules, Beyond this, I was once a competitive swimmer and figure skater. I can provide lessons or supervise. I know the (very basics) of reading music and can help with beginner piano lessons. I have a working knowledge of French (I can write a letter, read a book but feel uncomfortable in conversation). I've also played basketball and soccer—I wasn't very good but I know the rules and can hold my own against a nine-year-old. I am a feminist with an anti-oppressive approach to childcare. I believe in praising a girl's strength and intelligence before her physical appearance. I think it is healthy for boys to cry. I call people by their preferred pronouns. Please private message me to discuss rates, hours, and whether I might be the right fit for your family. I do typically charge $25 an hour but there is some wiggle room for the right family.