Nanny in Toronto, Ontario

Hello families! My name is Van and I am a non-binary person (pronouns are they/them) looking for a part-time nanny position while I’m in school. (Selected) Experience My experience with childcare is extensive in both private and public settings. I have provided nanny and babysitting services for several Toronto families since graduating in 2015. Here are some select examples of my experience: Before the pandemic, I was a part-time nanny for a family with three kids ages 5, 7 and 11. I was responsible for picking them up from school, organizing play dates and after school activities, helping with homework and making lunches and dinner for the whole family. I enjoyed working for this family and appreciated the kids’ energy. There was never a dull day! Prior to this I worked as a full time nanny for a child aged 2. I learned a lot about being attentive to her needs and how patience plays an important part in communicating with young children. I became very close with the family, and enjoyed my time providing her with my care and companionship. It was a pleasure to watch her grow and help shape her childhood into a healthy and joyful one. During my undergrad, I was a personal support worker for a 12 year old living with cerebral palsy. I was her companion for the summer, and scheduled daily outings for us. This included going to the movies or the shopping mall, swimming and taking her to appointments. I assisted in feeding, toileting, bathing, medication administration and performed weight bearing lifts. Throughout the pandemic, I was a personal support worker for a neurodivergent, disabled individual. I assisted them with meal prep, laundry, bathing/hygiene, schedule management and attended appointments with them. Last year I helped launch a new Girl Guides troop in the Dufferin Grove area. The troop had approximately 30 kids, ages 4-9 and we programmed meetings for them every week. This was a huge, yet gratifying undertaking. It challenged me to think about the ways I create healthy and empowering environments for kids and how to inspire them to work together and uplift one another. Due to scheduling, I wasn’t able to volunteer for the troop this year, but they are still going strong! Personal I am an artist and graduated from U of T’s Theatre and Drama Studies program in 2015. Through my involvement in several Toronto Arts communities, I’ve developed an interest in the ways community care supports the creation process. I am a member of Workman Arts - a multidisciplinary arts organization that promotes a greater understanding of mental health and addiction. Here I’ve worked as an instructor and have lead peer support meetings for other 2SLGBTQ members. Occasionally I work as an Active Listener for Workman Arts classes and events. I am a theatre kid at heart and pursue different forms of performance including Drag, burlesque and improv. I take improv classes at Bad Dog Theatre company and love the permission it gives me to be silly - something I’ve only ever experienced when being around kids. I take the lessons I learn at improv and apply them when engaging in activities with children - after all, kids make the best improvisers! Over the past year, I switched focuses from performing to theatre production. This month I’ll begin carpentry classes through George Brown’s continued education program. My goal is to gain the skills I need for set design. Thank you for taking the time and care to read a bit about me. I hope to hear from you soon!