Play is Learning
I am Ryn (they/them pronouns) and I have been working in childcare for 13 years now, since I was 18. I have alternated between working in childcare centers as an educator, vs in homes as a nanny. Both have their ups and downs, but I recently just had a poor experience in a childcare center, and am currently looking for a family to nanny with.
The majority of my experience is with newborn - preschool age, but I have so far survived the school age and now pre-teens in my own home.
My personal philosophy is that “Play is Learning” and so, we are always playing and always learning. My favorite thing to do is to stop and see the world from a child’s eyes. They see things we miss, and when we stop to see the world through their eyes, unbelievable things can happen.
I definitely believe in outside time, regardless of the weather, and aim to do that once or twice a day depending on the amount of daylight left after nap.
I have a solution for everything, and can fix anything broken. You got a problem? You just let me know and I’ll fix it right up. (Does not apply to cars.)
When it comes to punishment and discipline, I don’t really subscribe to anything loud or violent. My biggest concern is safety - and if I find what they are doing to be unsafe, I occasionally use time outs when necessary, but focus first on redirection. I have never and will never raised my hand to a child, and feel restraint is only necessary if safety is an issue, and find it unacceptable otherwise.’
I believe all emotions are valid, and one should be allowed to experience and express those emotions. When the child is displaying the less pleasurable emotions, I like to talk to them and validate them. Tantrums don’t phase me, they are just expression of emotion, and when the child is done and ready, there’s lots of cuddles and hugs.
For rewards and positivity, I rely on positive reinforcement, and if they’re old enough not to eat them, I love stickers as incentive.
Focus on cultural, ethnic, worldwide, non-white learning through books, song and dance.
I am a state certified preschool teacher, had CPR and first aid renewed in 09/21 and take frequent courses to further and continue my education. I am up to date on all vaccines, including booster shot. Recent negative Tb test.
I do not like dogs and ask they be kept in separate areas of the house. Dogs under 30 Ibs are a dealbreaker, no yappy ankle biters for me.
I do not drive because I am genuinely terrified of other people in this city.
No Smoking
No drinking
Weed friendly, I’m a cancer patient. *NEVER* Before or During childcare. (This is for bedtime, or extreme pain)
No screen time unless the parent instigates or promotes it. (Like I won’t take it away, but I also won’t start it.)
Will bring bubble machine and blow your babies mind.
There will be music playing the majority of the time.
Great at easing stranger danger fears!
Housework and additional tasks beyond care of the child are a conversation to be had. I am not there to clean toilets.