About
Katherine:
I grew up on love and laughter; belly laughs were our band-aids and our breakfast. And along the way, my parents managed to instill in my brothers and me an insatiable love of learning (it must’ve been while we weren’t looking). I learned to read by the age of 3, and it was around that same time that my father taught me algebra. It was strictly a game to me, because that’s what he made it. My mother earned her PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Chicago, and she has taught Child Development for 20 years. I am majoring in Psychology myself and am also drawn to Child Studies, so the latest research is a constant, favorite topic of conversation in our home. I just love kids so much: their unbridled enthusiasm, their natural inquisitiveness. Everything is new to them, bright and exciting, and there can never be too many questions (even if I don’t always have all the answers). I learn just as much from them and their fresh, unspoiled perspectives as they ever could from me.
Katherine's childcare philosophy:
Childhood is about learning, but learning needs to be about FUN. Children are going to learn regardless; their brains are, to use a cliché, sponges, constantly soaking up whatever they are exposed to - and so I want to expose your children to the best. I want to find them new opportunities; I want to help them develop their own interests; I want to cheer them on; I want to reinforce their self-esteem and self-confidence while, always, teaching them compassion and empathy. I want to expose them to as much culture as possible, and (quietly) educate them in reading and math and manners and a million other things that can only truly be learned through direct human interaction. I don’t believe in “electronic babysitters”: there is simply no substitute for the attention, encouragement, and love shown by a person who cares strongly for their well-being and development. I do want to climb trees, though, get fresh air; I want your kids to enjoy the time they spend with me, no matter what we do.
FAST FACTS
GET TO KNOW
KATHERINE
Will work for family that smokes:
Yes
Education:
Other
Will work in the following state(s):
CA, CO, MD, NY, NC, SC, VA, DC
I have a CPR certificate or I will get certified:
Yes
Would like to bring her child to work:
No
KATHERINE
PROVIDES THESE ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
Grocery shopping
Light housekeeping
Carpooling
Cook for the family
Family laundry
Run errands
Homework help
KATHERINE'S SKILLS AND INTERESTS:
Outdoor activities &
Sports
Swimming
Play an instrument
Tutoring
Arts and crafts
Cooking
KATHERINE
HAS THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES:
Quiet and Reserved
Outgoing
Upbeat and Positive
Compassionate
Communicative
Casual
Energetic
Well Organized
KATHERINE
WILL PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING IF REQUESTED:
Work references
Criminal Background
Search
Driving Record
Personal references
Medical Testing
KATHERINE
HAS NEWBORN-INFANT-TODDLER EXPERIENCE WITH:
Experiences with newborn/infant/toddler:
Diaper changing
Feeding, dressing, sleep
Has recent references for work with
newborn-2 year old:
Yes
Familiar with newborn/infant/toddler:
Nutrition
Developmental milestones
Tell us your experience working with newborns and infants. What did you find most
challenging?
What did you find most rewarding?
My experience caring for newborns and infants is actually fairly limited, but I can tell you this: even as a young child myself, I would beg for the opportunity to hold and feed and care for my cousins' children. That compulsion still holds true today; I have recent pictures of me holding and feeding a friend's 7-month old sister, and dancing around and reading with the other sister, who was 2 and a half - and they are some of the happiest pictures of myself I have ever seen (and the memories of that day are some of the most cherished). Furthermore, I am a quick learner and things would soon become second nature to me. I am also not afraid to ask questions when I have any real doubts, and I have plenty of resources if you need to not be disturbed. I am always, always ready to learn.