My name is Allycia and I live in Port Moody with my school-aged daughter, a 14-month-old son (born in June), and my husband. I am just one practicum away from completion of my ECE and currently hold an ECE-A certificate.
I am seeking a full-time or part-time, live-out position, preferably long-term. As I will be bringing my son along, who will be approximately 15 months old when I am ready to start working, it would be ideal if the family has a child close to his age so they can be friends. I am open to hosting as well (i will provide a separate sleeping area, a playroom, carseat and also have a pool for when they are older!).
Originally from New Zealand, I gained permanent residency in Canada many years ago. I have spent the last 18 years working in childcare and consider myself a career nanny. I have been employed as a nanny in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, and I truly love what I do!
My experience ranges from working as an overnight nanny for newborns, a house manger with school aged children, one on one care for single child families, daycare assistant in multiple centres around the world to caring for a family with 6 children under the age of 5!
I enjoy engaging with children at their level through play, crafting, and baking (your fridge and freezer will always be full of kid and adult friendly baking!) I love implementing baby sign language as much as possible, going on adventures and attending classes from free drop ins at the library, strong start programs and play gym.
I am a huge fan of the library and frequent it at least once a week. Reading to children is a big part of what I love, and I often use books as a resource to help talk about many different scenarios, transitions, etc. For example if a child is dealing with the frustration of needing to do everything perfectly the first time and being afraid to make a mistake, you bet that I will find a bunch of books that help open the dialogue and find ways to navigate this together. There really is a book for everything!
I get outside at least once daily, no matter the weather. In fact, rainy days seem to be the most fun in my experience! I am a firm believer in risky play and allowing children to learn through play and body awareness. I am also very safety conscious, especially in regards to preparing foods (in particular with baby led weaning and serving food to young children in general) correct carseat installation and fit, choking hazards in the environment and being out and about.
I am very child led in my daily approach, unlike a daycare where children follow a set schedule each day, I plan the day around the interests of the children at any given time. If your child has a big passion for trains one week, we will ride a skytrain, get books from the library about them, do art related activities etc!
An average day with me can look like this;
-Breakfast, clean up, teeth, get dressed etc
-Outing
-Home for lunch (or picnic depending on weather)
- Nap (I prefer naps at home, unless planning a whole day activity somewhere)
- Second outing, even if just a walk around the neighborhood
- Activity or simple play at home until parents take over
I am very intentional with how I speak around young children, I choose my words in a way that teaches as well as engages. I constantly stay up to date with ways to make myself a better caregiver, whether it's from social media to learn how to navigate big feelings in a better way, or through books. I am always on the lookout for new places to visit and new experiences and adventures to have, from a new park to music event made for kids.
I am also very conscious of screen use around children, I would never sit on my phone while working and I would not put on tv as a way to entertain (unless the parents asked to put on for an occasional show)
The only time I would use my phone would be to take photos and to communicate with you as needed.
I describe my parenting and child-minding style as respectful. I strive to help children understand their bodies and emotions and process them positively. This includes assisting them in identifying and managing their feelings rather than trying to distract them. Simultaneously, I work in coordination with the parents to find methods that will work best for us as a team, valuing open communication. The advantages of having me, a parent and nanny, include understanding the challenges of parenthood, sharing ideas, refraining from judgment, and offering a unique set of experiences not found in nannies without children.
My son is a very happy easygoing toddler, who isn't phased by much. He is very social and loves new people, so would be so happy having a friend to spend the days with. He loves music, in particular listening to the wiggles, so we lots of dance parties at home!
I would treat your child like my own and make sure they feel equal amounts of attention and love. In the past, I often got comments that no one could tell which child was mine vs the child I took care of, as I treated them equally. Greatest compliment!
I took my older child to work with me from when she was 1 until she turned 5, which was an incredible experience. During that time, we worked for two families, from whom we gained two sets of close friends. They can both attest to how beneficial the experience was for everyone involved.
** I will always clean up from whatever messes we make throughout the day and leave your home clean. I am happy to do any child related cleaning and tidying such as dishes, meal prep, laundry etc. But my number 1 priority is taking care of your child**
I have a driver's license and a car, and I am willing to travel within a reasonable distance.
Please message me with any questions. I am excited about the prospect of meeting you soon.
Nanny for over 18 years to children ranging in age from 1 week old to 12 years of age
Verified: Phone number confirmed
First Aid Training, CPR Training, High School, ECE License
