I took My babysitters course when I was 14 and have been babysitting since then. I’ve also taken my emergency and standard first aid training. Although it is expired now and I haven’t renewed it, I still know how to do CPR, wrap bandages etc.
Besides having a few families, I would babysit for I also gained a lot of experience at my church. The past 3 years I have worked in the Sunday school program at my church. This gave me the opportunity to work with larger groups of kids, preschool to grade 7. This involved planning a lesson to teach each week, preparing a fun craft/activity as well as a snack for the children. For many summers I also volunteered at my churches vacation bible school. This week was always my favourite week in summer. We would usually have 150 children, and throughout the day they would rotate through different organized activities. As a group leader it was my job to lead my group of children through these activities, while maintaining a safe environment where everyone feels included. By the end if the week the connections you have built with your children are so strong and it’s hard to say goodbye.
I have also spent a lot of time babysitting my younger brother and little nephew. My younger brother and nephew both have disabilities, so I also have experience working with kids that have specific needs.
My friends always call me the “mom” of the group, because I have always been the one to take care of everyone. I truly think that care giving is what I was born to do. That is why I will be doing some upgrading at Okanagan college this September in hopes of being excepted to the nursing program next fall. I would then love to specialize in paediatrics. Having a babysitting/nannying job this summer would be the perfect way to continue building up my experience with children.
I have been babysitting for different families regularly since I was 14. I have 3 years experience working in my churches Sunday school program, as well as many years experience being a camp leader.
Will be returning to college in september.