Kia

Pre-School & Kindergarten Teacher from United States

Over 10000 childcare hrs
Over 10000 infant care hrs
Has driver's license

Infant care qualified

Yes

Special needs qualified

Yes

Available to start:

October 2023

Professional Childcare Provider who loves to work collaboratively with parents! Send a message

Cover letter
About Kia

"Dear Family" Letter:

What profession did you choose and why did you do so? I actually went to college for English Literature. I wanted to become a writer/journalist. It's a huge passion of mine and I pursue it daily. However, I'm also passionate about my current profession as an Infant Teacher. I truly enjoy this career path because I get to help children learn, grow and also watch them reach their milestones. Why did you decide to work as a live-in caregiver? It started out as a summer job while I was in college. I worked for a friend of my mom's at their center each summer and on holidays. At first, it was never supposed to be more than that. I had my eyes set on English and writing. Then when I graduated I found myself applying to jobs with children; after-school programs, summer camps, and daycares. Seeing the joy on children's faces kept me in the childcare profession. When it comes to becoming a live-in caregiver, I thought about it many times, but the opportunity never came up that fit my lifestyle. I was a shy, introverted college graduate ready to take on the literature world. I also felt comfortable in a childcare setting because it was what I was used to and for me, it was my everyday normal. I knew the routine and there was a level of space between parent and teacher that closes as a live-in nanny. Now that I'm confident in talking with parents I feel that being a live-in caregiver is the natural progression for me. I'm able to bring my knowledge to a household and show parents they aren't alone and there is help. I think I'm able to provide more because I'm only focusing on one family. Why are you the best fit for a family and what are your special skills when working with children? I? 've always been told I'm good with children. When I was working for an after-school program I received feedback that I should communicate with the parents more. I had a polite relationship with all my parents, however, I'm a naturally quiet person. So I made sure the following day to put myself in the parent's line of sight. I would walk with their child and their parents as they were signed out. I would tell parents about their progress and areas of concern. It was a huge step for me because I had to find my voice. It made working better because I didn't have the lingering thoughts that the parents didn't like me. I wanted them to know that their children were important and that in order to see them get better communication has to be there. I like to engage in the child's interest; whether it's dinosaurs or chicken nuggets. There is always room to see a child's true potential when they are talking about small things they love. How do you like to spend your free time? I'm a homebody! I love reading and have a huge collection of books. When I do go out, I tend to frequent the bookstores. Even if I never buy anything, I love being surrounded by so many new worlds and places. I feel like a time traveler and depending on the book I can be anywhere in the world. When I'm not reading, I do travel. My friends and I live in different states so we always pick a place to meet and it's always someplace none of us have been so we can enjoy it for the first time together. How would you describe your driving skills? I'm a defensive driver. Where I live it's heavy military and lots of school zones so I have to be vigilant on the roads. Not everyone is a safe driver when they are rushing but I make sure to always be careful and drive safely. What else should a family know about you? I'm an observer. I tend to really watch an environment before I respond and form an opinion that's respectful. I never want to step on toes and I always tell families that I work with that it's not my job to parent. I'm not here to be a parent. I'm a teacher and care provider for when you are working. What I do is supplement the schedules that you have in place and suggest ways to improve or modify them. Lastly, I'm also a huge Disney fan and will sometimes clean to music from the different Disney movies. Dancing around with the broom is a must.

More about Kia

Shiketheia (Kia) is a Professional Childcare Provider who has been working in the industry for 12 years. Her most current position as been working with infants and toddlers as their teacher. Kia enjoys connecting with parents and collaborating on important trends with their children. She loves living with pets and is open to any US location. Kia has moved to another geographical area in the US and knows what it takes to relocate. Kia is looking forward to joining your family now!

Interested in ages:
Currently lives in United States

Dietary considerations

I eat everything

Highest degree

BA (Bachelor Degree)

Profession

Pre-School & Kindergarten Teacher

Ideal family location

United States

What are some ways you can think of to prevent and deal with culture shock and home sickness when they arise?

Staying in touch!

Important qualities and skill of the Au Pair:

They need to be experience working with 1-2 year olds and preschool age children.

For the 1-2 year old they need to be comfortable getting down on the ground and helping Finn with his gross and fine motor skills. They need to love to read, do art or play music to engage him creatively as well.

For our 4 year old, just be fun and loving! She loves ballet, dramatic play, baking, arts and crafts. So someone who is able to make up activities easily!

Most important things when selecting an Au Pair:

1) Experience with 1-4 year olds. Mainly important with the younger kids as they will spend more time with him.
2) Independent.
3) Engaging with the kids - loves spending time with kids!
4) Organized and proactive around the house.

List of responsibilities the Au Pair will have:

1) Helping with breakfast and/or making lunch for Evie
2) Pick up and/or drop off (one kid - depends on the day).
3) On certain days being with Finn and taking him on walks, to the library, music class, swimming, playground, gymnastics.
4) Help with dinner, bath, bed time. So light cooking for the kids and clean up.
5) Help with random errands to the grocery store.

Most important rules at home:

1) Clean up after yourself and the kids.
2) Take shoes off in the house.
3) Be proactive if you see something that needs to be cleaned.

Post secondary accredited educational opportunities in hometown area:

College of Marin - http://es.marin.edu/registration

SF - www.usfca.edu

There also are several courses locally here: http://www.millvalleyrecreation.org/facilities/community_center/

Au Pair's private bedroom:

It is private with its own pedestrian entrance.

It has its own shower/bathroom, a queen bed, chairs, a pelaton, fridge, sink, kettle, and microwave. So its pretty amazing! Very light and pretty room.

It is by the swimming pool and hot tub so in the summer on weekends we will likely be down there.