Dear Neighbors, I am an energetic mom, former teacher and pediatric home health aide who is looking for a new family to nanny as I am in the process of phasing out of a year-long position caring for a sweet girl from infancy through her first birthday. Keeping children happy and safe is my number one priority as a nanny. In addition to raising my own family, I have paid experience with typical and special needs children - Autism, Cerebral Palsy, seizure disorders, ADHD, intellectual disability, etc. Raising my own special needs child (now an adult) has made me extremely patient and given me a keen understanding of learning styles and typical development. Special needs parenting develops strengths and skills that are applicable in many situations and has helped me to develop an ability to read what a child needs and act accordingly, whether they need hugging or play, lap time or a bit of quiet on an overly stimulating day. I know that each child expresses their needs a little differently and the caregiver's role is to learn the child's "language," and respond accordingly. I also believe that it is the caregivers role support the methods, rules and priorities of the child's parents so that consistency is maintained which is crucial for a child’s sense of wellbeing. Beyond that, I'm versatile and fun. I love reading aloud, arts and crafts, cooking and doing age appropriate science experiments, trips to playgrounds, the zoo, the Children's Museum, etc. I am CPR and first-aid certified and have the federal and PA criminal/Childline clearances required for working with children. I am a non-smoker and have a reliable vehicle that can seat up to 3 children's car seats in the back. I anticipate being available for new employment as of the first of July. I am open to both full and part-time positions. In addition to providing childcare, I have also worked as a household manager and am willing to run errands, including grocery shopping, and to prepare simple, healthy, tasty meals. I can also reorganize rooms and closets, chauffeur children to after-school activities and provide homework assistance and supervision. Please contact me so that we can discuss how I might support you and your family. Audrey Rasmusson (412) 628-4287 audreyrasmusson@gmail.com