SJ M.

Education

LBCC and Summer Theatre,
Three semesters: Performing Arts, Film, Writing

CTC (Texas),
15 credits in Early Childhood Development

Oxford University,
Two-Year UDip in Creative Writing

Columbia University,
MFA - Writing Program

IATE,
Therapeutic and Educational Application of the Art

Professional Childcare Experience

Academic Tutor (writing and math)
Brooklyn, NY, 04/19 - 03/21
Girl, age 7

After-School Sitter
Brooklyn, NY, 01/17 - 07/18
Two boys, ages 6.5 and 13

Part Time/On Call Sitter for Multiple Families
New York, NY, 06/09 - 01/17
6 months to 15 years old

After-School Sitter
New York, NY, 09/13 - 07/14
Child, age 8

After-School Sitter
New York, NY, 01/11 - 07/13
Child, age 3.5 - 5

Boys and Girl's Club: Art/Crafts and Homework
California, , 09/02 - 12/02
Middleschool

Montessori Teacher Aid
, California, 01/02 - 08/02
Ages 2-5

Preschool Teacher (Two locations)
Texas, , 01/99 - 12/99
Ages 2-5

Other Experience

Copywriter (part-time)
Remote, , 08/18 - 08/22

Creative Writing Guest Teacher (summer)
Manhattan, NY, 06/22 - 08/22

Creative Arts Teacher (elementry after school)
Manhattan, NY, 06/18 - 08/22

Special Education Instructor
Ages 11 to 18, New York, 08/14 - 06/16

Creative Writing Instructor
Columbia University Summer High School Program, New York, 05/09 - 08/12

About me

Why do I love working with children? Because they are curious, funny, creative and honest. I find contributing to your child's healthy, happy development a rewarding experience.

I am a South-African writer with a background in education, the non-profit sector and the arts (theatre, dance, film, art, crafts). Like many, I came to New York for graduate school...and didn't want to leave!

Over the years, I've nannied, taught pre-school (including Montessori), instructed creative writing and taught students with learning differences. Currently, I'm a copywriter, and an art enrichment teacher for an elementary school in Manhattan. I have designed classes in movie-making, sculpting, nature-art, comic book making, and creative writing. It's really fun!

As a childcare provider, I place a strong emphasis on respect, imaginative play, crafts and adventuring! My time as a special needs educator revealed the importance of skills like independence, healthy emotional regulation, and positive social interactions.

For parents, I aim to fit seamlessly into your family's after-school routine, so you can focus on the rest of your day with peace-of-mind.

Lastly, childcare lets me share my playful, silly side. (One of the few jobs where this is encouraged :-)

Thank you for reading my bio,
SJ


I have professional child care experience with...

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    Infants
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    Toddlers
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    Preschoolers
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    School-aged (K-5)
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    Preteen
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    Teenagers
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    Twins
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    Multiples
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    Special Needs

In 5 years, I hope to be...

Still be making a difference in education, selling more of my writing and art, and traveling.

Activities & skills I love to teach & share with children...

I encourage children to share their own interests, read and write, tell stories, create art and build long-term projects. There's also nature appreciation, museums, stop-motion animation, plays, games and the ukulele (still learning this one!)