Lelde S.

Education

AMI teacher,
Association Montessori International 3-6yo

Professional Childcare Experience

Par-Time Nanny
Manhattan, NY, 06/23 - 08/23
ages 2 and 4

Nanny
Brooklyn, NY, 05/21 - 08/22
ages 11 months, 4 and 7

Nanny
Miami, FL, 01/18 - 04/19
age 4

Nanny
Riga, Latvia, 01/17 - 04/18
ages 10 months

Montessori teacher
Riga, Latvia, 07/14 - 01/17
Classroom of 28 children, ages 1.5-4

Programs Coordinator/ Assistant manager
Riga, Latvia, 09/13 - 07/14
4-12

Nanny
Riga, Latvia, 01/09 - 01/13
ages 2 and 1 month

Other Experience

Server
Brooklyn, NY, 02/23 - 06/23

About me

Growing up amidst the picturesque landscapes of Latvia, nestled between lush forests and the serene Baltic Sea, I was fortunate to experience a childhood filled with wonder and exploration. As the youngest child in a close-knit family of 4, I cherished the bond shared with my brother and parents, finding solace and support in their presence throughout my formative years. Our home was always filled with laughter, love, and a shared appreciation for the simple joys of life.

During the holidays, I spent my time with my grandparents in the countryside, in the forest. I spent my days with my brother and cousins exploring nature, and helping my grandparents care for the animals at the farm. I will always carry and cherish the amount of education I got from my grandmother by learning about herbs, plants, gardening, and flowers. I grew up eating blueberries straight from the tree and planting my own vegetables and fruits.

My professional journey in childcare and education has been marked by a diverse array of experiences, each contributing to my growth and development as a Montessori educator and childcare provider. I began my career as a responsible nanny when I was 15.

In Latvia, I began my nanny career by taking care of two boys, ages 2 and 3, and a newborn baby brother. My responsibilities included spending time with the oldest boy by preparing his meals, putting him to bed, going to the playground in the park near the house, and helping the parents with daily tasks to make their lives easier.

After completing my primary education in Latvia, I embarked on a journey of higher learning, driven by a passion for empowering young minds and fostering their growth and development.
In the upcoming year, I was offered to work at the newly opened Science and Curiosity Center ZINOO in Riga, Latvia. I was very excited to take this opportunity to help create educational space for children by helping with new projects, planning science camps, and organizing educational birthday parties and events with science experiments.

Not too long after, I was offered to work at a Montessori school, and help build the classrooms and atmosphere by training the new teachers and planning the materials for the classroom. Meanwhile, I was attending an AMI course for ages 3–6 and studying its philosophy.

In the summer of 2016, I used my summer break by traveling to Florida, to stay as an au-pair nanny for a 2-year-old boy. My daily responsibilities started early in the morning by helping him to dress, preparing breakfast, and going on adventures like museums, playgrounds, playdates, and swimming at the pool. The schedule would follow with preparing for a nap and, meanwhile, cooking up some dinner and tidying the house. After the nap, we would continue with some other activities or play at the house. Some evenings, my responsibilities included bathing him, putting him to bed, and reading some stories.

In 2017, I began to work for a private family with an 11-month-old baby girl. My responsibilities included dressing, changing diapers, warming milk bottles, going for walks with the stroller, and preparing meals when she started eating solid food. We attended music classes that she really loved, and during the times we weren't at the park or classes, I would prepare some sensory activities in the house.

A year later, I returned to Florida to work with my previous employers. The boy was 4 years old at the time, and my responsibilities were dropping him off at the Montessori school I suggested for them. As well as preparing meals and snacks, picking him up after school and bringing him to after-school activities, playdates, or the playground, preparing dinner, bathing and reading stories, and putting him to sleep. I continued working with this family until I moved to NYC in 2019 when he was 5 and in pre-school.

Later, after settling in my new home in Brooklyn and getting through quarantine times, I started working with a private family in Brooklyn with three wonderful girls, aged 11 months, 4 years, and 7. My responsibilities included all care related to the baby. In addition, I did regular grocery runs, helped meal prep, and cleaned up the house. Very often, I was also taking their lovely labradoodle dog for walks. I also provided after school care for the older children! Most of the summer they spent in Maine, and I had this wonderful opportunity to be there and be part of the girl's summer break. Since the house was just by the beach, we would spend most of the time at the beach, making sand castles or exploring the treasures we could find there. I cooked four dinners a week for the whole family, which was very challenging and exciting for me since the girls liked to eat different things, and I had to be very creative by also making sure that the meals were nutritious and healthy. I finished working with the family before the new school year because of the parents decision to send her to Montessori school.

The next family I had the pleasure to work with was in Manhattan—two active boys, aged 2 and 4. We spent part of the summer in South France, and my responsibilities were waking up the kids, preparing breakfast, helping to dress, going to the beach, or doing some crafts at home. After returning from France, I helped them in the house on Long Island, keeping up the same summer activities by playing at the beach, swimming at the pool, and making crafts. I was responsible for preparing their meals and making sure we cleaned everything up after playtime. I bathed them and read their bedtime stories.

Throughout my career in childcare and Montessori education, I have demonstrated a strong understanding of the Montessori philosophy and educational approach, coupled with excellent childcare skills and effective communication with parents. My ability to create stimulating and organized Montessori environments, combined with my passion for fostering independence and creativity in children, has enabled me to make a positive impact in the lives of countless young minds.

In essence, my journey in childcare and Montessori education is a testament to my unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds and empowering children to reach their full potential. Guided by a deep-rooted passion for learning, a commitment to excellence, and a genuine love for children, I am committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of the children and families I have the privilege of serving. With a strong foundation in Montessori education and a genuine desire to inspire curiosity, creativity, and independence in every child, I look forward to continuing my journey of growth and discovery in the field of childcare and education.


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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    Twins
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    Multiples

In 5 years, I hope to be...

In 5 years, I hope to have further deepened my impact in the field of childcare and Montessori education. Building on my extensive experience and passion for empowering young minds, I envision myself taking on leadership roles within educational institutions or perhaps even starting my own Montessori-inspired childcare center. I aspire to continue expanding my knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development, potentially pursuing advanced certifications or degrees in early childhood education. Furthermore, I aim to integrate my diverse array of interests and hobbies more seamlessly into my professional life. Whether it's incorporating outdoor exploration and nature-based learning into curriculum design or infusing culinary arts and cultural experiences into childcare programs, I strive to create holistic and enriching environments that inspire curiosity, creativity, and independence in children. On a personal level, I see myself continuing to cultivate my passions for travel, art, design, and horticulture. I hope to embark on more adventures around the world, immersing myself in different cultures and gaining insights that I can bring back to enrich the lives of the children I work with. Additionally, I aim to further develop my skills in art and interior design, perhaps even exploring opportunities to merge my love for creativity with my career in childcare by designing innovative and stimulating learning spaces. Overall, in 5 years, I envision myself making a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of children and families, while also nurturing my own personal growth and fulfillment in alignment with my passions and values.

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

As a childcare worker, I am deeply passionate about fostering the holistic development of the children under my care. Every day, I strive to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. One of the activities I love to share with them is nature exploration, as I believe connecting with the natural world instills a sense of wonder and curiosity. Whether we're going on nature walks, observing plants and animals, or simply spending time outdoors, I aim to cultivate a deep appreciation for the environment and encourage a sense of stewardship for the world around us. Additionally, I am dedicated to incorporating Montessori-inspired learning into our daily routines, empowering children to engage in self-directed activities that promote independence and critical thinking skills. From practical life activities to sensorial exploration and beyond, I strive to create an environment that fosters a love for learning and encourages children to explore their interests and passions. Through activities like cooking and nutrition, art and creativity, and cultural exploration, I aim to provide children with a diverse range of experiences that enrich their lives and help them develop into confident, well-rounded individuals. Ultimately, my goal as a childcare worker is to nurture the unique potential of each child, instilling in them a lifelong love for learning and a strong foundation for future success.