We would give Alba 6 stars if we could. Our kids would probably give her 10. She looked after our two boys for a full 12 months, starting when they were 2 years old & 5 months old. She kept them safe, helped them grow, and gave them so much love. Alba is a qualified and experienced early-childhood teacher, and it really shows. In every respect she has been the best care-giver we could have hoped for. Some examples: * She is an expert in creative play: using just household things, she makes games and crafts that cultivate their imagination, fine motor skills, and cognitive development. * She spends as much time as possible outdoors, developing their gross motor skills, confidence, and social skills with other kids. * She promoted their independence, eg with dressing themselves, washing hands, etc. * She used just the right amount of discipline, mostly using games and imagination to get the boys to get ready to go out, or go to the toilet, but being firm when its really necessary. * She cares about getting them the right nutrition, and gladly took on additional tasks of preparing snacks and lunches. * She is unfailingly punctual, tidy, & just indefatigable -- kept an amazing positive attitude even when the boys tested everyone's patience; and barely asked for any time off. We are sadly leaving Sydney; otherwise would have loved to have Alba keep looking after our boys. They scream with joy when she arrives and each morning and hate to see her go. Anyone would be extremely lucky to have her.