51yrs

female

Speaks English

I've worked as a respite caregiver for children in Chicago for five years, including children in foster care and/or coping with various disabilities. These experiences have given me opportunity to spend time with toddlers, school-age children and adolescents and to provide them and their families with both recreational activities and concrete support. Whether with a 5-year-old boy learning to swim or an 18-year-old girl getting her first State ID card, a child who is delighted or frustrated or tired, finding common ground in a young person's particular situation and personality has brought me challenge and satisfaction. While continuing part-time at a local social service agency where I've worked for more than 10 years, I would like to add other childcare work to my week. I'm open and interested in learning new skills and could bring diverse experience and a warm presence to that effort.