About Jennifer

My experience in caring for others started early in life as I am the oldest of 5 children with 4 younger brothers. I began babysitting in my early teens for relatives and family friends, many of whom I still have a relationship with today. I am a proud God Mother to 2 children of different families and auntie to 9. I have always loved kids & helping others! And then I had twin boys of my own that are now starting preschool and I'm looking to help another family during their school hours from 9-1 (give or take). I could see first hand with my own twins the rewards of sticking to the sleep/eat/play schedule. I believe we thrive best with a combination of playful stimulation, consistency, follow through, supportive autonomy, a healthy diet, a nurturing environment and lots of fresh air! I am versed in baby sign language and found it to be a wonderful tool towards building independence through early communication skills. It really came in handy when it came time to potty train my twins by age 2! TV and electronics have their time and place but I love interacting with children and know how important early communication, physical contact, reading and tactile exercises are to developing minds and bodies. I love to stay busy, be creative, play, go outside, visit museums & parks and teach love. We are members at Boyd Hill, St. Pete Golf & Country Club (where I'm teaching my twins to swim & play golf), Marie Selby Botanical Gardens & Ringling Museum. A USF college graduate from way back, I am highly qualified having worked in the profession of social work for the state of FL for 10+ years. I am certified in a dozen different things relating to safety, teaching, health and development (see profile for exact certifications). I have many people (professional and familial) who will testify to my character, work ethic, integrity and genuine love of care-giving. I am currently a certified social worker in Florida & have been working with DCF for 7+ years at the same agency. I have national background clearance through the Department of Children and Families & am a "safe driver" through USAA auto insurance with a clean driving record and reliable transportation. Prior to my working with DCF, I worked with Head Start & was certified in Early Childhood Safety and Development. I became a certified teacher in primary education in 2007 but pursued social work instead of the school system. I have also been trained in CPR including infants and children, have worked with at-risk teens, adults, the elderly and with special needs/therapeutic/medical cases & I am very familiar with local service providers (doctors, dentists, counselors, therapists and etc.), community resources, & school policies. Prior to my work in this field, I ran a local gallery for 5 years. Before the kiddos came, I traveled extensively through Europe & lived in Mexico & Costa Rica with my husband of 14+ years but dare not say I am fluent in Spanish although I can certainly get by & teach what I can to my own boys. I am looking for part time (15-25hours) weekday mornings (preferably 9-1 p.m. M-F) while my boys are at school. If you want a reliable, fun, punctual, mature professional, then I'm your girl! I probably have more experience than most in both personal and professional capacities & I genuinely love caring for others. Being a Bay Area native, I know my way around town & where all the cool spots are for outings, play dates or even school/appointment transports. If there is a specific book or methodology your family is using I always want to learn new things - just let me know. At the end of the day, I fully acknowledge that they are your children and as a mother myself, I know how important it is to be heard and respected. I will love your little one(s) & trust in their care & development just as I would my own. And of course, I would never bring my children or any visitors! Furthermore, I would never take them anywhere unauthorized by you first, feed them anything you didn't approve (I make some killer homemade baby food), respect your TV/movies/electronic limits and will always always always respect YOU as the parent. I know my hours are limited and quirky but I also know the right family is out there and I cant wait to meet you!