Sitter in Palatine, Illinois

I have worked with children in various capacities for many years, including in day care centers and schools. I recently got my special education teaching degree. I am currently continuing to take classes in early childhood education, with hopes of becoming a special education preschool teacher. I also have lots of experience with typically developing children. I enjoy helping young children develop a love of learning and a sense of curiosity. When I work with children, I provide activities such as art projects, games, music, story times, science projects, cooking, and outings. My favorite places to take children for outings are nature centers and libraries! I enjoy the freedom of being able to use a child's interests and ideas to help guide learning, and building up curiosity and a love of learning. I feel that learning should be less about testing, and more about exploring. I treat children the way I would treat my own children or nieces, nephews, cousins, etc... with love and kindness. Here are some things others have said about me (based on my reviews on another babysitting site) "Nicky is my niece, she is and always has been amazing with kids. I have two kids of my own, her cousins. She has helped me many times, and always comes to visit with a craft or fun thing for them to all do together. She always goes out of her way to make her time with my kids fun. She is truly gifted in the area of children, and she always cares so much for what she does and who she is working with." - Betsy "She is fantastic with children and has a natural talent of relating to the needs of a child." _ Amy "Nicki is patient, kind and cares deeply for children in her care. She was hired by my sons school to be his 1:1 aide from kindergarten through 2nd grade. My son has autism and at that time had some behavior issues. He was in a class with students that did not have his a academic ability. Nicki took the time to keep my son engaged in and develop topics interesting to him which decreased the bad behavior because he was no longer bored. Nicki also helped outside of school when we took my son outside to different events. She always looked out for his best interest." - Lisa