Maria Elena P.

Meet Maria Elena

• Has a car

I'm having a great time caring for children after teaching college most of my adult life. I find children like my grandmotherly side coupled with an aunt-like energy. My mantra is to “teach-while-playing.” Fun activities present a chance to work on something educational, such as the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, spelling (especially child's name), practicing courtesy phrases, etc. The little one's having lessons and doesn't even realize it! Depending on the child's interest level and the parents' preference, I also teach Spanish. I have had success for the last 8 years teaching Spanish using songs, games, and fun activities to children as young as 6 months. I'm also happy to take little ones on field trips to the library, museums, children's events, private lessons, friends' parties/play dates, etc. I constantly research the best approaches to tap into little ones’ best learning styles. Basic Montessori methods are favorites. I take the Read more child's lead and allow for lots of creative play. Within this ideological framework, the teacher/caregiver actually orchestrates this 'free play.' The child chooses from a treasure trove of books, toys, blocks, games, and even everyday items. Yet, these are carefully selected with educational/ developmental objectives. As the child plays, I oversee, participate as child invites, and encourage with positive reinforcement. Tuned in to cues when a change in activity is needed, I check if the child needs to be redirected from active play to a quieter activity like reading. I love to bring books to life with dramatic readings and to encourage the little one to help me. If the child decides it's not time to read, then I check if it's time for a (parent-sanctioned) snack or for an expedition outside. (By the way, I do come back to reading. Usually, when I start perusing a little-one's favorite book, it doesn't take long before I have a reading partner by my side.) I keep a daily log for parents of pertinent information, sweet memories, and milestones. This gives parents the opportunity for feedback to improve their little one's experience. Weekly, I’m happy to clean the child's bathroom and his/her bedroom following strict state guidelines for childcare facilities. Daily during naptime, I do the child's laundry, tidy up the play area and do light housekeeping in the commons-part of the house (family room, kitchen). Depending on the child’s age, I engage him/her in helping a little as part of their development.

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