Childcare & Nannying
Respectful, Responsive Care Grounded in Proven Approaches
Children deserve more than supervision—they deserve to be seen, respected, and supported as the whole, capable people they are. My approach to childcare blends the best of Reggio Emilia, Waldorf Steiner, and Respectful Infant Education (RIE), while beginning with responsive cued care for the youngest children.
While I specialize in caring for children ages 0-3 years, I do with older children.
Philosophy of Care
Blended Educational Approaches
I draw from three respected early childhood philosophies to create individualized care:
Reggio Emilia Principles:
Children as capable researchers and collaborators
Environment as the third teacher
Project-based learning following children's interests
Documentation of learning and growth
Waldorf Steiner Elements:
Rhythm and routine as foundational security
Natural materials and open-ended play
Imagination and creativity as central to development
Connection to nature and seasonal cycles
Respectful Infant Education (RIE):
Children as whole people worthy of respect
Predictable rhythms with quality attention during care times
Allowing natural development without rushing milestones
Honoring children's authentic feelings and experiences
The RIE approach for Infants
For babies 0-6 months, I begin with responsive cued care:
Following baby's natural rhythms rather than imposed schedules
Responding to baby's cues for feeding, sleeping, and interaction
Supporting optimal development through positive sensory experiences
Reducing baby and family stress through flexible, responsive care
Responsive Over Reactive
Drawing from RIE principles and the Cued Care approach, I focus on understanding the needs behind all behaviors. This approach builds emotional intelligence and helps children develop natural self-regulation skills.
Connection Before Correction
When challenges arise, I prioritize maintaining our connection. Children learn best when they feel safe and understood, not when they're in distress.
Areas of Focus
Emotional Regulation Support
Creating calm environments that support emotional well-being
Teaching age-appropriate coping strategies
Modeling emotional regulation during challenging moments
Using peaceful conflict resolution techniques
Honoring big feelings while maintaining necessary boundaries
Developmental Engagement (Reggio-Inspired)
Following children's natural interests and emerging curiosities
Providing open-ended play opportunities with natural materials
Documenting learning and growth through observation
Creating project-based learning experiences
Supporting cognitive growth through meaningful, child-led experiences
Practical Life Skills
Age-appropriate household contributions
Self-care routines that build independence
Problem-solving opportunities in daily life
Time management and organization skills
Nature Connection (Waldorf-Inspired)
Regular outdoor exploration and seasonal observations
Gardening and plant care activities appropriate for young children
Natural materials for sensory play and creativity
Building connections to natural rhythms and cycles
Simple nature crafts using found materials
Social and Communication Skills
Practicing kindness and empathy
Conflict resolution with siblings and peers
Clear, respectful communication
Understanding boundaries and consent
Building healthy friendships
My Specialization: Ages 0-3 Years
Why This Age Range?
The first three years of life are critical for brain development, attachment formation, and establishing lifelong patterns of learning and relating. This period requires specialized knowledge and attention that I'm uniquely equipped to provide.
During these crucial years, I focus on:
Secure attachment building through responsive care
Supporting natural developmental milestones without rushing
Creating rich sensory experiences that support brain development
Establishing healthy sleep and eating patterns
Fostering communication and language development
Open to Older Children with Household Management
While 0-3 is my specialty, I welcome families with older children when household management is part of the service package. This allows me to support the whole family system while bringing my early childhood expertise to younger siblings.
Age-Specific Approaches
Infants (0-6 months) - RIE Focus
Reading and responding to baby's unique cues
Supporting natural feeding rhythms (breast or bottle)
Creating calm, sensory-rich environments
Parent education on infant development and cues
Gentle assistance with sleep pattern development
Infants (6-12 months) - Emerging Independence
Supporting sitting, crawling, and early mobility
Introduction to simple foods following baby's lead
Language development through narration and conversation
Encouraging exploration in safe environments
Building routines that honor baby's emerging patterns
Toddlers (1-3 years) - Waldorf/Reggio Integration
Honoring growing independence while ensuring safety
Creating predictable rhythms that provide security
Natural materials for exploration and creativity
Beginning collaborative projects based on interests
Emotional support and co-regulation during self-discovery and boundary testing
Creating Environments for Success
Physical Spaces
Child-accessible organization that encourages independence
Calm corners for emotional regulation
Creative spaces for art and imagination
Reading nooks that invite literacy
Safe outdoor exploration areas
Emotional Environment
Predictable routines that create security
Clear, consistent boundaries with warm enforcement
Celebration of effort over perfection
Space for authentic expression of feelings
Opportunities for success and building confidence
Collaboration with Parents
Communication
Daily updates on activities, milestones, and observations
Regular check-ins about your child's development and needs
Sharing pictures and moments (with permission)
Discussing any concerns or celebrations
Maintaining consistency between home and care environments
Respecting Your Parenting Style
Implementing your family values and rules
Honoring your cultural and religious practices
Respecting dietary preferences and restrictions
Following your guidance on screen time and activities
Special Considerations
Transitions and Changes
Supporting new sibling adjustments
Helping with moves or major life changes
Easing school or daycare transitions
Managing divorce or separation impacts
Processing grief or loss
Unique Needs
Working with neurodiverse children
Supporting children with developmental delays
Accommodating medical needs or restrictions
Adaptive care for highly sensitive children
Creating inclusive environments for all abilities
Why Choose Mindful Childcare?
Beyond Basic Supervision
While keeping children safe is fundamental, my care goes deeper. I'm invested in your child's emotional, social, and cognitive development, helping them build skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Building Resilience
By honoring children's feelings and supporting them through challenges, I help build resilience and emotional intelligence which serves them far beyond childhood.
Creating Lasting Positive Impact
The care and respect children receive in their early years shape how they see themselves and interact with the world. My goal is to contribute to raising confident, kind, and capable humans.
Getting Started
During our initial meeting, we'll discuss:
Your child's unique temperament and developmental stage
Your family's routines and how they align with responsive care principles
Educational philosophies that resonate with your values
Any special considerations for your child's individual needs
How I can best serve your family
Every child deserves care that honors their individual spirit while supporting their optimal development. I'm honored to blend proven educational approaches with responsive, cued care to support your child's unique journey.
