Babysitter Available in Downers Grove, IL: Grace W.

$20/hr

6 years of paid experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Grace. I’m 19 and currently a Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology student at Marquette University. I’ve been babysitting since I was 12 and nannying since I was 14, and this past summer I worked as a paraeducator in a summer school program for kindergarten-aged children with special needs. I absolutely love working with kids and helping them learn, grow, and feel supported. It’s truly my passion, and I bring patience, creativity, and a warm, attentive approach to every family I work with. I’d love to connect and see if I’d be a good fit for your family!

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Looking For

Availability

Start: ASAP

Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun 4:30am - 9:30pm

Part-time

Occasional work

Live-out

Age Groups

Infants

Toddlers

How often do you need a babysitter?

Full-Time Part-Time

Qualifications

Certifications

Driver’s License

Other

Car

Light housekeeping

Meal prep

Special needs

Work Experience

6 years of experience caring for:

Infants (0-11 months)

Toddlers (1-3 years)

Preschoolers (4-9 years)

Grade-schoolers (10-12 years)

High-schoolers (13-17 years)

More About Me

Relevant experience where I also cared for children were...

I began nannying around age 12 or 13, starting with a family whose children were 6 years old, and I’ve continued working with them as they’ve grown. Since then, I’ve nannied for several families, including one with a 10-month-old and a 5-year-old, and another with a 4-year-old and an 8-year-old, among others. This past summer, I worked as a paraeducator at a summer school for special needs students. My main group was 4-year-olds, but I also interacted regularly with children ages 3 to 6.

Activities I enjoy doing with children...

I love spending time with the children I work with and finding ways to make each day fun, engaging, and meaningful. Some of my favorite activities include reading stories together, singing songs, doing crafts, and playing pretend games like “restaurant” or “school.” I also love getting outside for walks, playground time, or nature scavenger hunts, as well as doing simple baking or sensory play projects. Since I’m studying Speech-Language Pathology at Marquette, I enjoy applying what I’m learning in school to my work—especially through activities that support communication and language development. For example, I like to narrate our routines, encourage conversations during play, and use storytime or songs to help children build their vocabulary and confidence in expressing themselves. It’s so rewarding to see kids grow—not only in their speech and language, but also in their creativity, independence, and joy.

The most important part about being a nanny...

The most important part about being a nanny is building a genuine connection with the children and creating a space where they feel safe, supported, and loved. Children thrive when they know they’re cared for, and I believe that strong relationships are the foundation for growth and learning. Whether it’s helping with a tough day, celebrating small milestones, or simply playing and laughing together, I always try to be someone they can trust and feel comfortable with. For me, nannying isn’t just about supervising—it’s about nurturing each child’s confidence, communication, and curiosity.

My experience with special needs children...

My experience with special needs children has been incredibly meaningful. I worked as a paraeducator at a summer school for special needs 4-year-olds, where most of my students were nonverbal and on the autism spectrum, and one of my students had Down syndrome. Through this experience, I learned the importance of patience, flexibility, and using creative communication strategies to support each child’s individual needs. I also nannied a child with autism, which gave me valuable one-on-one experience in providing structure, comfort, and encouragement in a home setting. These experiences have deepened my passion for working with children of all abilities and strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology.

The most important part about being a nanny...

My favorite nanny moment was when the little boy I’d been caring for all summer finally said his first clear word. We had been practicing simple words through play and songs, and one morning, while stacking blocks, he looked up at me and said “up!” with the biggest smile. It was such a small word, but such a huge moment. Seeing his excitement and knowing I had helped him find his voice made me realize how much I love this work and how rewarding it is to help children grow and communicate in their own unique ways. Moments like that remind me why I’m so passionate about becoming a speech-language pathologist and continuing to make a difference in children’s lives.