Part-Time Nanny Available in Santa Maria, CA: Diane S.

$21/hr

10+ years of paid experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Diane, a compassionate and experienced caregiver offering in-home support for children of all ages and abilities. I’ve worked as a preschool teacher, homeschool educator, and clinical behavior interventionist—supporting children with autism, ADHD, and sensory needs through play-based, one-on-one care. I specialize in working with twins and sibling sets, helping each child feel seen, supported, and uniquely understood.

Whether it’s storytelling, nature walks, or helping with routines, I bring a calm, joyful presence to your home. My care is rooted in consistency, creativity, and real developmental insight. If you’re looking for support that nurtures your child—and gives you space to rest and breathe—I’d love to connect.

Available part-time, with long-term availability for the right family.

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Looking For

Availability

Start: ASAP

Weekdays 10:00am - 6:00pm

Part-time

Live-out

Age Groups

Infants

Toddlers

Preschoolers

Grade-schoolers

How often do you need a nanny?

Full-Time Part-Time

Qualifications

Certifications

Driver’s License

CPR

First Aid

Other

Car

Light housekeeping

Meal prep

Special needs

Work Experience

10+ 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)

Adults (18+ years)

More About Me

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

Hi! I’m Diane, a warm, dependable caregiver with years of experience—from raising my own kids to supporting others as a preschool teacher, homeschool educator, tutor, and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). I specialize in working with children with autism, ADHD, and sensory needs, using playful, individualized strategies that support both learning and regulation.

I offer one-on-one care that’s calm, creative, and rooted in developmental insight. I’ve worked closely with twins and sibling sets, and I’m comfortable balancing multiple needs in the same household. Whether we’re reading, exploring outside, or practicing life skills, I love helping children grow with confidence.

I’m flexible with scheduling, open to long-term placements, and experienced with Regional Center hours and support programs. Let’s connect!

Activities I enjoy doing with children...

I love reading books aloud, creating art, exploring nature, building forts, and making everyday routines feel fun and meaningful. I enjoy sensory play, imaginative games, and hands-on activities that support learning and life skills. Whether we’re baking, doing puzzles, or taking a walk to look for bugs, I follow each child’s curiosity and meet them where they’re at.I often incorporate therapeutic play techniques to help children express themselves and build social-emotional skills. I have a special interest in supporting twins and sibling sets, helping each child feel seen while encouraging healthy interaction and teamwork.

The most important part about being a nanny...

The most important part of being a nanny is nurturing a real, joyful childhood—one filled with play, safety, and curiosity. I believe children grow best when they’re truly seen, supported, and encouraged to explore at their own pace. I focus on creating a secure environment where play leads to confidence and a lifelong love of learning. Just as important is building trust with parents—being a calm, reliable partner who supports the family as a whole. For me, being a nanny means honoring both the wonder of childhood and the deep connection that makes it thrive.

My experience with special needs children...

As a mom and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), I’ve supported children with autism, ADHD, speech delays, sensory sensitivities, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder)—including twins and sibling sets. I’ve worked in clinical settings and could continue down that path, but I’ve found that private, in-home work is where the most meaningful progress happens. The growth I’ve seen in the twin clients I’ve supported over the last two years, along with other families, has been deeply rewarding and affirmed my commitment to this work.

I bring a calm, relationship-based approach to children who struggle with emotional regulation, communication, or trust. Whether your child is nonverbal, easily overwhelmed, or just needs someone patient to meet them where they are, I’m here to build safety, routine, and connection—at their pace, and in full partnership with you.

The most important part about being a nanny...

One of my favorite nanny moments was with the twin boys I currently support, both highly food averse. For years, they only ate fast or packaged foods. After their recent high cholesterol diagnosis, this became even more urgent. I had been gently introducing new foods for over a year through games and sensory play—starting with just touching food to their tongues. A breakthrough came when we baked a cherry pie from scratch. They were hesitant, but as the smell filled the kitchen, curiosity (and sibling competitiveness) grew. One said, “Let’s all take a bite at the same time!” We did. The more sensory-averse twin took a bite, spit it out… then quickly took another and shouted, “I love pie!” Since then, he’s tried five new foods in one day—his personal record. That moment reminded me why I choose private care: the trust, the tiny victories, and seeing lasting change.