Part-Time Nanny Available in Ames, IA: Kailyn M.

$18/hr

4 years of paid experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Kailyn McAninch. I'm a 20-year-old college student currently studying Elementary Education with a focus on Special Education at Iowa State University. I’ve been babysitting since I was about 13, starting with family friends, and I have over 2.5 years of experience working in a daycare setting with children ranging in age from infants to 10 years old.

I also had the amazing opportunity to work as a paraeducator at a high school, where I supported students with special needs—an experience that further fueled my passion for helping children learn and thrive.

I truly love spending time with kids, helping them grow, and getting to know all the special things that make each of them unique. My availability may vary depending on my class schedule, but I’m happy to work with you to find times that fit!

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Looking For

Availability

Start: ASAP

10:00AM - 4:00PM

Mon 6:30AM - 11:30AM

Mon 2:30PM - 6:00PM

Tue 9:30AM - 6:00PM

Wed 6:30AM - 11:30AM

Thu 6:30AM - 11:30AM

Thu 2:30PM - 6:00PM

Fri 2:30PM - 6:00PM

Sat 3:30PM - 10:00PM

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

4 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 worked at Color My World Childcare and Preschool for two and a half years, where I began as a floater teacher. Over time, I gained valuable experience across various age groups and eventually advanced to the position of assistant teacher in the infant room. This role allowed me to build strong relationships with the children and their families, while deepening my understanding of early childhood development. Following that, I worked as a paraeducator at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School. In this position, I supported students with special needs in both academic and social settings, helping to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. These experiences have greatly shaped my skills and passion for working with children of all ages and abilities.

Activities I enjoy doing with children...

Some of my favorite activities to do with children are not only fun, but also support their growth and development. I love playing hide and seek, which helps build social skills and encourages movement. I also enjoy any kind of DIY craft, as it promotes creativity and fine motor development. Baking together is another favorite—it’s a great way to practice following directions, measuring, and working as a team. Spending time outdoors is important to me, so I often take walks with children or plan nature-based activities like scavenger hunts to encourage curiosity and sensory exploration. One of my all-time favorite activities is making sensory water bottles. They’re calming, engaging, and a great tool for supporting sensory regulation. I love finding ways to make learning and development feel like play.

The most important part about being a nanny...

To me, the most important part about being a nanny is building a strong, trusting relationship with both the child and their family. Children thrive when they feel safe, understood, and supported—and as a nanny, I get to help create that environment every day. It’s not just about supervising or keeping a routine; it’s about being someone the child can rely on, learn from, and feel completely comfortable with. I also believe strong communication with parents is key, so we can work as a team to support their child’s growth, development, and happiness.

My experience with special needs children...

My experience with special needs children began early in life. I grew up with an older brother who has autism, which deeply influenced my desire to pursue a career in special education. This passion was further strengthened by my younger brother, who is also on the autism spectrum. These personal experiences have given me a unique perspective and a strong commitment to supporting individuals with special needs. As a Special Education major at ISU, I’ve taken numerous courses that have provided me with valuable knowledge and insight into effective teaching strategies for students with diverse needs. In addition to my academic training, I’ve had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working as a paraeducator, where I was able to directly support and learn from students with special needs. These experiences have reinforced my dedication to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where every child can thrive.

The most important part about being a nanny...

One of my favorite nanny moments was when a child I had been working with for a while finally learned to tie their shoes after weeks of practice together. We had turned it into a fun little routine—every day after snack time, we’d practice tying with a stuffed animal's shoes or with mine. The day they finally did it on their own, their face lit up with pride, and they immediately ran to show their parents. It was such a simple moment, but it reminded me why I love working with kids—being part of their little victories and watching their confidence grow is so rewarding.