Full-Time Child Care Provider Available in Missoula, MT: Leah H.

$22 - $28/hr

10+ years of paid experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I'm Leah. I am from New Hampshire, attended college in Salt Lake City, and have lived in Montana for the past five years. I've looked after children since I was fifteen, and I continue to find joy in being around kids. When I'm not spending time working, you'll find me skiing, hiking, gardening, baking sourdough, or working on art projects. I also run a small business selling my handmade jewelry at local shops and markets. I am passionate about the outdoors and I enjoy bringing the same spirit of adventure and creativity to my time with children.

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Looking For

Availability

Start: ASAP

I am currently available full-time or part-time and can work early mornings, daytime, and weekday evening shifts. Weekends are limited and would need to be planned in advance, based on my availability

Full-time

Live-out

Age Groups

Infants

Toddlers

Preschoolers

Grade-schoolers

How often do you need a child care provider?

Full-Time Part-Time

Qualifications

Certifications

Driver’s license

CPR certified

First Aid certified

Other

Own transportation

Light housekeeping

Meal prep

Special-needs experience

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)

More About Me

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

I've been caring for kids for over a decade, from tiny newborns to teenagers.

It started in high school, babysitting regularly for a handful of families and teaching swim lessons at our local lake and the YMCA. In college, I joined Park City Sitters, caring for vacationing families and becoming the agency's go-to infant sitter. Many families requested me year after year, and I nannied for local families on the side, often for a full school year.

After college, I directed a licensed after-school and summer program in New Hampshire, supported kids in special education, and ran my own babysitting business, including wedding and event care. In Montana, I've babysat for guests at the Resort at Paws Up and worked with kids in schools and homes as a mental health clinician. Today I'm a date-night sitter for a few Missoula families.

I also help with drop-offs, driving, meal prep, homework, and light housekeeping. I have a car, a clean driving record, and a master's in social work.

Activities I enjoy doing with children...

I believe kids learn best through play, curiosity, and adventure. As a summer camp director and later working with kids as a clinician, I planned hands-on activities matched to each child's developmental stage. I invite kids to play by offering choices, like open-ended art, sensory exploration, or pretend play, and let their interests lead.

Inside: Homemade slime and other science experiments, baking, sensory bins, seasonal crafts, and multi-step art projects.

Outside: Hikes, nature scavenger hunts, and trips to the library, parks, and playgrounds.

Near water: I was a lifeguard and swim instructor through high school and college, so I'm calm, confident, and watchful around pools and rivers like the Clark Fork.

I also bring boxes of books, toys, games, and art supplies now and then to keep things fresh. Every day should feel engaging, never just "passing time." It's fun for both of us and builds confidence, creativity, and motor skills.

The most important part about being a nanny...

The most important part of being a nanny is making sure your child feels safe, seen, and cared for, and that you feel completely at ease while you're away.

Every family does things differently, and I respect that. I'll learn your routines, rules, and parenting style so your child gets the same expectations whether you're home or not. I will ensure kids and parents alike feel secure and confident in
while they are in my care. When a hard moment comes up, I stay calm, get down on their level, and help them work through it with patience instead of shame.

I believe safety and clear communication are the most important attributes of nannying. Ensuring car seats, water safety, and physical needs are met. Ensuring parents and I are aligned with plans and expectations. Helping fill the missing piece of the puzzle so households run smoothly and everyone stays aligned with daily workflows.

My experience with special needs children...

have extensive experience supporting children with special needs, both in my professional roles and as a nanny/babysitter. I have worked with children with ADHD, anxiety, autism, trauma (PTSD), epilepsy, and diabetes. I am dedicated to helping each child feel supported and confident.

Professionally, I have worked in special education classrooms, collaborating with specialists to support autistic children and those with emotional challenges. As a mental health clinician, I have helped families manage ADHD, anxiety, and trauma. I have also taught skiing to children with disabilities. As a nanny/babysitter, I provide individualized care, adapting to each family's routines and care plans.

I’m happy to follow families' leads and give kids the accommodations needed, such as a visual schedule, a quiet break, sensory stimulation, or regulation.

The most important part about being a nanny...

Some of my favorite moments are when I get to share a little piece of my own childhood. I grew up in the '90s, and I love teaching kids the games and crafts I spent hours on: cat's cradle, pony bead creations, friendship bracelets, and Shrinky Dinks.

There's nothing better than watching a child's face light up when their Shrinky Dink curls and shrinks in the oven, or when they finally get the string right in cat's cradle and want to try it again and again. They're simple things, but kids are fascinated by them, and I love that they get a glimpse of what it was like to be a kid before screens were everywhere.