Babysitter Available in Western Springs, IL: Mary K.

$30 - $40/hr

10+ years of paid experience

A little bit about me

With over 10 years of combined childcare and caregiving experience, I bring a thoughtful, attentive and developmentally informed approach to caring for children and supporting families. My background includes nannying, crisis-line work as a telephonic first responder, and specialized foster care services for children with complex, high-acuity needs, where I provided intensive support to children and their families. I value building trusting relationships with families and providing intentional, compassionate care tailored to each child's individual needs.
I am currently pursing graduate studies in mental health counseling, further complementing my passion for child development, emotional well-being, and family support. I take pride in bringing professionalism, maturity and specialized experience to my work with the goal of providing dependable, thoughtful care that gives parents peace of mind and helps children feel safe, understood, and supported.

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Looking For

Availability

Start: ASAP

Very flexible availability all day Monday-Wednesday, Friday, and occasionally on weekends. However, on Thursdays from 4- 8 p.m., I am consistently unavailable due to night class.

Full-time

Part-time

Occasional work

Live-out

Age Groups

Infants

Toddlers

Preschoolers

Grade-schoolers

How often do you need a babysitter?

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...

Crisis and Access Specialist serving as a telephonic first responder affiliated with 988 and other national crisis hotlines.
Therapeutic Family Foster Home Specialist working with children with complex and higher-acuity needs in a specialized grant-funded program in the foster system.
Crisis Resolution Provider at Family Service Guidance Children's Crisis Center

Activities I enjoy doing with children...

I love finding creative ways to spend time outdoors, as I believe outdoor play is an important part of childhood development. Spending time in nature can encourage curiosity, imagination, and exploration, while also providing a calming environment that supports emotional regulation and overall well-being. I enjoy a wide variety of activities and love following children’s interests, whether that means exploring nature, engaging in imaginative play, creating hands-on activities, or simply enjoying the outdoors together. I especially value opportunities for children to express themselves, build confidence, and learn through play, while creating a fun, nurturing, and supportive environment.

My experience with special needs children...

Through my experience in foster care, I have supported children and caregivers navigating complex medical situations, including kidney failure requiring frequent hospital treatments and a spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis. While I have not been solely responsible for a child with intensive medical needs, I have gained valuable experience providing support, adapting to changing needs, and helping children and families navigate challenging circumstances. I also have hands-on experience providing comprehensive support for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other significant behavioral needs. I strive to approach every child with patience, compassion, flexibility, and an individualized understanding of their needs, while prioritizing their safety, dignity, and well-being.