Hello Family! As a teacher and an "always learning" advocate, I am looking for a family that ascribes to "early and always" learning for their children. My philosophy involves making interesting learning materials available to kids and avoiding the two extremes of (a) frustrating them by pushing them into areas where they don't have aptitude or interest; and (b) limiting them by underestimating just how much they can learn, and how fast. My first thought about the allegedly short attention span of very young children has been challenged... kids don't receive enough credit for how much they want to learn and how much they CAN learn, at earlier ages than would have been dreamed possible. I was trained as, and worked as, a teacher in the 1980's and 2000's. The more time I spent in the classroom, the more I came to believe that traditional methods of teaching were wasting a lot of children's potential and failing to keep their attention. I enjoy doing lots of outside activities with kids... being as creative as possible when coming up with a wide variety of activities including music, dance/movement, art, drama, history, food, math, science, reading, language skills... incorporating any educational material into a form of play or discovery. In addition to this, I feel it is very important that children respect themselves and others by encouraging good manners and participating in volunteer projects... finding opportunities to be grateful. I know some French and Spanish and I am at the beginning level of learning the Hebrew language. As a private chef, I enjoy preparing simple things exceedingly well... a la Chef Ducasse's philosophy--clarity of taste, precision in execution, and respect for the food itself--retaining its essential flavor. For me, it is a constant quest--to do better, develop techniques, find ways to extract more flavor, find superb new ingredients from local artisans, and refine the balance of harmony in flavors. Working as a chef, I also have a thriving passion for fitness and healthy food and do not eat pork or shellfish. I take my position seriously, with full accountability for cleanliness, organization, cost of goods, quality of product and with values of excellence. I like to work for families that shop at Whole Foods and Trader Joes... I like to work for families that like to eat healthy food! I anticipate being devoted to the growth and development of your family. Introducing fitness and healthy food to children in a fun way can make a big impact in their lives and involving children in food preparation not only allows them to be comfortable with food, but it can also develop intellectual skills, such as math (measuring and estimation). I like to work with a predictable yet flexible schedule and to maintain good and transparent communication with the family and would of course, compile the menu with the family's desires. I can accept constructive criticism, and am patient, caring, and flexible. When I was in high school I was on the swim/diving team and still love to swim. I am also working on my fitness trainer certification with ACE and would like to live in an area where Israeli folkdancing is available. I like Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, gar'denology, gorgeous wood floors and lavender and lilies! I would also like to work in a place where there is the availability of intellectual pursuits and farmers markets.... I am an experienced teacher/chef who is energetic, nurturing, and creative, and loves working with kids. I have a teaching background, strong academic credentials, and love drawing, arts and crafts, imaginary play, biking, swimming, and music (piano, guitar, djembe). SCHEDULE: • Daily: 7:00am-5:30pm. 30-40 hours/5 days a week or as needed • Start Date: Ideally by mid/late May, but flexible • Schedule and start date can be flexible for the right family (i.e., more or fewer hours). • School Pickups: Daily ABOUT ME: • Energetic, enthusiastic and nurturing whether playing or helping with homework • Love working and playing with children • Safe driver with State Farm insurance • Responsible, intelligent, and a positive person • Speak fluent English. Strong communication skills with adults and children • Positive attitude and willingness to pitch in RESPONSIBILITIES: • Safety and well being of the kids • Model creative, enthusiastic and fun play -- art projects, outdoor play, bike riding, musical play • Help with homework and study habits • Drive to and from afternoon activities (swim lessons, playdates) • Help arrange and coordinate play dates • Prepare lunch and dinner for/with the kids B'tayavon! Annsally