Featured Nannies
Babysitting in the Pandemic
2017 INA Nanny of the Year ~ Candida Vajana
Each year the International Nanny Association honors an outstanding nanny for recognition by his/her peers and in-home child care industry. At the 32nd Annual INA Conference in Chicago, the
Candida Vajana
2017 Nanny of the Year Candida (Candi) Vajana received this honor.
Candi has been a nanny for over 20 years. One of her goals is to elevate the Nanny Profession by showing examples of quality care and by being a role model to empower other nannies. She enjoys being able to instill the basic but important skills of compassion, empathy and knowing that in order to be happy one needs to be able to help others. In her current position she works with one child and travels extensively. Candi enjoys working with families from different cultures around the world and finds that everyone has something to teach you. She believes that nannies have a very important role to play in society, shaping the minds and souls of the leaders of the future.
Do you know an exceptional nanny who should be nominated for INA Nanny of the Year? Take a look at the NOTY Guidelines and consider nominating an outstanding nanny for the 2018 INA Nanny of the Year Award.
TLC For Kids, Inc. has been St. Louis’ premier nanny and babysitting agency for over 30 years. TLC For Kids’ dedicated staff is ready to assist you in finding nannies, tutors, newborn care specialists, sitters and more. Reach us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or 314-725-5660
TLC Rock Stars!
TLC for Kids provides quality in home child care for families in Missouri and Florida. Our nannies and sitters get great feedback from the families they help. From time to time the reviews are so awesome we can’t keep them to ourselves!
Read the great review we received on Dascha in the St. Louis office.
“Just wanted to write a quick note to let you know how spectacular Dascha has been every time she’s worked for us. Dascha is very detail oriented. If anything out of the ordinary comes up, like David, my 8 year old telling her “I promise that mom ALWAYS lets us do XYZ” Dascha won’t hesitate to text me to verify (and 90% of the time David was not being truthful but rather attempting to push boundaries as is want to happen with an Aspie/ADHD kiddo). Dascha always fills out the form to let me know what she’s done with the boys – which I really appreciate knowing. Dascha even brings her own toys, which makes her very popular, even if it’s something as simple as playdoh (which we have a ton of but hers is special) and will help the boys clean up after themselves. The last thing I really appreciate is her making sure she has a note from me if the boys are going to ride in the car with her. It gives me good piece of mind to know the kids will be identified correctly if, heaven forbid, they were in a car accident. Just wanted to note that it is appreciated!”
Maria in the Florida office did a great job taking care of twins.
“TLC has proven to be excellent in every way. I was worried about hiring someone to help me with our twins, but I do feel confident now with the choice of sitter TLC has sent.
Your office staff is excellent and they exceeded my expectations. It was because I was so impressed by your office staff, and because it is a family owned business, that I decided to enroll with TLC. An example of why I was so happy with your staff is that they were kind, warm, and helpful whenever I called. They treated me as if I was very important to them. Kathy spoke to me about my needs and then worked diligently with Adriana to find me the perfect match.
Maria is the perfect match for me. She is very professional yet extremely loving and warm with the twins. She is punctual, soft spoken and respectful. Maria is knowledgeable about children and I trust her experience in keeping them safe and in nurturing them. I am very happy with Maria and with your service.”
TLC is a family owned business that has been helping families with their in home childcare needs for thirty years. We would love to help you too! For more information please visit our website at tlcforkids.com.
TLC for Kids Featured Caregiver
From time to time we like to feature a TLC for Kids caregiver that is doing a great job. Today we would like to introduce one of our nannies in Florida, Luvenia Coleman.
Luvenia, though only with TLC a short time, has proven herself to be a model TLC caregiver .
Luvenia is extremely well liked by all of her clients. She seems goes out of her way on every assignment to be warm, comforting, engaged with children, and attentive to the family’s needs. She also is an excellent communicator, responding to texts fast, letting us know when she has completed an introductory phone call, and following up after care is completed to let us know how it went. She maintains her availability in the system accurately and regularly, so we always know when we can count on her to take a job. Luvenia demonstrates a clear understanding of our policies and purpose. She has been a great reflection on TLC to the clients she has worked with. Thank you Luvenia, keep it up!
TLC for Kids now services Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa Florida!
TLC for Kids Babysitter Reviews
Over the last few weeks we have collected some great feedback from our clients on the TLC sitters they have used. Nothing makes us happier than to receive such glowing reviews of a job well done! Way to go TLC caregivers!
Here are some of the comments clients have shared with us:
- “Laura has been great. She has helped in every way. She has taken care of my newborn and has also now won over by very choosy toddler. My visit to Florida would have been very difficult without someone like Laura who is willing to help with everything and who is reliable. I would like to put her in my suitcase and take her back home with me 🙂 “
- ” Erin was amazing! She far exceeded my expectations. I was a little worried about needing a sitter for 8 hours because that’s a long time and I was afraid the sitter might get worn out or frustrated after a while. Erin was so patient with the kids and kept them entertained the entire time. The biggest surprise for me was when I walked in the room and saw my 3 yr old was already in his pajamas and sleeping, and had been sleep since 9pm! Bedtime with him is a struggle, even for me! I feel triumphant if I can get him to bed before 11pm on weekends and even that requires a battle but Erin had no problem getting him to bed. My daughter is very picky about sitters and she loved Erin. She like her so much she even left the cutest note for me to find once I got back to the room. I thought it was very nice and a reflection of Erin’s great work so I attached it to the email for you to see. My experience with TLC was amazing overall and I will definitely use the service again if the need arises!”
- ” Julie was wonderful. I’m actually going to be specifically requesting her on my future TLC needs.”
- ” Courtney was a fantastic nanny. I chatted with her for a while before we left, and I felt very comfortable leaving my son with her. She was warm and friendly and has a lot of newborn experience. My son has been having issues taking a bottle, and she even got him to successfully take down a couple ounces. I would highly recommend her and I hope to get her again. She also said wonderful things about TLC and the type of training she received through your service, making me even more confident booking a nanny through TLC again. “
If you are in need of a babysitter in St. Louis, Missouri or South Florida TLC is here for you. Our babysitters are experienced, screened and reliable. To learn more about requesting a TLC sitter visit our website at tlcforkids.com.
Nanny Q and A with TLC for Kids Featured Nanny
Another month for our “Three minute Q and A with TLC nannies.” Each month we are bringing you some great Q and A with our nannies so they can share some info and insight about the nanny profession and educate others on some of the fun aspects of the job. This month we interviewed Maria. Maria is one of the temporary nannies on our babysitting staff.
1) Why did you apply with TLC? I was working as a substitute teacher in St. Charles County and there was a huge influx of retired teachers that entered the substitute teacher pool. My income was affected by this sudden change in the market. My sister was using TLC when family members could not help her and she suggested that I look into getting on board. My sister seemed very happy with the babysitters that had come to her assistance and I decided to apply.
2) What do like best about working with children and families? I love challenging children to use their imaginations and to pretend play. I took a course on “How We Learn” and pretend play is the best way to hone learning, problem solving, communication and creative skills.
3) What is your long-term career goal? When I am not babysitting, I am a touring actress for my own children’s theater company as well a touring actress for a murder mystery dinner theater company. I am living my dream come true. Working for TLC, keeps me grounded in reality and allows me to encourage others to pursue their dreams.
4) What is your go to ice breaker when you are meeting a new child? I try to make sure that I know the child’s interests going in. I bring up early upon first meeting that I have brought something that is in line with the child’s interest. I also include them in the conversation early on.
5) Do you a favorite organization or person you follow on Social Media that is childcare related? No specific entity. I work with Children’s Librarians throughout the Midwest, since they are a major client of my children’s theater company and we are constantly swapping ideas.
Nanny Q and A with TLC Featured Nanny
Another month for our “Three minute Q and A with TLC nannies.” Each month we are bringing you some great Q and A with our nannies so they can share some info and insight about the nanny profession and educate others on some of the fun aspects of the job. This month we interviewed Kayce.
1) Why did you decide to become a nanny?
I decided to nanny when I was in college working on my undergraduate degree. I decided on nannying because I love children and couldn’t imagine not working with children while I was in school.
2) What’s your favorite thing about being nanny?
My favorite part about being a nanny is the fact that I still get to help children learn while having fun. The learning is not always academic. Sometimes it’s as simple as helping a little one figure out how to stack blocks without them falling over.
3) What fun activity are you looking forward to doing with your charge(s) this week?
Since it has been raining we were staying inside. We went to sky zone to bounce and have fun while it is rainy and nasty out. Most weeks we love hanging out at the pool and we are excited for our six flags trip at the end of the month.
4) Where do you get your ideas for creative activities? What’s your favorite craft?
Lost of ideas come from Pinterest but mostly we love just hanging out. Coloring is always a fun activity. The girls are working right now on painting a custom made doll house the way they want it.
5) Do you follow any blogs, websites to share with other nannies?
Nothing on a regular basis. I check out stuff through Pinterest and Facebook mostly. And during group jobs I get lots of ideas from other TlC nannies.
Nanny Q and A With a Featured TLC Nanny
Another month for our “Three minute Q and A with TLC nannies.” Each month we are bringing you some great Q and A with our nannies so they can share some info and insight about the nanny profession and educate others on some of the fun aspects of the job. This month we interviewed Janet.
1) Why did you decide to become a nanny?
The short answer is I LOVE kids!!! I’ve babysat since I was a teenager and have always loved hanging out with kids. When I went to college the best choice for me was a degree in early childhood education!! I have worked in church preschool programs, in day cares and really enjoyed teaching kids about the world helping them grow and learn. Then I did respite for kids with autism and it was one on one and I really enjoyed seeing the difference I could make for that one family. And I liked getting to know and interact with parents to support and encourage them too. In July it will be 6 years ago that I started looking for a nanny job and I got as far as putting in an application at TLC. I was hired and had a set of twins for two years! I’ve done both the temp and full time permanent side of TLC. I’m currently with another family that I got through TLC and have been with them for 2 1/2 years so far!!
2) What’s your favorite thing about being nanny?
Seeing the daily changes milestones and growth of the children and being a help and support to the parents
3) What fun activity are you forward to doing with your charge(s) this week?
Swimming, the library and story time. I’m sure at some point there will be a request for Grant’s Farm which is her current favorite place! We also love the zoo and going on playdates at friends’ houses or the park or having friends come over and play.
4) Where do you get your ideas for creative activities? What’s your favorite craft?
Some of them just happen. Like yesterday we didn’t have a set plan. I had thrown out a few ideas and the dad suggested a splash pad. The little girl thought it was so fun to pull me close to the water and try to get me wet! Most of the activities for art or sensory I get from my days at working in day care and some from the internet. I can’t pick one favorite craft. Right now the little girl is really into finger painting and we like to use different things like a cotton swab or crumpled up paper or rolling a car through the paint.
5) Do you follow any blogs, websites to share with other nannies?
I don’t really follow any. There is a nanny playgroup on FB that we would love for more people to join! We would like to be more involved with meet up groups or something but I’m not the best at suggesting things. I’m more of a spur of the moment, “oh, we are doing ______ if anyone wants to join us” which doesn’t usually work too well. But if someone planned or put it out there for a playdate we would come if we can!
Nanny Q & A with TLC's Featured Nanny
It’s here…our newest blog feature. We’re excited to announce our newest blog series, “Three minute Q and A with TLC nannies.” Each month we’re going to bring you some great Q and A with our nannies so they can share some info and insight about the nanny profession and educate others on some of the fun aspects of the job. This week we interviewed Judy.
1. Why do you want to be a nanny?
I became a nanny after college when I realized teaching in a daycare setting was not for me. I have always enjoyed working with children, so when the opportunity arose, I jumped in with both feet! I love being a nanny, and can no longer imagine having a career in anything else!
2. What’s your favorite thing about being a nanny?
Being apart of a family! Working together as a team in raising the kiddos!
3. What activity are your looking forward to doing with your charge(s) this week?
This week we are going to grants farm and to the train store to play with friends!
4. Where do you get your ideas for creative activities? What’s your favorite craft?
Pinterest, Facebook groups, friends, and google is my best friend!
5. Do you follow any blogs or websites to share with other nannies?
Nanny Transitions
National Nanny Appreciation Week
This week is National Nanny Appreciation Week.
A special thank you to all the nannies who work with our kids. The big and little things you do everyday make an important impact on the lives of so many people.
If you have a TLC nanny please take a minute and share with us on the TLC Facebook page why you and your kids love your TLC nanny.
Your comments will enter your nanny into a special Nanny Appreciation Week contest. So, please take a minute let us and her know how much she is appreciated!