Nicola O.

Hi parents and guardians! I'm Nicola. I have been working with children for eight years now! Almost six of those have been with the same family. I was minding a twelve year old girl and a six year old boy who happens to have Down Syndrome. I have worked as an AIM support worker for a child with Down Syndrome who communicates mostly through Lámh sign language and another child on the autism spectrum who communicates using PECS. I have also volunteered facilitating a youth leadership course for people young people from disadvantaged backgrounds for two years. I have a FETAC level five certificate in child care and another in community and health care (disability support work). I have also done a special certificate in youth and community studies. I have also completed a QQI level five certificate in Lámh (sign language for people with intellecual and physical disabilities). Last year I completed my QQI level six in Early Childhood Care and Education. At the moment I am studying on a Bachelor degree programme in DCU studying Early Childhood Education. I love working with children because they are fun to be with. I love to see how they learn and grow, how their personalities grow and become shaped by the world around them and seeing them become more independant. I am looking for some work as an occasional babysitter. Unfortunately I do not drive and rely on public transport so I apologise if this is a requirement for you.