Andrea Westrum
Redwood Estates
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive experience in child care, including roles at PACCC and YMCA. I excel in fostering emotional support and promoting health and safety. Proven ability to adapt to diverse needs, ensuring a nurturing environment for all children while enhancing their independence and well-being.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
IHSS Care Provider
IHSS In Home Support Services
06.2024 - Current
- Provide full time care for teen daughter with Autism, ADHD and other related conditions.
- Encourage child to participate in safe physical activity to help boost mood and improve overall wellness.
- Managed challenging behaviors effectively through de-escalation techniques and clear communication strategies.
- Advocate for the rights of child within the healthcare system, ensuring access to necessary resources and services.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop personalized care plans for optimal results.
- Promote mental wellness by engaging client in meaningful conversations and recreational activities suited to their interests.
- Provide transportation for child to school, medical appointments, social events, and other necessary outings.
- Assist child with daily living activities, promoting independence and quality of life.
- Demonstrate patience and empathy while assisting child experiencing cognitive or physical challenges.
Substitute Teacher
PACCC (Palo Alto Community Childcare)
1991 - 2018
- Substitute teacher for PACCC's 19 centers (infant, toddler, preschool, after-school elementary age and summer programs).
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Adapted quickly to different ages, classroom settings and teaching assignments, demonstrating flexibility and resourcefulness.
- Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for all students, adhering to health and safety guidelines in the classroom.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Promoted early literacy development through storytelling, songs, and guided reading activities.
- Fostered independence in students by encouraging self-help skills such as dressing, feeding, and toileting when appropriate.
- Facilitated healthy habits by promoting proper hygiene practices like handwashing throughout the day.
- Actively encouraged children to develop their communication, problem-solving and social skills.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
- Provided homework assistance, resulting in better understanding of subject material and increased confidence in students.
- Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to children during difficult times.
- Assisted in potty training and diaper changing
- Responded to inquiries from parents and guardians.
- Logged information regarding naps, feedings, potty times and any medications administered.
- Joined children in activities, games, crafts and meals.
- Assisted children in transitions throughout the day maintaining routines and schedules.
- Greeted children and parents during drop offs and pick ups.
- Assisted in daily chores such as cleaning, washing dishes, putting away toys, sweeping and keeping center clean throughout the day.
- Managed daily attendance list of children with food allergies ensuring they only receive allowed foods during meal times.
- Assisted with setting up and taking down cots and bedding for nap time.
- Provided extra support for children with special needs.
Childwatch Supervisor
YMCA Of Silicon Valley
2005 - 2007
- Recruited, interviewed and hired Childwatch employees.
- Greeted children and parents during drop off and pick ups.
- Changed diapers and assisted young children with toileting needs.
- Provide a safe, welcoming and fun environment.
- Maintained emergency forms, sign-in sheet, sign out sheet, checking parents membership card ID and any allergy needs for children.
- Provided children with age appropriate activities.
- Encourage and assist children with handwashing.
- Provide emotional support for children.
- Participate in special events and holiday activities.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Ensure staff is prepared for any emergency that may arise.
- Maintain and clean age appropriate toys, books and furniture.
- Collect, review and submit staff timecards.
- Ensure staff maintains required certifications.
- Notify janitor of any repairs needed as well as any specific cleaning need.
- Open and close center according to facility schedule.
- Maintain an appropriate staff to child ratio throughout the day.
Education
Associate of Science - Child Development
Foothill College
Los Altos, CA05-1999
Associate of Science - Child Development
Foothill College
Los Altos, CA05-1999
Skills
- Health and safety
- Autism education through UC Davis
- Experience with special needs children
- Previous EMT
- Experience with all ages of children
- QPR Suicide gatekeeper
- Certified Life Coach and First Responder Support Coach
- Certified Peer Support Specialist
- Psychological First Aid training through NCTSN
Timeline
IHSS Care Provider
IHSS In Home Support Services
06.2024 - Current
Substitute Teacher
PACCC (Palo Alto Community Childcare)
1991 - 2018
Childwatch Supervisor
YMCA Of Silicon Valley
2005 - 2007
Associate of Science - Child Development
Foothill College
Associate of Science - Child Development
Foothill College