Elizabeth Barrow

Building a network of families in Lincoln Park which I have babysat for and/or nannied to create a solid portfolio of childcare and homecare. Families experienced their children learn and grow. Responsibilities vary, yet they include:

• Deeply organizing and cleaning any household room.
• Improved cleanliness standards by implementing thorough cleaning routines and using appropriate cleaning products.
• Maintained a safe and healthy environment for clients by regularly sanitizing surfaces and properly disposing of waste.
• Disinfected bathrooms and removed mold from shower stalls and bathtubs.
• Maintained clean and comfortable environments in commercial buildings by vacuuming, cleaning windows, and dusting.
• Ensured timely completion of tasks by managing daily schedules efficiently and prioritizing workload.
• Managed laundry duties effectively, ensuring clothing items were treated according to care instructions for optimal results.
• Completed household chores requested by the family.
• Facilitated language acquisition with vocabulary-rich conversations and age-appropriate language exercises catered to individual needs for bilingual households or ESL learners.
• Assisted with housekeeping duties as well as running errands.
• Developed strong communication with parents to provide updates on children''s progress, needs, and achievements.
• Supported children in play activities, meals, and snacks, hygiene and socialization.
• Collaborated closely with parents in establishing boundaries/rules within the household which helped maintain consistency across all environments.
• Maintained a clean and organized home environment conducive to optimal child development through regular tidying duties.
• Provided nutritious meals and snacks according to dietary restrictions or preferences, ensuring balanced nutrition for growing bodies.
• Organized and cleaned home after activities by picking up toys and straightening up play room.
• Handled challenging behavioral issues using appropriate discipline strategies and proactive communication with parents.
• Ensured children's safety and comfort by consistently monitoring their environment and addressing potential hazards.
• Built positive and nurturing environments to support child social and emotional growth.
• Encouraged physical activity with outdoor play, sports, and fitness games for improved health and motor skills development.
• Engaged with children on age-appropriate level.
• Balanced playtime and limited screen time to support development of fine motor, gross motor, and cognitive skills.
• Promoted intellectual development through reading, storytelling, and engaging educational activities.
• Bathed, dressed, and helped with teeth brushing as part of bedtime preparation.
• Supported character-building qualities such as responsibility, respect, empathy, and self-discipline through consistent modeling of behavior expectations.
• Monitored schedules to maintain sleeping, eating, and school schedules for children.
• Assisted children with homework assignments and special projects across different subjects.
• Administered basic first-aid and medication in emergency situations.
• Fostered creativity through art projects, music appreciation, and imaginative play designed to stimulate young minds.
• Identified warning signs of emotional and developmental problems in children.
• Regularly traveled with family to help with vacation activities and childcare.
• Coordinated playdates and outings to meet children's physical and social needs.
• Supervised children on playground to help develop physical and social skills.
• Organized activities that enhanced children's physical, emotional and social well-being.
• Supervised children engaged in physical activity, learning and social skills with peers.
• Encouraged children to be understanding and patient with others.
• Helped children complete homework assignments and school projects.
• Provided developmentally appropriate activities for children.
• Developed games and activities using arts and crafts to support learning and verbal skills.
• Monitored children's play activities to verify safety.
• Taught children basic life skills, manners and personal hygiene.
• Transported children to and from activities using personal or family vehicle.
• Transported children to and from school, medical appointments and extra-curricular activities.
• Assisted older siblings in tutoring younger ones by creating well-structured educational sessions focused on improving academic performance.
• Implemented effective sleep training techniques that established healthy bedtime routines resulting in improved sleep quality.
• Expanded cultural awareness through exposure to diverse activities, literature, and cuisine, fostering an appreciation for global perspectives in young minds.
• Coordinated transportation arrangements for school pick-ups/drop-offs or appointments while prioritizing safety precautions during transit.
• Assisted in the development of social skills by arranging playdates with peers in a supervised setting.
• Developed and implemented behavior management strategies to minimize indiscipline and guide children in attaining positive behavior.
• Implemented creative learning strategies tailored to each child''s interests and abilities for enhanced cognitive growth.
• Enhanced children's emotional well-being by providing attentive care and nurturing relationships.

Assistant teacher in a classroom for ages two through two and a half. Responsibilities included but not limited to;

• Responsible for the sanitation, cleanliness, and organization of the classroom to meet DCFS and company standards.
• Arts and crafts planning and execution.
• Diaper changes and creams.
• Serving meals.
• Gentle and firm discipline (gentle parenting).
• Reading books.
• Teaching/singing songs.
• Responded to student needs and questions promptly.
• Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
• Supported teacher in monitoring students during lunch periods, recess, and other non-instructional times to maintain safety and orderliness.
• Assisted teachers with supervision and care of group of 16 children.
• 
  

Team Leaders are responsible for leading and providing direct care to a team of students, helping them achieve established goals for mind, body and soul. This position is responsible for leading programming, engaging students in a variety of blended learning activities, providing academic support, giving spiritual mentoring, and serving both children and families in a variety of other capacities. This position requires a driven and compassionate leader with a desire to serve youth in under-resourced neighborhoods.

• Responsible for the sanitation, cleanliness, and organization of the classroom to meet DCFS and company standards.
• Followed the Student Behavior Policy and classroom management training to help students stay on task.
• Supervised team members to confirm compliance with set procedures and quality requirements.
• Monitored team performance and provided constructive feedback to increase productivity and maintain quality standards.
• Ensured overall targets for achievements are met with an emphasis on academic and spiritual progress, attendance, and retention for all students on the team.
• Visited the homes and teachers of each child and completed all required forms in a timely manner.
• Worked to build positive relationships with both parents/guardians and teachers to ensure the best overall care for each child.
• Planned and lead enrichment, Bible study, Social-Emotional Learning, homework, blended learning and other program activities for students during the week.
• Consistently implemented new ideas and strategies to engage students in learning and encourage each child to do his/her best.
• Assisted the Spiritual Development Specialist in chapel by teaching lessons, leading worship and/or other activities.
• Attended training sessions provided by the organization throughout the year.
• Ensured each child has his/her homework completed during programming.
• Provided strong, spiritual mentorship (one-on-one or in small groups).
• Provided input for improvements in programming for both our staff and student cultures.

Director of the media, art, and design department of Ambitna as well as aesthetics and company branding. As lead creative, I edited and composed the creative writing content for the company and its needs, including editing staff documents and publications.

• Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Oversaw website copy and social media platforms.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop cohesive messaging for product launches and announcements.
• Conducted regular competitive analyses to identify opportunities for differentiation in the marketplace.
• Enhanced brand visibility by developing and executing strategic communication plans.
• Implemented social media strategies, boosting online presence and audience engagement.
• Oversaw branding and rebranding initiatives.
• Designed and implemented marketing and branding collateral.
• Worked closely with social media team on WordPress blogs and social media marketing.
• Managed company social media pages and increased social media presence, monitoring user engagement.
• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
• Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
• Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.

Provided an amazing shopping experience that encouraged positive customer connections and loyalty. Performed register functions while using sales, promotion, and product knowledge to drive add-on sales. Covers the sales floor and helps ensure all visual standards are met. Assisted in the organization of the stockroom and providing a clean, consistent, and inviting store environment that inspired customers to shop. Multitasked in a fast paced environment while also being committed to creating an amazing customer experience. Prioritized fashion focus and stayed on top of current trends.

• Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
• Oversaw regular store cleaning of shelves, backrooms and racks.
• Assisted in end-of-day closing activities, including cash reconciliation and store cleaning tasks.
• Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.

Was responsible for the well-being and education of children from the ages of infant to 8th grade. Experience in peer training, discipleship, leadership, including running camp trips and managing classrooms.

• Served as a positive role model for young individuals, demonstrating responsible decision-making skills and ethical behavior.
• Collaborated with other Youth Leaders to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Encouraged youth to explore talents and interests, and assisted in developing individualized plans to foster personal growth.
• Developed rapport with young participants, providing support and guidance in their personal challenges.
• Mentored young individuals, emphasizing the importance of goal-setting and self-improvement.
• Enhanced youth engagement by incorporating interactive games and team-building activities.
• Facilitated discussions between youth and adults to bridge generational gaps and foster understanding.

Making quality beverages, generally specialty hot drinks, preparing food orders, working the cash register.

Deep and detailed cleaning of each piece of equipment (milk frothier, espresso machines, french presses) and store shelves to corporate and food and health department standards, Stocking the store to a very high standard. All of these tasks were performed efficiently while also forming good customer relationships.

• Maintained a clean and organized workspace for optimal productivity and safety.
• Cleaned counters, machines, utensils, and seating areas daily.
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of the workspace, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for customers.
• Collaborated with team members to deliver timely and accurate orders during peak hours.
• Controlled line and crowd with quick, efficient service.
• Pleasantly interacted with customers during hectic periods to promote fun, positive environment.
• Maintained and operated espresso machines, blenders, commercial coffee brewers, coffee pots, and other equipment.
• Promoted a welcoming atmosphere by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and promptly addressing their needs.