MARCELA COSTA
Summary
Passionate childcare professional with 10 years of experience in early childhood education and caregiving. Worked in a elementary school in Brazil for 6 years, developing educational activities and fostering children's cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Moved to the U.S. as an Au Pair for 2 years, providing full-time childcare, and continued working with multiple families on weekends and school breaks. Currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, enhancing expertise in child development and emotional well-being. Aspiring Child Life Specialist, committed to supporting children and families in challenging situations. Dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment, with a patient, compassionate, and structured approach to childcare.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nanny
Goldfarb Family
04.2025 - 05.2026
- Supervised daily activities and ensured safety of children in care.
- Planned and implemented engaging educational activities to promote development.
- Prepared healthy meals tailored to the child's dietary needs and preferences.
- Enhanced children's emotional well-being by providing attentive care and nurturing relationships.
- Developed games and activities using arts and crafts to support learning and verbal skills.
In-Home Nanny
Panchal Family
Old Greenwich
05.2022 - 02.2025
- Supported family by managing household tasks such as laundry, light cleaning, and errand running.
- Maintained open communication with parents to discuss progress, challenges, and goals for the children.
- Safeguarded children during travel by adhering to car seat safety guidelines and maintaining vigilance during outings.
- Managed schedules efficiently, coordinating extracurricular activities and transportation needs for the children.
- Drove children to dance, cheer, and sports practices, etc.
Au pair
Au pair
Old Greenwich
05.2020 - 05.2022
- Provided full-time childcare for children aged 3.5 & 6.5.
- Enhanced cultural exchange experiences by sharing customs, traditions, and native language with host family members.
- Collaborated closely with parents to establish consistent routines expectations promoting stability security for their children.
- Developed bilingual abilities in Portuguese through immersive conversation and activities.
- Managed daily schedules effectively, ensuring punctuality for school drop-offs and pick-ups as well as extracurricular activities.
Teacher Assistant
Elementary School in Brazil
01.2014 - 12.2019
- Assisted teachers in planning and delivering educational activities.
- Helped manage classrooms, organize learning materials, and supervise activities.
- Supervised students during lunch breaks, recess, field trips, and other school-related events, maintaining a positive atmosphere conducive to learning.
- Assisted lead teacher in managing classroom behavior, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
Education
Associate of Science - Psychology
Norwalk Community College
Norwalk, CTUniversidade Potiguar (UnP)
BrazilSkills
- First Aid
- CPR
- AED
- Swimming
- Outdoor Activities
- Organizational skills
- Strong driver
Certification
- Creativity: Ideas & Innovations, Hudson County Community College
- Critical Thinking & Creative Problem Solving, Hudson County Community College
- Stress Management- Mastering Your Emotions, Hudson County Community College
- Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED, American Heart Association
- Cultural Care Au pair Training School
Timeline
Nanny
Goldfarb Family
04.2025 - 05.2026
In-Home Nanny
Panchal Family
05.2022 - 02.2025
Au pair
Au pair
05.2020 - 05.2022
Teacher Assistant
Elementary School in Brazil
01.2014 - 12.2019
Associate of Science - Psychology
Norwalk Community College
Universidade Potiguar (UnP)