Overview
We are looking for a warm, reliable caregiver to support a 4‑year‑old child during recovery from spinal surgery over the summer (primarily June and July). The child is bright, curious, and naturally active, but will be under strict activity restrictions (no running, jumping, or high‑impact play) while healing.

The ideal candidate enjoys engaging young children through calm, creative, and educational activities, can confidently enforce medical safety rules, and can help create a fun, connected summer experience without strenuous physical activity.

Child & Family Context 

• Child is 4 (turning 5 soon) and will be recovering from spinal surgery.
• By the time this role begins, the initial 2‑week, mostly bed/couch‑bound recovery period will be complete.
• For roughly 6–8 weeks after that, the child will:
  • Be allowed to walk, but
  • Must avoid running, jumping, climbing, trampoline/rough playground play, and other high‑impact activities.
• There is a younger sibling (age 2) who will be in daycare; your focus will be primarily the 4‑year‑old.
• Both parents work full‑time (one works outside the home, one works from home in a senior role), so consistent daytime care and engagement are needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide attentive, safety‑focused supervision of the child during agreed‑upon daytime hours (exact schedule to be finalized).
• Gently but consistently enforce activity limitations set by the surgeon (no running/jumping/high‑impact play; extra care at playgrounds and in any group settings).
• Plan and lead low‑impact, engaging activities, for example:
  • Arts and crafts, building, imaginative play, reading.
  • Simple at‑home STEM/science activities (with materials and ideas provided or planned together).
  • Board games, puzzles, storytelling, music, etc.
• When appropriate and agreed in advance, take the child on short, low‑key outings, such as:
  • Nearby parks for gentle walks and seated play.
  • Local library, children’s museum, zoo, or other age‑appropriate sites—always within movement restrictions.
• Help maintain a predictable daily rhythm (snacks/meals, rest, quiet time, playtime).
• Provide basic, light support related to the child’s care (e.g., tidying play areas, preparing simple snacks, helping with transitions between activities).
• Maintain open, respectful communication with parents about:
  • How the child is feeling and coping.
  • Any concerns about pain, fatigue, or behavior.
  • Any slips or near‑misses with activity restrictions.

Schedule & Duration

• Timing: Primarily June and July (start and end dates to be finalized with the selected candidate).
• Days/Hours: Weekday daytime hours; specific daily schedule is somewhat flexible and will be discussed during the interview.
• Location: Family home in a residential neighborhood with access to local parks and community resources; short local outings as agreed.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience caring for preschool‑age children (approximately 4–5 years old).
• Patient, calm, and genuinely enjoys engaging with children one‑on‑one.
• Comfortable following and enforcing medical/physical restrictions and checking in with parents if unsure.
• Reliable, punctual, and communicative.
• Comfortable planning age‑appropriate, mostly seated or low‑movement activities.
• (Nice to have but not required) Background in early childhood education, child development, or related field; experience with medically complex or post‑surgical children; interest in STEM/educational activities.

Requirements

• Legally eligible to work in the U.S.
• Background checks are required.
• Strong recent references from families or roles involving care of young children.

Logistics & Compensation

• Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience (to be discussed).
• Transportation: Ideally comfortable walking or driving short distances for local outings; details to be agreed in advance.

How to Express Interest
If you are interested, please share:

• A brief description of your experience with children in the 3–6 age range.
• Any experience you have with children who have medical or physical restrictions.
• Your general availability for June–July (days/hours).
• Your expected hourly rate range.