Experienced Babysitter for Two Creative Kids (Concord)

We are a Concord, MA family seeking a responsible, proactive, and experienced babysitter for our two children, aged 3 and 7.5 years. The job will require caring for both kids simultaneously as well as caring for our 3 year old solo. Preference will be given to candidates with experience with and understanding of neurodivergent or quirky children.

Schedule:

  • Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Option to add evening hours one or two nights a week if desired.

Experience Required:

  • 4+ years of babysitting or teaching experience preferred. 
  • Must have experience with toddlers and elementary-aged children.
  • We would love to support an OT, SLP, Education or Art/Music Therapy student!

Responsibilities:

  • Daily routines: Help the kids get up, dressed, and out for activities when possible. When staying home, facilitate constructive activities that encourage exploration and playful engagement.
  • Support the kids in coexisting peacefully, recognizing their different needs (e.g., an active toddler vs. a more reserved older sister).
  • School pickups on Fridays at 12 PM and possibly on Mondays/Wednesdays around 4 PM.
  • Light housekeeping to maintain an orderly home.
  • Grocery shopping on Friday mornings (when both kids are out).
  • Meal preparation/cooking for the kids as needed.
  • Reliable transportation is required; a clean driving record is essential.

Essential Qualities:

  • Responsible and reliable; punctuality is a must.
  • Calm demeanor with strong intuition for understanding children’s needs.
  • Flexible, easygoing caregiver who prioritizes connection over everything.
  • Excellent at setting boundaries while maintaining empathy.
  • Energetic, curious, and playful spirit.
  • Enjoys engaging with toddlers and bright 7-year-olds.
  • Present and involved; minimal phone use during work hours unless absolutely urgent.
  • A good communicator comfortable troubleshooting with us as a team.

Compensation:

  • $35-40/hour, depending on experience and fit.
  • Pay is on the books.
  • Healthcare stipend.
  • 2 weeks paid vacation, standard sick days, overtime, and PTO policies.
  • Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, with potential evening hours (staying til 6:30 PM or date nights) as agreed. Mileage reimbursement included.

Application Questions: Please answer the following when applying:

  1. Are you available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9 AM – 4 PM?
  2. Any evening availability? Are you interested in additional hours?
  3. Are you comfortable being paid on the books?
  4. What’s your experience babysitting or working with kids, particularly toddlers and elementary-aged children?
  5. Your experience with neurodivergent children?
  6. Your special interests, hobbies, or educational background?
  7. Do you have a reliable car and a clean driving record? Willing to drive the kids?
  8. Comfortable with light housekeeping and grocery shopping without kids on Friday mornings?
  9. Your location?
  10. Can you commit to this position through June 2025? Consistency is important for our family.
  11. Are you comfortable with pets, including a cat and chickens?

About Us: Hello! We are a creative, laid back, brainy family living in Concord, MA, surrounded by nature. We have chickens, a rabbit, and a cat. Our oldest child is unschooled and will soon attend a self-directed learning center in Framingham on Mondays, Wednesdays, and possibly Tuesdays as well each week. Our youngest attends school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday mornings. We value happiness, connection and peace in our family life.

Thank you for considering joining our family! Please respond with questions or if interested to katherine.c.spencer@gmail.com.

Summer camp positions (Concord)

Hiring for camp counselors, aquatics staff, specialist positions (e.g. nature education, archery, etc), and a head of challenge course programing at Summer’s Edge at Camp Thoreau in Concord, Mass (about 35 minutes from Medford). 

We are in the process of hiring or supporting education students with summer positions. We have several licensed teachers from different content areas on our staff for mentoring opportunities. 

Benefits include:

  • Complimentary summer membership to The Thoreau Club (access to the fitness center, pools, and tennis courts)
  • Certification and training for lifeguards, WSI, challenge course staff, and archery certifications

The salary is based on the position and individual experience (for example if the individual is an experienced lifeguard or we trained them for the position. Our baseline pay, however, is at least minimum wage ($15.00 per hour).

Summer season runs from June 26, 2023 – August 18, 2023 (Mon – Fri). Our staff orientations are usually held on Mondays and Wednesdays in June from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm (except for Juneteenth). 

See this poster for more information and to apply.

For questions please email: camp@thoreau.com