Name: Cole Stroop Age: 22 years old Wingate University 2015 Graduate
The Run-Down of Things...
Hi there, my name is Cole Stroop. I've been watching kids on my own since I was 13 years old. What is life without the joy of children in it? I want to be a mommy when I grow up and a teacher before that. I really do have a passion for children and hope to make a real difference in kids' lives in the future. I started out with childcare at my church and it branched out from there. I am usually good about last minute requests and try to be flexible with my availability. If I have any free time, I will give it to you. A little about me: I was very involved with my high school. I was on the soccer, volleyball, cross country, track, and weightlifting teams. My biggest accomplishments come from track and field where I hold three high school records. I decided to pursue this sport and became a member of the University of Florida Track and Field team. I trained for both the short hurdles and the long hurdles. After nearly 2 years on the team, I decided I wanted to transfer to a smaller school where I would be able to focus on academics and get more individualized attention in the classroom and on the track. I earned my Associates Degree from University of Florida the summer of 2013 and will be continuing my education and athletic career at Wingate University in North Carolina. I will be graduating on May 16 with my BS in Human Services. I hope to get my Masters in Teaching or School Counseling sometime in the near future. I was "Babysitter Certified" through the Red Cross in 2009 and also got re-certified in my Infant, Child, and Adult CPR/AED in May 2013, as well. I thought this would be a good alternative to a resume so you can feel like you know me more personally (at least until you actual do!). I truly enjoy being with kids and babysitting helps me get everything I need for college -like those darn expensive textbooks! Please email me with any questions!
Sincerely, Cole.
The kids in Costa Rica were SO excited to play with all the missionaries! One little boy even helped us dig ditches. Costa Rica, 2008
Experience
I put my foot into the world of childcare when I was still a child myself. I began volunteering in my church childcare center when I was a ripe 10 years old. I could never get enough of those babies! I started out independently as a Mommy's helper for two children when I was twelve years old. The next year is when I started watching children on my own. I worked for three years as a Kidz Camp counselor at South Shore Community Church. I was a 2nd grade girls teacher in the "Journey Kids" children's ministry. I was also on the "Little Steps" team in the 1's and 2's room. Every other week I held group sittings with 10-14 children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years old while their parents had Bible Study. When I moved to Gainesville in 2011, I worked as a Childcare Specialist at Christ Community Church on Sunday mornings for nearly a complete year. I was hired on as a seasonal employee with Elite Family Care Babysitter/Nanny Agency in Sarasota, FL. in May 2013. Through the agency, I worked with a lot of vacationing families and was able to make great international connections. Through Elite, I also became a Part-Time Summer Nanny for a 8 year old boy and 12 year old girl. Duties involved pick up/drop off to camps, meal prep, etc. I also worked as a part-time babysitter for a family with a 6 month old boy and a 3 year old boy. I was their first babysitter and the parents even trusted me enough to stay with the kids overnight while they went on vacation. In North Carolina, I worked as a weekly nanny for a 9 year old girl every Tuesday night for 6 hours. I also worked for another family who had two boys, 1.5 and 5 yrs old, every other weekend. Within my short six years of experience, I have gained a responsibility beyond my age and an understanding of children that I consider unique. I really do have a love for children. I am always looking for more experience and opportunities to strengthen my knowledge and understanding of young minds. I aspire to be an elementary school teacher. I've been dreaming of going overseas after I graduate to an uneducated area and building a school house or orphanage. I really am open about where God leads me in the future. If you would like a reference, please ask!
Ava and I spent a lot of time together having tons of fun and making lasting memories!
Extracurriculars
I'm big on school academics and athletics. I graduate from Wingate University in May 2015. There I have accomplished so much. I founded and became the president of the SWingate Swing Dancing Club, was on the Wingate University Track and Field Team Leadership Council, hold the school record in the 400 hurdles, and won the gold medal for 400 hurdles in the South Athlantic Conference Championship Meet. I was All-Conference 5 times in 2013-2015 seasons in triple jump, 100 hurdles, and 400 hurdles. I like to sing and play guitar. I love playing sports, especially beach volleyball and soccer. I like to travel on weekends and explore the world around me.
This is me.
I'm sorry, but for safety reasons I only care for families that I know or have physically handed my card to. Also for those referred by those families. This site is for those family and friends that want to know more!
