Nannies and Child Care Providers
Do you enjoy working with children? Are you organized, and do you believe you have something to contribute to children's lives? Perhaps you should consider a career as a nanny or child care provider.
Why it's cool
- Nannies play a key role in a child's development.
- Expand your culinary skills by exploring nutritional meal ideas.
- Experience and plan different outings.
- Flexible hours. Not all families have the same needs therefore most nannies work different hours.
- Experience the laughter of children.
- Keep fit. Children have stamina and can be very active keeping you constantly on the move.
- Long-term benefit of teaching children important values and skills.
Requirements for the Job
- Patience.
- Reliable and trustworthy.
- Organized and creative.
- Good communication skills.
- Agility/Flexibility.
Education/Training
Although hiring standards may vary, the following qualification seem to be consistent throughout most nanny agencies.
Completion of secondary school and quite often completion of a training program in child care or a related field (such as teaching). The training is usually a two year program at a community college. There are also shorter programs that may be taken at a specialized school.
Experience is key in the child care field. Nannies must demonstrate to their employers that they work well with children and have problem solving skills. It is recommended that if you are interested in pursuing this field you should volunteer at a local school, club or day care to help you gain the confidence required.
First aid certification and CPR training are required. There are also special infant emergency classes that may be taken to help those working with children.
Criminal and background checks. Most nanny agencies and parents request that nannies have a criminal and background check to ensure that their children are safe while under their care.
Career Path/Average Salaries
In 2019, the average salary in the U.S. for nannies and child care providers was $16.20 hourly or $33,690 annually. This can change dramatically depending on the financial situation of the family. Also, live-in nannies may have a portion of their salary deducted for room and board.
Related Occupations
- Home Health Aides
- Personal and Home Care Aides
- Babysitter
- Child caregiver
- Parent's helper
- Au pair
- Nursemaid
Famous Nannies / Child Care Providers
- Mary Poppins
- Jo Frost from Supernanny
- Maria von Trapp (Sound of Music)
- Fran Drescher played Fran Fine in The Nanny.
JVIS Report
- You should consider this job if you score above average on the following Basic Interest Scales: Planfulness, Elementary Education, and Family Activity.
- Your JVIS Report should show one or all of the following occupation groups under your Top 3: Occupations in Preschool and Elementary Teaching, Service Occupations, and Teaching and Related Occupations.
For more information contact:
- International Nanny Association
2020 Southwest Freeway, Suite 208
Houston, TX 77098
Tel: (888) 878-1477
Website: www.nanny.org - National Association of Nannies
PMB 2004, 25 Route 31 South, Suite C
Pennington, NJ 08534
Tel: (800) 344-6266
Website: www.nannyassociation.com - Canadian Nanny Association
1185 Eglinton Ave. East, Suite 701
Toronto, ON M3C 3C6
Tel: (416 )426-7257
Website: www.canadiannanny.ca