How to Start a Career as a Nanny

Being a nanny can be a challenging but highly-rewarding career. They are not only responsible for caring for and tutoring children, but also for a variety of other household tasks. And that’s just the live-our caregivers! A live-in nanny provides even more assistance and flexibility to families, playing an integral role in the intimate workings of each household.

Employed part- or full-time, nannies aid in the intellectual and emotional growth of the children under their care.

Job Requirements

While becoming a nanny does not generally have any specific educational requirements, there are programs that may aid prospective nannies in finding the best employment opportunities possible. The experience required by any particular family will likely vary greatly, but it’s always a good idea to have as much experience as possible.

Required skills include patience, stamina, and strong communication and instructional skills. You must be good with children, in good health, and up to date on all immunizations. Before being employed, you will likely be asked to pass tuberculosis and drug tests, as well as a criminal background check.

Steps to Employment

Gain Experience

In order to get a job as a nanny, you will need to demonstrate that you have some experience working with and caring for children. This experience may come in the form of babysitting, working at a daycare, teaching, or personal experience such as caring for siblings, nieces and nephews, or your own children. To stand out, it is best to have as much experience with a variety of age groups as possible.

Be sure to collect references from families, schools, and nurseries where you work as you build your experience. Keeping an up to date profile with accurate contact information and solid references from past employers will do a lot in helping you get the job. If you have difficulty finding work opportunities, try volunteering at hospitals or after-school programs. This is a great alternative that can help you gain professional references and experience.

Earn an Associate’s Degree

Although a degree is typically not a requirement for many nanny jobs, having one can play a big role in making you stand out from the competition. Some families may prefer nannies who have a college degree in early childhood education, and in taking these programs you will learn helpful skills and strategies to get you through your work day.

You may also wish to attend parenting classes or lectures on child development and childcare. These can be very beneficial in providing you with strategies for difficult situations while demonstrating to your prospective employer that you are willing to go the extra mile.

Obtain Safety Certificates

Many families will want to be sure that you know what to do in the case of emergency. For this reason, they will often require that you provide proof of certification in CPR and first aid training. Getting these safety certificates beforehand will help to demonstrate that you are prepared and armed with the foresight to anticipate their needs.

For more information on how to start a career in personal care, contact our expert staff today!