Why Use A Nanny Agency?
Using a nanny agency to find a suitable and safe nanny offers several advantages that can contribute to the well-being and security of your family. Here are some reasons why going through a nanny agency is important:
- Screening and Background Checks: Reputable nanny agencies conduct thorough screenings and background checks on potential nannies. This process typically includes criminal background checks, reference checks, and verification of qualifications and experience. This helps ensure that the nanny has a clean record and is qualified to care for children.
- Interview and Matching Process: Nanny agencies often have experienced staff who conduct interviews with potential nannies. They assess the candidate’s skills, personality, and compatibility with your family’s needs. The agency can then match you with a nanny whose qualifications and personality align with your preferences.
- References and Recommendations: Nanny agencies can provide you with references and recommendations for the nannies they represent. This allows you to gather insights from previous employers and make an informed decision based on others’ experiences with the nanny.
- Contract Assistance: Nanny agencies can assist in drafting employment contracts that outline expectations, responsibilities, working hours, and other important details. Having a clear and comprehensive contract helps prevent misunderstandings and provides a legal framework for the employment relationship.
- Replacement Policies: In the event that the arranged placement doesn’t work out, many nanny agencies offer replacement policies. This means they will work to find a suitable replacement nanny within a specified period, reducing the stress and inconvenience for your family.
- Professionalism and Accountability: Reputable agencies often have established standards for their nannies and maintain a level of professionalism. They may provide ongoing support, guidance, and training to ensure the nanny continues to meet the highest standards of childcare.
- Emergency Situations: Nanny agencies can have contingency plans for emergencies. Whether it’s providing backup care or helping you find temporary assistance in unexpected situations, an agency can offer support to ensure the safety and well-being of your children.
- Legal Compliance: Nanny agencies are typically well-versed in employment laws and regulations related to domestic workers. They can help ensure that your hiring process complies with legal requirements, reducing the risk of legal issues in the future.
While using a nanny agency may involve placement fees, many families find the investment worthwhile for the peace of mind, security, and professional support they receive in finding a qualified and safe nanny for their children.
Preventing childcare burnout as a nanny and prioritizing self-care and mental health are crucial for maintaining overall well-being as well as promoting longevity with a family. We know the responsibility and demand that your position requires, along with how important your role is within a family’s routine and dynamic! Here are some strategies to help you avoid burnout and foster a positive work-life balance:
- Set Boundaries:
- Clearly communicate your working hours and responsibilities with the parents. If this has changed or differs from your original family-nanny agreement, request a new copy with the updated changes to ensure all are in writing. The peace of mind provided by having this conversation with the family and the inclusion of position changes in writing protects both you and the family and sets the boundary for new the schedule, expectations, and responsibilities.
- Establish limits on overtime and make sure you have a good schedule planned for each week. We know this can be difficult. Your role as a Nanny is an on the go position. Be sure if your little ones take a nap that you have in your agreement that you get a little recharge at some point during the day, to continue being the Super Nanny that you are.
- Self-Care Routine:
- Being a professional Nanny means you are prioritizing little lives daily and are passionate about what you do. Be sure to set time for yourself throughout the week to focus on you. Whether it be yoga, a quiet walk, a workout session, or a face mask and documentary evening- you are doing something for you regularly! Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation outside of work hours.
- Develop a consistent sleep schedule to ensure you get enough rest. Super Nannies need sleep too. We know how much energy it takes caring for little ones. While it can be easy to burn the candle at both ends, it will catch up to you eventually!
- Seek Support:
- Connect with other nannies or childcare professionals for support and advice. We are here whenever you may need us. If you need something we may not be able to assist with for whatever reason, we will help you find the right direction to get the help needed. Don’t wait to reach out for support until you feel desperate. Our agency and team are here to support our Nannies! We will always advocate and have your back should you be feeling overwhelmed. Looking to meet other Nannies in your field and area? We have Nanny Night Outs or Trainings throughout the year so that you can meet your tribe. It takes a Nanny to know what another Nanny may be experiencing in the day to day.
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional. Little things can add up to big things. If you are feeling overwhelmed in the work-life balance, reach out to someone! It’s never a good thing to bottle it up and just manage. Both your mind and body will thank you once you share and connect with someone.
- Communicate Openly:
- Maintain open communication with the parents about your needs and concerns. So often families and nannies are working side by side for lengths of time and may get comfortable, we know that you become part of the family! Good communication is the only way this continues without bumps in the road. Did you know that communicating about a problem or need right away with a family instead of waiting until it builds can resolve 9 out of 10 situations where a nanny feels like they may need to leave?
- Discuss any challenges or changes in the childcare arrangement promptly. Be sure to make time outside of working hours when the children are not directly present, and a parent may not need to rush off to work. A designated talking time means a smooth, calm, and productive conversation.
- Variety in Activities:
- Keep the childcare routine diverse and engaging for both you and the children. You don’t want to live a ground hog day repeat! Plan for fun and educational activities, crafts, sensory bins to keep everyone busy, engaged, and happy. You are creating lifelong memories with the children you care for! Make them fun and have some adventures!
- Plan activities that align with the children’s developmental stages and interests. This goes hand in hand with the point above. Be sure they are geared towards your child’s age group and milestone development range. Some of the top things we have families requesting are Nannies that understand the milestones in their child’s age group and how they can help them grow developmentally. Planning these activities and incorporating them changes your day, makes your job even more enjoyable, and provides parents with peace of mind and satisfaction. That alone makes your job even better and takes a big weight off of any Nanny’s shoulders!
- Professional Development:
- Attend workshops, conferences, or online courses related to childcare and personal development. Recharge your battery! You know that being a Nanny is the most rewarding but energy consuming role out there. You are essentially parent #3! Take the time to stay up to date on latest info in the childcare field, or to recharge your battery and take a personal development workshop for yourself. People come back from conferences and retreats saying they feel like a new person for a reason!
- Staying informed and continually learning can help prevent stagnation and burnout.
- Prioritize Mental Health:
- Be mindful of your mental health and seek professional help if needed. It’s okay to need an outside source to talk about struggles.
- Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. If the children in your care are old enough, you can even incorporate these in your day to day! Teaching children deep breathing and yoga exercises can prevent frustration and help little one’s sort through big emotions. It also helps you!
- Exercise Regularly:
- Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, as exercise has proven benefits for mental health. Life can be stressful. Research shows that when you are stressed, the stress chemicals released in your body have to go somewhere. Regular exercise releases these stress chemicals leaving you feeling like a weight has been lifted.
- You heard all about mental health walks during Covid. They work! A short 15 minute daily walk can do wonders for your mental health in the long run.
- Create a Relaxing Environment:
- Designate a space in your home that is solely for you to unwind and relax.
- Surround yourself with calming elements, such as soft lighting, soothing scents, or comfortable furniture. Make your home and down time a super safe haven for all things relaxation!
- Reflect and Evaluate:
- Regularly assess yourself and set goals in both your professional life and personal life. It greatly helps with satisfaction and remember, you can make adjustments as needed.
- If you find aspects of your work that are causing stress, discuss potential changes with the parents. Keep in mind that communication fixes almost everything when you keep it open and honest.
Remember that taking care of yourself is essential to provide the best care for the children. By implementing these strategies, you can create a healthier balance between your work and personal life as a nanny.
Upcoming Webinar:
Register for the webinar here: Link to Register
“We are raising children in a society that puts a high value on things that are fast and convenient. Children rarely have to wait for things. Because of this, we have to teach self-control to children by intentionally creating opportunities for our children to learn to wait for things, accept no for an answer, and move on when it is time to end something fun.”
We encourage all nannies to join us for this wonderful training! The skills Jamie shares are not only fantastic to apply to the children you care for, but they applied in your day to day life!
Once registered, you will be sent additional material that is optional to watch before the live webinar.
Come prepared with a question for the live Q & A or submit it anonymously at the link to register!
Nanny Training
Our agency holds Nanny Training all throughout the year.
There are so many great reasons why attending these events helps both you and the children you care for!
Nannies looking to strengthen their skills and knowledge in the field would greatly benefit. Maybe you’d like the chance to connect with other childcare professionals in the area? A great support system with those with the same passion is always a game changer.
The next upcoming Training event will be International Nanny Training Day 2023 on April 1, hosted by Nannies Who Care. This event is being held in North Pinellas this year. On this date, nannies and educators across the world will gather and attend workshops that are designed to meet a Nanny’s specific needs. Those who participate will experience an array of exciting and informative workshops with topics given by local experts in their fields. All who attend will receive a certificate of completion for workshops. This is a wonderful addition to any Nanny Resume and is something that does stand out to families looking for a nanny with additional credentials or education.
The event is designed to recognize the needs of young children and to raise awareness of the positive correlation between educational training and improving quality care within our communities. As a nanny, you are an incredibly crucial part of the family, and we want to give you the chance to come together to learn, grow, and support one another.
One of the biggest benefits of attending is the prime opportunity to connect with other nannies, educators, and professionals in the field. Our nannies who attend at least one training per year will also become a preferred nanny of the NWC Nanny Network. This means if we have a high profile family or family with specific needs, we reach out to our preferred nannies before sending out these jobs via text or the SitterPro app.
We have received feedback each year from Nannies that have attended INTD that they have loved the chance to apply professional tips, advice and insights in their day to day life as a Nanny.
Stay tuned for the registration link!
Three Reasons Why You Should Attend International Nanny Training Day/Tampa Bay!
Are you a nanny looking to strengthen your skills? Maybe you’d like the chance to connect with other childcare professionals? Look no further than International Nanny Training Day/Tampa Bay!
Occurring virtually on Saturday, April 18, International Nanny Training Day/Tampa Bay will be hosted by Nannies Who Care. During the event, nannies and educators across the world will gather and attend sessions that are designed to meet their specific needs. And those who participate will get to experience an array of exciting workshops with topics given by local experts in their fields. You also do not have to work for Nannies Who Care, or even be a nanny, to participate!
The event is designed to recognize the needs of young children and to raise awareness of the positive correlation between educational training and improving quality care within our communities. As a nanny, you are an incredibly crucial part of the family, and we want to give you and professionals everywhere the chance to come together (virtually!) to learn and grow.
Thinking of attending? We’ll give you three reasons why it’s a good idea to attend!
There’s a wealth of knowledge with a variety of speakers
As part of the event, several speakers will participate to share their experience and provide useful insights. Hear from experts such as Petra Vybiralova Stanton, a certified child passenger technician instructor, and Karen Macauley, director of the pediatric trauma program at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, among others.
You’ll get to connect with numerous nannies
One of the biggest benefits of attending is the prime opportunity to connect with other nannies, educators and professionals in the field via question-and-answer sessions and round-tables. The event is a great way to initiate professional relationships with peers in childcare. You’ll also become a preferred nanny of the NWC Nanny Network.
You’ll learn applicable skills that will help you in your career
International Nanny Training Day/Tampa Bay is a wonderful chance to soak in professional tips, advice and insights that you can then apply to your own work. In fact, once you’ve completed training, you’ll receive a participation certificate that you can add to your resume to boost your credentials.
Register now!
Ready to take the next step in your career and gain a wealth of knowledge into the world of nannies and childcare? Register here!
Written by: Elizabeth Katona
How Using A Nanny Agency Makes Your Life Easier
1) They Save You Time – every family has different job specifications for the nanny they are searching for. Using a nanny agency eliminates the hassle of screening numerous applications, verifying references, checking their background and legal status thoroughly and interviewing people who aren’t qualified. They send you candidates that are specifically matched for your job so you only have to interview a few candidates before deciding.
2) They Give You Peace of Mind – there aren’t a lot of regulations and standards when it comes to the nanny industry, most agencies are part of larger organizations like the International Nanny Association (INA) or Association of Premier Nanny Agencies (APNA) that holds them and their nannies to a code of ethics and also requires their nannies to have further training such as CPR and First Aid (keeping in mind you would want to use an agency that follows these strict codes of ethics) Using an agency gives you peace of mind that you should expect a certain standard of care with the nanny you hire.
3) They Provide Additional Support – a nanny agency will check in with you from time to time to get feedback and answer any additional questions you have. They offer continued training and professional development to your nanny, backup care options should your nanny become ill or need a few days of personal time and a replacement policy within a certain time frame in case your nanny isn’t the right fit.
Nannies Who Care has been helping families find the perfect nanny since 1989. To begin your search for the perfect nanny, click here
Put Your Best Face Forward With a Professionally Written Nanny Resume!
Building a professional nanny resume is one step closer to landing your perfect position. It helps you truly think about and demonstrate your experience. This is an often overlooked thing to do; after all, you’re busy. But while you’re searching for the right family, it’s a helpful step.
When you consider that these parents are trusting their whole world to you, they’ll appreciate you taking the time to note your bio, credentials and qualifications ~ in a clean, concise and professional manner.
Your nanny job is a very important and highly regarded one and you will become an instrumental person in their world. Delivering your personality on paper isn’t easy but your resume gets you closer to showing who you are, in person… The resume is also a great leave behind for the families to have from you as they go through the interview process.
Remember, too, that a Professional Resume is always an evolving document, which improves over time so be sure to keep it up to date and relevant ~ and relevant is important. Families would like to see highlights that demonstrate dependability, integrity, creativity and a genuine interest in childcare.
Also, be sure to keep your online nanny profile with Nannies Who Care up to date, as you make any changes in work, living or would like to change a picture or enter an additional reference. Keeping it up to date is helpful because when we’re going to send your awesome-self out to meet a family, you’re ready to go and it cuts out any holding pattern for all.
Happy Hunting ~ we’re here to help place great nannies with great families! Apply now it’s free!
What It Takes to Be a Professional Nanny
If you are a nanny, you know that professionalism is important. But, do you know what it takes to be a professional nanny?
To be taken seriously in your profession, you must represent yourself in a professional manner. Now, you might be wondering what that really means. You’re in luck because that is exactly what I plan to share with you.
First let’s get a good definition of “professional nanny”.
A nanny, by definition, is an individual who provides care for one or more children in a family as a service.
Professional, defined by Merriam-Webster, is
a: of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession
b: engaged in one of the learned professions
c (1) : characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2) : exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace
So that would mean, a PROFESSIONAL NANNY is an individual who provides care for one or more children in a family as a service who exhibits a courteous, conscientious, manner and conforms to the ethical standards of said profession.
Now, I know your next question will be, “What are the ethical/professional standards for a nanny?” Lucky for you, we have that information as well. According to the International Nanny Association (INA), Recommended Practices for Nannies, The Role of a Nanny is as follows:
A nanny is responsible for the complete care of the employer’s children.
A nanny’s duties may include:
- Tending to each child’s basic physical needs
- Meal planning and preparation for the children
- Laundering and caring for clothing belonging to the children
- Organizing play activities and outings
- Setting behavioral guidelines
- Providing discipline when appropriate
- Providing social and intellectual stimulation
- Providing transportation
- Housekeeping, when related to the children
- Traveling with the family.
- Nannies must also be able to communicate effectively with both the children and their parents. Depending on the individual family, the nanny may be treated as an employee, as a cherished friend or as a member of the family.
Keep in mind, these are the BASIC job duties. Therefore, you may also accommodate the family by helping with light housekeeping for the whole family, meal preparation for the whole family, running family errands like grocery shopping, etc. Your particular job responsibilities will be defined by your family and should be part of your agreement with the family that ultimately hires you. Nannies Who Care provides all of our families with a template Family-Nanny Agreement to be fashioned to properly represent what YOUR specific job duties will entail. It will also outline your rate of pay, days of vacation, sick or holiday pay provided, mileage reimbursement, etc.
Now to address the ethics part. According to Louise Dunham, the principal of Placement Solutions, Melbourne Australia as well as serving on the INA’s Executive Board and the chair of the INA’s Ethics Committee, “Every single person in our nanny industry needs to be absolutely committed to the base principle that no child gets hurt on our watch. That means no corner cutting during recruitment and no getting distracted whilst on the job. It means holding others to account. Always.” It is really that simple.
Professionalism – What Does That Really Mean?
To be a professional nanny, and to be taken seriously as a professional in your field, you must not only provide the aforementioned services to your family, but you must conduct yourself in a professional manner.
What does that mean? Conducting yourself in a professional matter…
Well, let’s dive into now, shall we.
Be On Time
Your employer, the family you work for, counts on you to be punctual. So be on time. Easy-peasy.
Show Up For Your Specified Work Schedule
Never miss work unless you have made arrangements with your employer WELL in advance. Of course, emergencies do happen, and if they do, communicate with your employer/family as soon as you are able to ensure they understand your emergency situation. This way, they should have time to contact Nannies Who Care for a back up nanny in the event you are unable to work. Don’t make a happen of calling in with “an emergency” it cheapens you to do so and effectively labels you as unprofessional. Yuck!
Complete Tasks Assigned
Maybe this seems like an obvious thing. But, believe you me, many people get complacent in their jobs and feel as though they do not have to do EVERYTHING that they originally agreed to do. OH BOY, that is the WRONG ATTITUDE. If you agreed to do specific tasks when hired, those are the tasks that you should do. If you are instructed to create a meal, create a meal. If you are instructed to wash all the laundry, wash all the laundry. The job duties you were assigned are what you should be ensuring are completed on a daily basis. No exceptions.
Keep The Lines of Communication Open
If you are feeling neglected, overworked, underpaid, etc. the family you work for will not know this unless….wait for it….YOU TELL THEM! I know, novel idea. But, if you don’t share how you feel, your employer will not know. Nobody is prewired with ESP. Maybe you feel like it is obvious, but guess what, usually, it is NOT!
What you don’t want to do is keep your feelings inside. All this does is allow the grievances time to fester and become a MUCH bigger issue. Instead, set up a specific time with your employer(s) to discuss the issues you are facing to deal with them like an adult…like a professional! Trust me, your family will respect you for taking this step. Chances are they will have a few things to discuss, as well.
Continue Your Education
Nannies Who Care offers various training opportunities throughout the year. To find out what opportunities are currently being offered, visit our Facebook page or call us at 727.784.8868.
In addition, you might consider training provided by other reputable agencies such as the INA. Attending classes to further your knowledge is not only important, but it will resonate with your family. It shows that you are dedicated to your profession. Oftentimes, your employer will even pay for your training! It never hurts to ask.
Get Creative!
Make sure that you are providing for the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of the children in your care by using developmentally appropriate play/learning activities, materials, and equipment. You can promote socialization in young children by providing opportunities for children to interact with their peers through playgroups, outings, and age appropriate group activities.
Be Your Charges Advocate
All nannies should be familiar with the signs of child abuse and neglect and should be knowledgeable in the procedures for reporting these signs. Nannies are court mandated reporters and have a professional and ethical obligation to report suspected abuse of any child to the proper authorities. Nannies should actively promote the optimal development of a child in their care.
Treat Each Child As The Unique and Special Gift They Are
Understand that each child in your care is a unique individual. You should strive to create an environment that fosters each child’s self-esteem and independence. Provide structure and developmentally appropriate behavior management techniques and you will build trusting relationships with the children in your care.
Ensure Your Charges Environment is Safe & Healthy
You should partner with your employer to create a safe environment for the children to learn, play and explore. Consider discussing appropriate childproofing options, if necessary – i.e. baby gates for staircases.
Be Present
Put down the cell phones, nannies. Your sole responsibility is to keep the charges in your care safe and you cannot effectively monitor a child or children while Snapchatting or Instgramming. Put the phone away and only use it when there is an emergency OR if your employer is contacting you. Otherwise, you don’t need it – put it away.
You Can Do It!
If you follow these guidelines, you will not only be viewed as a professional nanny, you will increase your chances of maintaining a long-term commitment with your family. Being a professional nanny is not for the faint of heart, but it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Give your role as a professional nanny the 100% attention it deserves and you will be better for it.