How to Become a Nanny

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How to Become a Nanny

Girl kissing on the cheek of her nanny at the park

Do you enjoy working with children of different ages, from toddlers to teens? Maybe you have just finished your college degree with a focus on teaching and education? Are you looking to expand your current childcare experience and abilities?

If you answered yes to any of these questions or are looking to take your career in childcare or education to the next level, you might want to consider a career as a private nanny.

What Is a Nanny?

A nanny position can have different job duties and responsibilities based on the needs of the children and the family. In general, nannies enjoy a fun and fulfilling career by providing quality child care for the children, long-term or short-term, for a single family.

Part of a nanny’s job duties and responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring the children complete any homework assignments.
  • Assisting the children with homework when they have questions or need help.
  • Planning activities to keep the children entertained and engaged.
  • Preparing meals for the children as requested.
  • Providing transportation for the children as requested.
  • Performing light housekeeping and laundry duties as requested.

It is essential to mention that not all nannies are live-in nanny positions. Many nannies live in their own homes and work set schedules based on the families’ needs. So, if you have concerns about being away from your family, you can still enjoy a career as a live-out nanny.

How Can I Become a Nanny?

First Aid Training - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

The career path to becoming a nanny is not difficult when following the following simple steps:

Step #1: Gain experience caring for children.

There are several ways to gain this experience. You might already have several years if you babysat for families in your neighborhood or have cared for younger siblings. Formal childcare experience can include working at a daycare, summer camp, nursery school, or public or private school. Your prior job as a teacher or teacher’s assistance is also considered childcare experience.

Step #2: Obtain certification in CPR and first aid.

Parents need to be confident that their nanny will be able to respond to emergencies when they occur. Many families require nannies, regardless of experience, to have certification in CPR and first aid.

Step #3: Complete at least two years of college.

A degree in childcare or education can make a huge difference and help you stand out among other nannies. Parents want more than just a babysitter who can provide transportation for their children. They want someone who has a foundation in childcare or education who can care for the children and teach and guide them.

Step #4: Complete additional training and certifications.

The International Nanny Association offers a wide range of training and certification courses you can complete. Many of these courses are offered online, which makes it even easier to complete them.

Step #5: Register with a nanny staffing agency.

Finding the perfect nanny job is easier when you are working with a nanny staffing agency. You will need to fill out a formal job application, submit your nanny resume, and provide details on any certifications you have completed.

Once you have completed the registration process and other requirements with the agency, they will begin to match you with families and arrange interviews to help you find the perfect nanny job.

Step #6: Consider all job offers.

As a new nanny, you do not want to be too hasty and decline potential job offers. Otherwise, you are not going to continue to gain experience. There are part-time and full-time nanny positions to consider. You might even want to consider a summer nanny position first to see if a career as a nanny is a good fit for you.

Now that you know the steps needed to become a nanny, you can decide if this career is a good idea for you. If you do, register with Staffing at Tiffianie’s by applying online today! If you have further questions about the application process, do not hesitate to contact us at 866-484-5550.