There are few places more dazzling than the City by the Bay. A robust economy and come-hither climate have fostered a population 7.4 million strong and growing. As parents flock West to take advantage of all the region has to offer, they bring their kids with them — making the Bay Area one of the most lucrative locales for child care providers.
San Francisco was also #1 on Care.com’s Best Places to Be a Nanny list.
But how does a Bay Area nanny stand out in a stellar crowd? Here are five tips to help:
- Know Local Activities
There’s always so much to do in this area. “One of the most common questions a parent will ask is, ‘What you will do with my child all day,'” reports child care expert and mastermind behind SF Nannypreneurs and Askananny.com, Stef Tousignant. “You want to be prepared with really specific answers to basic questions.” Your knowledge of local events is a great way to assure parents you can give their little ones the best of the Bay Area. - Take Classes
The Bay Area hosts a highly educated workforce, and many parents expect the same of their caregiver. Whether you have an associate’s degree in accounting, eight years of acting experience or have recently completed an Alameda County art course, the skills you bring to the table might be just what your next client is looking for in their potential nanny.Scope out local universities and sign up for a class or two in child care development or early education. Brush up on your certification classes as well. Here are 12 Nanny Training Courses and Certifications.
- Network, Network, Network
The Bay Area is a big region with a tight network. Foster good relationships with your clients and don’t shy away from part-time gigs. One night of sitter-service can lead to your next long-term contract.You should also connect with other nannies in the area. “Professionally speaking, nannies are somewhat isolated,” says Tousignant. “We can’t talk to one another like other employees in the workforce. It’s important to get together without children to focus on the professional aspects of the job and to empower one another through information about topics like share-care, negotiating salary and vacation time.”
Talk to other nannies to learn the inside track on local jobs and opportunities in the area. If you don’t know anyone, talk to other nannies at the park and join groups like SF Nannypreneurs.
- Tap Into Tourism
Lots of families visit the Bay Area on vacation, bringing their kids in tow. Parents may want a few hours free for a date night or adults-only activity. Bill yourself as a vacation sitter on your Care.com profile and leave your information with local hotels, B&Bs and tourist hot spots. Mention the things you can do with kids and make sure you have a background check and references ready to go, so a parent can hire you quickly.
- Be Yourself
Whether you live in the Bay Area or Biloxi, Mississippi, at the end of the day, it’s all about who you are — and finding a family that is a match for your experience.“The most important thing you can do is develop a solid philosophy and incorporate it into your method,” advises Tousignant. “If you really can reflect your personality, and quality of care in an interview, a parent is going to value and remember that more than what you wore to the interview.”
After all, when it’s you that’s in demand, there is no competition.
Linze Lucas is a writer and a former part-time nanny from Rochester, New York. She attended the State University of New York at Oswego where she majored in English Literature and Creative Writing. Ever restless, her curiosity has taken her around the globe from New York City, to South Korea, Japan and back.
