While there is no formal training required to become a nanny, taking specialised childcare training courses will make you a more professional and knowledgeable caregiver. You’ll also stand out from the crowd as someone who takes their career seriously. But which childcare training courses should you take?
To help you narrow things down, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 most beneficial childcare certifications and training courses for you to complete.
1. CPR and first aid
Experts agree that CPR and first-aid certifications are the most important certifications a nanny can earn—many families won’t even consider a nanny who doesn’t have this training. Providers such as the Australian Red Cross and St John Ambulance offer a number of courses. If you plan on caring for young children, it’s also a good idea to take specific classes on first aid for babies and children. Certifications are only valid for about three years, so take these classes at regular intervals to keep your skills up to date.
2. Water-safety certification
If you’re working for a family who enjoys the ocean and beach, or has a swimming pool, you should invest in a course on lifeguarding or swimming and water safety. You can get these certifications through the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (called Swimming and Water Safety Teacher Courses and Pool Lifeguard Courses), as well as numerous other providers such as ascta and AUSTSWIM.
3. Infant care classes and certification
Caring for infants comes with its own challenges and joys. Newborns require specialised knowledge, and taking an appropriate class or course will ensure you know how to care for the youngest children, especially if you’ve had limited experience in this area.
Online Courses Australia and Australian Online Courses both offer courses on caring for babies and toddlers, delivered fully online.
4. National Police Check and Working With Children Check
Most employers and even private individuals will require you to provide a Working With Children Check (also known as ‘Blue Card’, ‘Working With Vulnerable People’ or ‘Ochre Card: Working With Children Clearance’ in some states and territories) and/or an Australian Police Check before they’ll consider using your services, so it’s a good idea to look into obtaining these.
5. Professional qualifications
Although it’s not required to become a nanny, it is advantageous to have some sort of qualification in childcare. Many institutions offer Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, such as TAFE NSW and Swinburne University. This covers the fundamentals of childhood development and caring for children. However, there are many other options ranging from diplomas to graduate certificates and undergraduate degrees. It’s worthwhile contacting your local universities and TAFE institutes about the programs they have on offer and how they could be of benefit to you.
6. Driver’s licence
Having a valid driver’s licence—and a clean driving record—will afford you the opportunity to do double duty, which can mean higher pay. You can run errands for the family while caring for the kids or open a whole new world of parks, museums and zoos to visit. If you don’t have a licence, stop by the relevant authority for your state (such as VicRoads in Victoria) to find out about the criteria you need to fulfil to get one.
If you already have a licence, you can sign up for a Defensive Driver Training course at Performance Driving Australia. This course will improve your driving and help you avoid accidents on the road.
7. Nutrition and cooking courses
Any knowledge of nutrition or cooking will make you a more valuable candidate to parents. They want to know that you can keep their kids well-fed and teach them how to eat healthily. Nutrition and cooking classes are available at local TAFE institutes and culinary schools, and even some health food stores run their own classes.
You can also get a Certificate of Child Nutrition from Australian Online Courses.
8. Fitness education
Along with nutrition comes fitness. Parents like knowing that you can help kids stay active and healthy. You can take a short course on Group PT & Kids Fit, which will equip you to plan, instruct and evaluate exercise activities for young kids aged between 5 and 12 and teenagers between 13 and 17. Note: you must already have a Certificate III in Fitness or relevant units covering pre-exercise screening to be admitted to this course.
You can also read up on programs like Healthy Active Kids that encourage children’s health through activity and nutrition, and get inspiration from these movement games for kids.
9. Foreign language skills
Bilingual nanny jobs are more and more common because many parents want to hire a caregiver who can also help teach kids another language—it’s one of the most sought-after nanny skills. Families may want their children exposed to a different language and culture at a young age. If you speak a language in addition to English, don’t forget to mention it in your profile.
If you need to brush up on your language skills, take a language course through nearby TAFE institutes, adult education programs or online programs like Rosetta Stone.
10. Special needs care
If you’re caring for a child with special needs, a course preparing you for this unique role is important. There is a lot of needs-specific medical information to be aware of, as well as general advice on caring for a child with special needs. Look for programs and workshops through TAFE institutes and childcare training and special needs organisations, such as training.com.au or Autism Spectrum Australia.
11. Positive discipline training
A course aimed at helping nannies learn how to reinforce positive, good habits in children may be advantageous. This childcare philosophy of positive discipline training focuses on nurturing and helping the child without punishment or berating. Parents will appreciate your ability to prevent discipline issues and help raise happy kids. Montessori Australia offers a Positive Discipline Course for $330 for members and $440 for non-members.
Tips for taking classes
Ask around. Another great way to discover what childcare training courses and certifications you can take is by finding out what your competition has completed. This step does two things. First, it helps you ensure that your resume is on par with the other nannies who are applying for the same jobs. Second, it allows you to identify any skills or certifications your competition doesn’t have that you can pursue yourself. There are a few easy ways to do this, such as asking your nanny friends or doing Google searches. You can also see what professional nannies are highlighting on their childcare profiles.
Do your research. Before diving into any program, it’s a good idea to do your homework. Ask questions like:
- What is the reputation of the program?
- What will be covered?
- What does the certification involve and how long does it last?
- Will this be something that can help you at this point in your career?
Then check references and ask for recommendations from nannies who have taken the course.
Ask for reimbursement. Once you figure out what classes you want to take, ask your employers if they would be willing to cover all or some of the fees—many employers recognise the benefit of nanny classes. This type of job training is also tax deductible, so keep your receipts for your tax return.
Stay updated. After taking any kind of class, make sure you keep your certifications up to date; it’s as important as getting them in the first place. First-aid certifications are valid for three years, for instance. It’s even a good idea to pursue yearly professional development to keep your skills sharp and to learn new techniques.