Nannying is an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding job, but it’s not easy work by any means. A nanny is someone who is patient and attentive, as well as committed to providing care for children of any age. Because of this, becoming a nanny is not a career you should dive into headfirst. You want to have the right experience and training, and it’s also important that you’re passionate about caring for kids.
If this sounds like you and you’re ready to become a professional and find work as a nanny, here are the key steps to help you get there.
1. Get childcare experience
To become a nanny, you need to have childcare experience. There are several ways to gain experience and get your first babysitting jobs:
- Ask to babysit the children of friends, family, relatives, colleagues or neighbours—this can be the fastest way to gain experience.
- Shadow families while the parents are home.
- Become an assistant or helper at a nearby childcare centre.
Once you’ve successfully taken on your first few babysitting jobs, you can build on your experience to secure a steady flow of work—especially if the families you work for provide you with references.
Be sure to also ask for feedback and constructive criticism from the parents, as this will help you learn more as you work to transition from a babysitter to a nanny.
2. Focus on training and certifications
There are no formal requirements needed to become a nanny, but arming yourself with the right training and certifications can help you prepare and make you stand out as a candidate.
Safety certificates should be your top priority. Many families find CPR and first-aid training indispensable. Organisations like the Red Cross and St. John’s Ambulance are on hand to offer these courses, as well as local colleges. Search online to find options near you.
If you want more in-depth training and education, consider more specialised nanny training courses and certifications, like:
- Infant care classes
- Special needs care
- Water safety education
Even if you have a lot of certificates to show off, however, that’s not all families are looking for in a nanny. Above all, families are looking for an individual with a good character: someone who’s empathetic, emotionally attuned and has plenty of energy to manage their kids.
In short: don’t let a lack of useful certifications stop you from becoming a nanny.
3. Consider an early years education degree
To increase the likelihood of landing a job right away, it’s worthwhile considering a degree in early years education or a related field. This type of in-depth qualification is an excellent signal to potential employers that you’re committed to and an expert in what you do, making it a worthwhile investment for a long-term career in the profession.
4. Know the basics
Before you begin searching for a job, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the basics of the profession. The Care.com magazine section is one place to start. It’s full of handy in-depth articles featuring everything you need to know about:
- Finding the right job
- The interview process and tips
- Discussing and negotiating pay and benefits
- Preparing for your first day
- Setting yourself up for long-term success as a nanny
Bookmark and reference as many articles as you need—but don’t stop your research there. There are so many nanny-friendly resources out there, from blogs and books to meetups and childcare forums. Learn what you can about being a nanny so you feel more confident and prepared when you start applying.
5. Familiarise yourself with average rates in your area
As with any job, it’s essential to know how much to charge. Whether you’re looking to work part-time, full-time or do a nanny share, get familiar with average pay rates in your area. This interactive Cost of Childcare tool can calculate the average pay rates (weekly and hourly) based on how many children you’re caring for, their ages and where you live.
Pro tip: when you’re interviewing with potential employers and discussing pay, it’s OK to share your preferred rate. If parents aren’t prepared to pay it, but think you’re a good fit, they’re unlikely to dismiss you out of hand—and may be prepared to negotiate.
However, if a family thinks your rate is too high or simply can’t afford your services (and you’re charging fair market rates), keep looking!
6. Create an online profile and start applying
Once you’ve got the experience and skills necessary to work as a nanny, it’s time to land your first nanny job! One of the best ways to start is by searching for jobs online and creating a job profile and CV that stand out.
While a nanny CV is important to showcase your experience, many families want to know that you’ll be a good fit for their kids, too. Your profile and CV should convey a sense of who you are, in a friendly and conversational style. You should also include more than just your qualifications and experience. Sprinkle in things like:
- Your philosophy as a nanny
- Your values
- What you would like to contribute to a family
Be sure to proofread for spelling and grammatical errors!
Because you’ll most likely be looking for nanny jobs online, you may wish to include a professional photo. A picture can say a lot about you, so try to pick one that makes a good impression: warm and friendly, but responsible and appropriate, too.
Ultimately, though, it’s important to really wow families during the interview. While your CV can draw people in, that face-to-face interaction is what really counts. Make sure you embody the friendly and reliable professional you’ve been advertising on paper!
Ready to start nannying? Take a deep breath
The journey to becoming a nanny will look different for everyone. Ultimately, though, this journey ends with you working with and investing in kids and families you love. Put in the time and effort to learn how to be a great nanny, and you’ll soon be fulfilling your role as a professional caregiver.