Tag Archives: nannies

SHOULD I LET MY NANNY/BABYSITTER DRIVE MY CHILDREN AROUND? (GUEST POST)

(http://www.nannybackgroundcheck.com/blog/should-i-let-my-nanny-drive-my-kids-around/) Sent to us by Lindsay Samuels.

When it comes to having someone else transport their children from place to place in a vehicle, many parents have justifiable apprehensions. But as is the case with many personal decisions, when it comes to allowing your nanny to transport your children, there isn’t one answer that’s right for everyone.

As with most every choice, there will be pros and cons to your decision. When you allow your nanny to transport your children around it opens up the door to a new level of customized, personalized, and individualized childcare. Nannies who are allowed to transport their charges can embark on a variety of age-appropriate outings that they may not otherwise be able to venture on. These include trips to the library, local museums, zoo, parks, and friend’s homes for play dates. When parents allow their nanny to transport their children, it also opens the possibility for their children to partake in other rich social experiences, such as attending ‘mommy and me’ type classes or playgroups. Nannies who can transport the children can also take their charges to doctor and dentist appointments, preschool classes, or to any other necessary appointments that otherwise would pose a scheduling conflict for the child’s parents.

However, granting transportation rights also may have some downsides. For parents who worry about their children’s safety, their worry may outweigh any potential benefits of their children leaving their home in a vehicle driven by their nanny. Parents may worry that their nanny will abuse the transportation privilege and embark on errand running or other unapproved outings. For some parents, worry about giving over control of where their child goes and when to their nanny is a real concern.

Before making your decision on if you’ll allow your nanny to transport the children, consider these 5 factors:

Driving record and experience. Part of your nanny’s pre-employment screening should have included a driving record check. If you didn’t do one prior to hiring, now is the time to conduct one. Reviewing a copy of your nanny’s driving record will provide information on driving patterns, citations, and violations. But, as you know, the record will only include instances of bad driving if your nanny was caught. Taking your nanny for your own test drive or two can help give you a sense of her driving style. Inquiring to past nanny employers about your nanny’s experience in transporting her charges could also provide helpful insight.

Car seat and passenger safety knowledge. Chances are, if your nanny pointed out that your car seats were installed incorrectly (which up to 90% or more are), she’s concerned and knowledgeable about child passenger and car seat safety. Other indicators would include if she suggests you have your seats checked by a child passenger safety technician or if she is a safety technician herself, points out any aftermarket car seat products you have and suggested that they not be used, and asks if you have the children’s emergency contact information affixed to their car seats.

Insurance. When anyone is transporting your children you’ll want to be sure that they have proof of the proper insurance. If your nanny would be using your vehicle to transport the children, you’ll also want to make sure she is added as an additional insured driver. If she’ll be using her own vehicle, you’ll want to ensure that her coverage allows for transporting children as part of her job duties. Whether your nanny would be driving your vehicle or hers, it’s important to make sure that it’s safe for transporting the children.

Boundaries. For some parents, allowing their nanny to transport their children is not a black and white issue. For example, in some instances driving back roads to the library may be acceptable, but driving on the highway to the zoo is not. Some parents won’t want their nanny doing any personal errands, and others will gladly allow their child to accompany their nanny to the bank or post office, where they can experience and learn about waiting in line, how the bank or post office works, and what the workers there do. Some parents may prefer that their nanny calls upon leaving home and arriving at her destination, while others view that as an added stress and prefer the nanny to just call if assistance is needed.  Establishing boundaries that fit your family and clearly communicating them to the nanny can ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to transporting the kids.

Your comfort level. Above all else, your comfort level must be considered as you contemplate allowing your nanny to drive your children. Evaluating your level of trust for your nanny, your realistic versus perceived fears, and how much discomfort you’re willing to endure if it means your children having the opportunities you want them to have will help guide you in your decision making.

When hiring a nanny or babysitter, it’s essential to discuss the possibility of her driving the children during the interview. Many nannies expect that they’ll be allowed to transport the children, especially if they work outside the realms of public transportation. If your nanny has that expectation and it wasn’t uncovered prior to the nanny’s start date, it could be problematic. Few seasoned and professional nannies are willing to take on a position that requires them to stay in the home all of the time. If you’re against your nanny transporting the children, hiring a nanny without a license may be your best bet, as a nanny who doesn’t drive won’t have any interest in transporting your children.

 

THINKING ABOUT A NEW CAREER?

Nanny Conference and Nanny Schools
This article was sent to us by Martina Keyhill at  http://www.becomeananny.com/blog/nanny-conference-and-nanny-schools/.
Our thanks to Martina for sharing a vocation that many persons would love to learn. pb

Whether you are thinking about becoming a nanny or have been a nanny for several years, there is always something new to learn about caring for children and working as a nanny. A quality nanny training program can help increase care giving skills, foster professional development and build confidence.  From one day conferences to full year or more campus based programs, there are many educational opportunities for those seeking a career as a professional nanny to consider.

Annual Nanny Conferences

International Nanny Association. The International Nanny Association (INA) serves as the umbrella organization for the in-home child care industry. The association offers guidance, information and education to industry professionals and the public. INA offers a Basic Skills Exam and the INA Nanny Credential Exam. The association has also published a book, both in English and Spanish, titled Beyond Parenting Basics: The International Nanny Association’s Official Guide to In-Home Childcare.  INA members have access to INA’s Nanny Mentor Program as well as discounts for eStore purchases and Annual Conference registration, the association’s main event of the year. The cost of INA membership for nannies is $35 per year.  INA’s 2013 Annual Conference will be held in Louisville, Kentucky in the spring of 2013. Those who joined INA after June 1, 2012 and who have never attended an INA Annual Conference are eligible to receive 50% off of their conference registration fees. Learn more at www.nanny.org.

Nannypalooza. Nannypalooza is a 2-day conference held each year for nannies and those who support the nanny industry. The 2012 event will be held October 13th and 14th at the Philadelphia Airport Hilton in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Registration is $140. Nannypalooza provides an opportunity for nannies to learn new skills, to make new friends and to have fun. To learn more about Nannypalooza, visit www.nannypalooza.com.

National Nanny Training Day. National Nanny Training Day is a one day educational event hosted by various nannies, nanny groups and nanny placement agencies across the country and is organized by Nanny Biz Reviews. The 2012 event brought together nearly 1,300 nannies from across the United States and Canada for a day of professional development, childcare training and networking. Over 30 events were held in 27 cities across the United States. The 2012 National Nanny Training Day will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013. To learn more about National Nanny Training Day visit www.nannybizreviews.com.

Nanny Schools

The English Nanny and Governess School. Since 1984, The English Nanny and Governess School (ENGS) has provided nanny training to aspiring nannies. Located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, The English Nanny and Governess School offers students the opportunity to become a Certified Processional Nanny or a Certified Professional Governess upon successful completion of the school’s program and a passing grade on the American Council of Nanny School’s exam.  The English Nanny and Governess School is a member of the International Nanny Association and the American Council of Nanny Schools. The school is also approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. To learn more about the English Nanny and Governess visit www.nanny-governess.com.

The Alexandria School.  Founded in 2007, the Alexandria School offers diploma and certificate programs for nannies, including the 18 week diploma program and the Advanced Professional Nanny Certificate. For those looking to expand their service offerings into newborn care, the school also offers a newborn care specialist certificate. Based in Solon, Ohio, the school offers both on-site and distance learning options. The Alexandria School is a member of the International Nanny Association. The Alexandria School is also approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. To learn more about current course offerings, visit www.alexandria-school.com.

Sullivan University. Sullivan University offers professional nanny students the opportunity to earn a career diplomat in as little as 12 months. Students can complete the coursework online or at the Louisville, Kentucky or Lexington, Kentucky campus. Sullivan University is a member of the International Nanny Association and the American Council of Nanny Schools. To learn more about Sullivan University’s nanny program, visit http://www.sullivan.edu/professional-nanny.asp.

Northwest Nannies Institute. Northwest Nannies Institute (NNI) based in Lake Oswego, Oregon, offers a 30 week nanny training program, which includes classroom time, homework time and a practicum. Northwest Nannies Institute is licensed by the State of Oregon as a private career school and approved by the US Department of Education as a Title IV School. NNI is also a member of the International Nanny Association and the American Council of Nanny Schools. To learn more about Northwest Nannies Institute visit
Continuing your education not only benefits you, but it benefits the children in your care and the families for whom you work. If you are serious about being a career nanny, consider continuing your education. Like with any career, the more specialized education you have, the greater your earning potential and marketability will be. When competing for jobs, setting yourself a part as an educated professional could make the difference between landing the job and the job going to someone else.

This is the type of career that can be very rewarding, as nannies play a large role in the child’s developmental years.  Having a loving caregiver assures the parents that someone trustworthy is taking care of their child/children, and that their safety is of the utmost importance.  pb