Tag Archives: skills

General Safety Issues

FIVE STEPS TO SECURING YOUR FIRST NANNY JOB (GUEST POST)

Editor’s Note:  As it’s almost time for school to begin, many parents may be searching for someone to care for their toddlers.  We receive many good tips from nanny and babysitting blogs that pertain to the care of our children, so from time to time you will learn important information about the care of your child/children.  This particular post is for those who may be considering a change in careers, and what career is more important than to be trusted with the most precious possessions we are blessed with, our children.  pb

Securing a job as a nanny may not be as easy as you may initially think. Perhaps you’ve raised your own children and feel qualified to help others raise theirs, or maybe you’ve been laid off from work and think working as a nanny is a quick way to earn an easy buck.  The reality, however, is that many parents and placement agencies will only work with nannies that have several years of documented childcare experience. So while landing your first job isn’t impossible, it’s definitely going to take a concentrated effort.

So you’d like to secure your first nanny job. Now what?

Step 1.  Gain childcare experience. To be considered as a viable nanny candidate, you must have some prior experience working with children.  If you’ve done limited babysitting, consider expanding your client base and doing more. You could also gain experience by working as a “mother’s helper” or as an au pair. If you are not yet 100% confident in caring for children on your own, consider volunteering as an assistant in your church nursery or preschool, or connect with other organizations that service young children. There you’ll likely have experienced role models to learn from. 

Step 2. Expand your training, knowledge and skills. If you aren’t yet CPR and first aid certified, make getting so a high priority. Consider taking early childhood education courses at your local community college or participating in a distance learning program especially for nannies or childcare workers. Attending conferences geared towards early childhood educators can also help you acquire knowledge and strengthen your skills. Read books on child development, subscribe to parenting magazines and educate yourself on best practices for nannies. Joining a local nanny support group or professional nanny association, like the International Nanny Association, can provide you with nanny specific resources. 

Step 3. Secure letters of reference. As you gain childcare experience, either through volunteering or working, gather letters of reference. Keep a childcare journal and be sure to document the hours that you spend caring for children, along with the dates of care, parents contact information, children’s ages and your specific duties and responsibilities. In addition to childcare related references, secure a written character reference or two from a reputable member of your community that knows you well.

Step 4.  Create a resume and portfolio. Put together a resume that outlines your work history, educational background and child care experience. Include a letter of intent that states why you wish to work as a nanny. In your portfolio, include any certificates that you have earned and letters of reference that you have gathered. You may also wish to include some photos that show you interacting with the children in your care (with their parent’s permission of course), as well as photos of any special projects you and the children have done.

Step 5. Use all available resources. Once you are ready to secure your first nanny position, let the world know. Tell your friends and family members, create a profile on eNannySource.com, contact your local placement agency, and put flyers in places where parents and children frequent. Not every parent will consider hiring a nanny that doesn’t have nanny experience. Cast your nets wide to find the parents that will.

Like with any career, getting your foot in the door is always the hardest part.  Once you secure your first nanny job, provided you excel at it, getting future ones shouldn’t be so hard.

Sent by Martina Keyhill at (http://www.becomeananny.com/blog/5-steps-to-securing-your-first-nanny-job/)

General Safety Issues

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

General Safety Issues

HOW WOULD YOU GRADE YOUR SAFETY LEADER AT WORK?

There are several positions of management, but the front-line supervisor is usually the person responsible to be the “Safety Leader,” teaching employees all about safety, as well as the other aspects of their job tasks.  It is his or her job to be sure each employee understands the importance of safety in the workplace, and to ensure that they all go home at the end of their workday.  Although there may be a safety chairman and committee at your place of work, the supervisor is usually the one that has the technical skills to teach workers how to go about their work responsibilities.  By combining their human skills, and conceptual workplace skills, supervisors play a vital role in the success of the employees and company.  How would you grade your supervisor?  If you listed the traits of the best supervisor that you have ever worked under, what would your description be? 

Most of us would judge our past or present supervisors on human skills.  Here are several that we look for and appreciate:

  • Honesty
  • Sincerity
  • Motivation
  • Innovation
  • Good communication skills
  • Shows respect
  • Ensures workers’ safety
  • Concern for employees balancing work and home priorities
  • Gives credit to those who deserve praise on their job performance
  • Gives advice privately to those who need a little help

Conceptual workplace skills that leaders show include:

  • Organization
  • Job preparation
  • Using good logic
  • Good decision making
  • Fairly evaluating employees
  • Recognizing employees’ ideas for change that would improve the workplace routine or make things safer. 

A good leader can add these abilities to  technical expertise to ensure a safer, high-performance workplace, and hopefully, fewer near misses and mistakes leading to injury.  Supervisors are the ones with the authority and availability to ensure safe work practices by evaluating work conditions, safe behavior, and workers’ skill levels. 

Supervisors  should also ensure that the facility is OSHA compliant, and work with employees to see that unsafe acts are eliminated.  If workers know that their company strives to keep them safe and healthy, they are going to be inspired to do a good job by producing quality products and offering good service.  All companies want not just a “good safety” program, but a “great safety” program with a goal of O% injuries.

Many supervisors or co-workers do not serve as good role models, and can be reminders of what we don’t want to be like.  Bosses that put employees down, take the credit for others’ accomplishments, yell at people, and complain all the time, are actually displaying ways we should never behave.  The one thing they do teach us, is to never treat others the way they treat their co-workers.

If given the chance to answer a questionnaire (anonymously) about their supervisor, what grade would he or she be given?  It wouldn’t be a personality quiz, only a way for employees to let the company know if they have been well taught about safety and other aspects of their job, based on the quality of their leadership.  Supervisors evaluate  their employees for annual wage increases or other reasons.  Maybe it’s time the employees get to do a little evaluating.  Soon, we’ll look at how employees are graded, and the traits that employers are looking for in good workers.