Don’t Accept Nanny Positions You’re Not Prepared for
Thinking of making a living as a nanny or au pair? It’s a demanding career that requires preparation and consideration. Learn the steps you need to take before accepting work as a nanny or au pair.
Responsibilities
Although your primary responsibility is to care for the children, other tasks may be asked of you as well. As each family’s needs will differ, it’s important to clarify beforehand what your responsibilities will be and what will be expected of you.
In addition to preparing meals and keeping the children entertained, the parents might ask you to perform other duties such as tutoring, taking the children to events, activities or play dates, house cleaning, bathing, and putting the kids to bed.
If the parents work late or go out for a night on the town, they may ask you to stay with the children until late in the evening. The parents might even want you to work as a live-in nanny taking care of the kids even when the parents are not away.
For all these reasons and many more, it’s important to create an explicit contract that clearly describes what will be expected of you. This way, you can discuss with the parents any concerns you have before taking the job.
Travel Considerations
One important consideration is travel. If you will not be working as a live-in, you will need a means to get to the home. Also, if the parents need you to provide transportation for the children, you will probably need to arrange for a vehicle.
International Nanny Positions
For international positions, there is an added risk of losing your employment and finding yourself ‘stranded’ in a foreign country. Therefore, it is important to plan for such an eventuality and prepare a reserve of funds for cost of living expenses.
Nanny Agencies
Agencies are one means of quickly entering the nanny job market. However, these agencies will require that you agree to their requirements. These requirements can include experience, references, a criminal background evaluation, First Aid and CPR certification, and a valid driver’s license. Some agencies may also ask that you have some language proficiency, be a non-smoker, or carry a degree in childcare education.
Working as a nanny or au pair is a demanding career that requires a great deal of responsibility and preparation. Before accepting a position, clarify with the parents what will be expected of you. Evaluate other considerations such as travel and risks. Clarifying these factors beforehand will reduce the likelihood of problems down the road.
D. Martin publishes reviews of child care software to help child care providers better manage their daycare.
Don’t Accept Nanny Positions You’re Not Prepared for / Author: D. Martin
