The International Nanny Association offers a very comprehensive exam and recommended study guide. This is an excellent addition to any nanny's resume. Click here for the .pdf version of the Exam Details Brochure or go to Nanny.org for more information.
Online
Southeast Technical
Minnesota State College Offers a AAS degree online in Professional Nanny/Family Child CareBrick and Mortar Schools:
Most Community Colleges offer two year degrees in Child Development. Here is a listing of all community colleges by state: http://wwwhost.utexas.edu/world/comcol/state/
American Nanny College
260 S Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 91768
909-624-7711
fax 624-9261English Nanny and Governess School
30 South Franklin Street
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
English Nanny and Governess School
info@nanny-governess.com
Sheilagh Roth
440- 247-0600Northwest Nannies Institute
11830 S.W. Kerr Parkway
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Carolyn Kavanaugh
Linda Roffe
503-245-5288
Northwest Nannies Institute
Email:nwnanny@teleport.com
Sullivan College
Professional Nanny Program
P.O. Box 33-308
Louisville, KY 40232
Keleigh Wine
Lisa Likins
Sullivan College
502-456-6504What we tell Parents about Training their Nanny:
Q: Do I need to stay home the first day or two with my new nanny ?
A: It is probably a very good idea to stay home a day or two on your Nanny's first days. Let her do the lion share of the work Run errands so she has an opportunity to go it alone. Any questions Nanny has can be jotted down if you're not there.
It is also a nice idea to take her to meet any neighbors you are friendly with. This way they will know her by sight and she will know who the normal faces are in the neighborhood. You could also go for a drive to point out the parks, pizza joints, grocery store, pediatrician, etc.
When my nanny started, I was at home with her for 2 days so that she could familiarize herself with the house, the baby's routine, find where everything was kept, etc. I wanted to make sure she was well-prepared before I went back to work. Also, I wanted to watch how she interacted with the baby. She actually wanted it that way, too.
after our nannies have arrived, I have gone over the contract in detail. I have an attachment to the contract that explains the responsibilities. Although we've gone over it on the phone, it reinforces expectations in person. I show her where things are and talk about a schedule for accomplishing things like I would like my son's laundry done on Thursday or Friday. I also tell her she can adjust the schedule if it would work better for her, but let's talk about it. After a week, I set aside time to go over how did the week go. If something isn't getting done, I'll talk about it and work with her on a solution. This is only for the big stuff. I feel some of the little things start to happen after the nanny has been there for a few weeks and becomes comfortable with the job. After one month, we go over the contract in detail again. Identify what is going really well and what things need to be worked on.
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Q: What kind of safety issues should I discuss ?
Alarm System: If you have an alarm system, teach you nanny how to use it. If there are features that could help her in case of an emergency i.e. a panic button, etc. make sure she knows how to use them. If you want her to set the alarm when she leaves, teach her the code and have her try to set it.
Answering the Door You may think it paranoid, but your Nanny should never open the door for anyone she doesn't know. Tell your Nanny that she can blame you in her explanation to the stranger. For instance, "I'm sorry, my employer does not allow me to answer the door. Please call them later or leave a note and I will be sure they know you stopped by." Anyone who tries to argue with this is suspect and the Nanny should warn that if they don't leave she will call the police. If they don't leave, she should call the police. If you are expecting a delivery, make sure your Nanny knows this and knows what company truck she should expect to see. If you do not have a way for Nanny to talk to a person on the other side of the door, you can install an inexpensive intercom system. If someone at the door is claiming to need assistance, instruct your nanny that she can call the police or an ambulance on behalf of the person, but never open the door. This should also be the policy for any children in your house who are old enough to answer the door.
Driving Safety: Teach your Nanny how to install your child's car seat and how to make sure it is tightly fastened. If she will be driving your car, familiarize her with how it works and with all its features. Show her each little dash board light and what they mean if they light up. Also teach her what to do if a light goes off. If you have power breaks, make sure she knows the proper way to break if she is skidding. If you have a car phone, instruct your Nanny never to talk while driving. Be extremely adamant about this. It is a terribly risky behavior and in some experts opinions should be outlawed. Let Nanny drive and take a nice long ride with her. Try to make it a drive to somewhere, not specifically to "test" her since she will then be on her best behavior and more conscious of how she's driving. Go to a shopping center with the kids in the car. Show your Nanny how to safely get the kids out and in the car while keeping her eyes and ears open for danger.
Fire Safety: Many of us haven't studied fire safety since Fireman Bill came to visit our first grade class. Don't count on your Nanny to remember what to do in case of a fire. Go over the basics with her. Your local fire company should have some pamphlets if you could use a refresher too. Show her all your smoke detectors and where you keep the batteries in case she starts to hear that annoying low battery "beep." If your children are old enough include them in your fire safety chat. Make sure they know to listen to your Nanny and to tell her immediately if they ever see or smell smoke. If you have a two story house, make sure you have an exit route planned from both floors and run a fire drill including everyone in the house.
Self Defense: It is not a bad idea to buy your Nanny a bottle of pepper spray to keep on her key chain. This can come in handy not only against menacing people but also if a dog ever attacked her or your child. If you have never taken a self-defense class, this might be a nice bonding idea for you and your Nanny. It may be the best gift you ever give her.
Water Safety: If you are like me and you live in a town where almost everyone either lives on the water or has a swimming pool, water should be a major concern in your family. Map out your water safety policy with your Nanny and make sure she sticks to it. If you live on the water or have a pool, you should have safety policies that your children and nanny live by i.e. the children can not be unsupervised in the back yard for even a second. If the phone rings, let the machine pick it up. If you have a dock and your kids love to play around it, lifejackets are to be worn at all times or they aren't allowed on the dock. If a friend has invited your child over after school and you know the friend has a swimming pool, make sure an adult will be home with the children at all times. The more your Nanny knows about water safety the more she can teach your children about it. The LifeWithNanny website has more information on Water Safety as well as Plant Safety and Library Safety if you or your Nanny want to know more.
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A: If you would like your Nanny to learn more about early education and you think she might be interested, by all means offer. Parents with nannies who have studied early education have indicated that their nannies seem to know more age appropriate activities and seem more interested in the different developmental stages of their children then nannies who have never taken these courses. Look into what classes your community college has to offer. There are also some early education classes, discipline technique courses, and safety workshops offered through hospitals and adult education courses sponsored by your town or county. And it never hurts to have some good parenting books and magazines around the house. I relied heavily as a new mom on the "What to Expect" series and "Parenting Magazine."
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Q: Are there any good training videos or other materials on the market ?
A: Yes, you may purchase the Shaken Baby Syndrome video "Portrait of Promise" from The Midwest Children's Resource Center at Children's Health Care-St.Paul, 360 Sherman St., Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55102 (612)220-6750 I believe the video cost $18.95. There is also another video out there that costs ($65) and is called "Crying, What Should I do?" produced by SBS Prevention Plus. Their number is 1-800-858-5222.
Many months ago a friend purchased a book for me called "Mom Central". Its a workbook, spiral bound, that you complete. Its got preprinted pages/forms for everything you can imagine - phone numbers, groceries, birthdays, daycare, etc. You can even send away for additional forms if you want them. Back to Top
Copyright © [Parents With Nannies, Inc.]. All rights reserved.
Revised: August 29, 2005 .