Educational Programs to Become a Nanny
If you're a nurturing person who enjoys being with children, you might consider a career as a nanny. The basic job of a nanny is caring for children in their own home. Child-care skills and understanding children's needs is important. Some nannies live in the family's home; others stay at the home according to a preset schedule. Taking a course in child care is the first step toward a career in this field.
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Specialty Schools
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Schools that specialize in educating and placing nannies on the job are scattered across the nation. The English Nanny and Governess School offers an educational and placement program to students. The three-month curriculum consists of classes in child psychology, infant CPR, first aid and family dynamics. Northwest Nannies, a school in Lake Oswego, Ore., offers a seven-month course that culminates in a Certified Professional Nanny (CPN) designation. Another option involves obtaining a two-year degree program in early childhood development. Online courses are available. Institutions such as The Alexandria School in Solon, Ohio, offer courses that combine online and on-site learning. The 18-week program includes one week of on-campus instruction.
Specialized Training
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Individuals interested in training for a nanny position may wish to specialize. Maternity and newborn care is one career path for a nanny. Classes in postnatal care are a part of the curriculum. Certain institutes offer a course segment as an intern with a supervising nanny. A maternity nanny is responsible only for the baby and supporting the newborn's mother. She is often on call 24 hours a day and may sleep in the same room as the newborn.
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Admission and Prerequisite Requirements
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Most schools that specialize in grooming students for child care have prerequisites beginning with an age minimum, usually 18 years old. Typically, students must have a high school diploma or GED and pass a background screening. Schools may administer psychological tests and require letters of reference.
Placement agencies that find jobs for nannies also have prerequisites. Prior to an interview, applicants must provide certifying documents. Most agencies require that nannies pass background checks, have child-care experience and possess a negative TB test, along with having first aid and CPR certificates.
Benefits
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Typically, a nanny enjoys the benefit of a satisfying and pleasant standard of living provided by her employer. Many nannies travel and take vacations with their employer families. The benefit of day-to-day living arrangements means nannies don't have rent or mortgage obligations. Being a nanny offers intrinsic benefits based on the strong bonds and relationships formed with the children, parents and extended families.
International Nanny Association
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Students with practical experience working as nannies may wish to gain an accreditation. The International Nanny Association recommends that child-care professionals have a minimum of one year's experience as a nanny prior to taking the Nanny Credential Exam. The exam covers topics such as safety, nutrition, child development and professionalism. This organization also offers educational workshops for nannies at an annual conference.
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