How to Become a Nanny

Video Transcript

"Hi, my name is Kathy Dupuy, and I'm the president and founder of Mom's Best Friend. We are a Texas based, nanny referral agency. While there are some nanny schools across the US, where nannies go to actually be trained specifically in the art of becoming a professional nanny, but I would say most nannies have not attended any type of educational program like this, and many will major in child development, child psychology, early education, at a university. Nannies come from a variety of different venues, and their experiences may include such things as, working as a lifeguard, as a teacher, working in their church nursery, in a daycare, a summer camp counselor. Many different types of things, and all of these are great types of experience, and things we consider, when we're looking at the whole picture, of whether this applicant would be someone that has the potential experience needed, to be a professional nanny. It's very important that a nanny own her own vehicle, have a valid driver's insurance, and a clear driving record, as well as a clear criminal record, obviously, and be able to perform various functions as needed on the job. It's very important that she be current in her CPR and first aid certification, in case anything comes up. Many nannies also swim with the children, so being lifeguard certified, is also a great skill to have, and there are various other ongoing continuing education courses, that nannies are able to access and take advantage of, that enable them to be better at their job, and better perform their job, so nannies typically entering the field, may wonder what their career path might be, and as we see children growing older, and going to school. We see a lot of our nannies transitioning into a nanny manager position, and that simply means, that they take on more of the household responsibilities and help the family out in other ways. They might even pay their household bills, do some grocery shopping, errand running, meal preparation, coordinating vendors and household repairs, and as the children get older, and no longer have need of a nanny. The nanny may transition into a full fledged household manager position, meaning that she really manages the estate, or potentially, multiple estates, and helps the family in other ways, such as personal assistant responsibilities, help with entertaining, care of fine clothing and antiques, and furniture, and even project management, over remodeling that's going on in one of the homes, and so she really can transition into this type of position over time, if that's something she's interested in. If not, she may just continue in her position as a nanny, and enjoy the deepening of that involvement, with her current family. Ultimately, other families that she's able to be a part of and impact, and then ultimately, to share her wisdom with other nannies who are entering that career, and wanting to understand more about how to be a professional nanny."