Being a nanny is one of the most fun and rewarding career paths that anyone can pursue. Nannying offers opportunities to care for and play with children, while helping little ones to grow into their fullest potential and best individuals they can be.
If you are interested in how to become a certified nanny, here are seven steps to help you be successful.
1. Pursue a Child-Focused Education
As with any job, getting the right type of education is a great step in the right direction for how to become a nanny. Most nannies have completed their high school education, but to gain an edge on the competition, you might consider pursuing an associates degree or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field. With a formal education, you have opportunity to take a variety of child-related classes, work in school-sponsored externships, gain confidence in the field, and improve your resume.
2. Gain Relevant Childcare Experience
In addition to education, experience is a very important step for becoming a nanny. Offer to take care of your friends’ and family members’ children of different ages to gain experience working with various age groups. You can volunteer your time working with children who have special needs for experience as well. While pursuing your childcare education, consider getting a part-time job or summer job working at a children’s camp, church nursery, or daycare facility.
3. Get Trained for Child Emergencies
It can be very hard for parents to leave a child with a nanny for the first time, so it’s important for nannies to instill confidence in parents that the child is in good hands. One of the best ways to do this is to get certified in CPR and first aid. As a nanny, it’s always best to be prepared for an emergency instead of being caught off-guard. Look for CPR and first aid courses in your community at a nearby hospital or offered by a local branch of the American Red Cross.
4. Learn About the Different Types of Nannies
No two nanny jobs are the same, and there are different types of nannies hired to care for children. For example, there are full-time nannies, part-time nannies, live-in nannies, live-out nannies, and travel nannies. For newborn babies, household professionals with nanny training may work as baby nurses and stay with a family for a few weeks or months after a child is born. Your professional goals, skillset, and job availability all play a role in the type of nanny job that’s right for you.
5. Practice Interviewing for Nanny Jobs
Interviewing is a very important part of getting hired as a nanny, which means that you should familiarize yourself with the most common nanny interview questions asked and what employers are looking for in your responses. Expect parents to ask general questions about your nanny education and experience, but also about your communication style, childcare philosophy, and prior work with children who have special needs.