Currently, there is no standard licensing program for professional nannies in the United States. There are, however, a wealth of resources for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the childcare industry. Here are ten of the certification or training programs that new nannies should look into in order to be as well-prepared for their first post as possible.
- CPR Certification – Because the safety of your charges may depend on your competence in life-saving CPR techniques, obtaining a CPR certification is absolutely necessary. Very few prospective employers or nanny agencies will accept candidates without it.
- First Aid Training Certification – As with CPR certification, completion of a first aid training program is a necessity; whether you plan to seek employment through an agency or private channels, your likelihood of finding work without first aid training is slim.
- Nanny Basic Skills Exam – The International Nanny Association offers two levels of certification: the Nanny Basic Skills Exam and the INA Nanny Credential Exam. For those who are just beginning, the Basic Skills Exam is the only available option, as the Nanny Credential Exam carries a recommendation for those with a minimum of 2000 hours of working experience.
- Kid’s Nutrition Specialist Certification – The National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association offers a specialization course in Kid’s Nutrition, which will provide valuable information on the nutritional needs of your charges.
- Child Development Associate Certification – Obtaining a Child Development Associate certification does not require a college degree, but will provide a wealth of information for new nannies. Because this certification does have to be renewed periodically, it’s also a great way to show your commitment to continuing your own education.
- Children’s Fitness Specialist Certification – The American Fitness Professionals & Associates offers a certification course that focuses on the fitness needs of children. The course includes safety information and motivational strategies as well.
- Newborn and Infant Care Specialist Certification – There are several programs that offer certification as a newborn and infant care specialist, which is particularly useful for beginning nannies with little-to-no hands-on experience with infants.
- Nanny Training Course Certification – Many community colleges offer nanny training courses, but there are also training schools specifically tailored towards new nannies across the country. Attending these schools or classes can make quite a difference in the confidence level of a beginning nanny and also provide valuable resume-boosting opportunities.
- Water Safety Certification – The American Red Cross offers many certification programs; among them is the Water Safety Certification program. Nannies that live near the water or wish to be prepared in the event of securing a post with a swimming pool might find this training useful.
- Household Management Certification – Though nannies are typically only responsible for chores directly related to child care, many wish to boost their earning power by providing additional household management services. There are programs available that provide training in this area, and are a great way to maintain a perfect resume while acquiring useful skills.
Many new nannies find that setting themselves apart from the competition is difficult in the beginning; keeping certifications and training up-to-date is one of the best ways to catch a potential employer’s eye when they’re looking through a sea of resumes. Because courses can be expensive, it’s a good idea to choose the certifications you feel are most valuable; you can always take others to supplement your education later.
