For nannies seeking new posts, a college degree is becoming more necessary with each passing year. Nannies with degrees can typically command a much higher salary, and often have a much easier time securing employment than those without higher education. Here are ten of the most common degrees held by professional nannies.
- Child Development – A Child Development degree is one of the Holy Grail majors for nannies, as it covers so many areas that are vitally important for working with children from todderhood to elementary age. Depending on the area of emphasis, students pursuing a Child Development degree will typically include elements of nutrition, daycare management and communication with parents in addition to the intellectual, physical and emotional development of children.
- Early Childhood Education – Early Childhood Education degrees are a sound investment for those who want to work with children in some capacity throughout their career, as its flexibility allows for employment in school systems and other public sector jobs in addition to increasing desirability as a nanny.
- Child Psychology – Degrees in the field of child psychology are a popular choice for nannies, as it can help them decode the sometimes inscrutable behavior and reactions of children. This training allows nannies to better communicate with their charges and meet their needs.
- Art Education – Prospective employers generally love the idea of hiring a nanny with artistic inclinations, as they feel that it will translate to fostering an early appreciation for the arts in their children. Nannies with Art Education degrees can often find themselves at the top of the heap, as this degree combines artistic knowledge with teachers’ training.
- Special Education – Families with special needs children can have a difficult time finding the right childcare provider, so many nannies hold degrees in special education as a specialization. This training allows nannies to competently care for children whose needs differ from the norm, placing them in higher demand.
- Child Studies – Obtaining a degree in Child Studies requires hands-on field work experience in addition to traditional classroom work, which can help inexperienced nannies feel more confident in their abilities at the beginning of their careers.
- Music Education – As public school systems eliminate music programs across the country in response to budget cuts, many music teachers and new Music Education graduates find themselves gravitating toward nanny careers. These nannies are able to combine musical talent with an aptitude for working with children, making them very desirable in the nanny industry.
- Physical Education – Childhood health problems and complications stemming from sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices have been on the rise, creating a need for nannies with a specialization in physical education and nutrition.
- Nursing – Potential employers often feel much more comfortable with hiring a nanny whose educational background includes a focus on healthcare and medicine; the ability to provide this peace of mind puts nursing graduates in high demand within the industry.
- Family Studies – A nanny who understands the dynamic of a family unit and the specific needs of each member will often find themselves at the top of high-profile “Most Wanted” lists around the community. This training can help to soothe the pangs of sibling rivalry, along with the hurt feelings and jealousy of over-worked parents afraid that their children love the nanny more.
Though most families are looking for a nanny with childcare-related education, some only require a college degree as insurance that candidates are educated and intellectual. It’s not unusual to find nannies with philosophy or literature degrees among the more common child development and family studies majors.
