Despite the high demand for nannies, it can be a very difficult industry to break into. Parents understandably want the best for their children, which can often translate to “most experienced” in their minds. For those who are considering or just beginning a career as a nanny, here are some organizations that can make the path to employment a bit clearer.
- American Red Cross – Before ever applying for your first nanny job, it’s absolutely imperative that you receive CPR certification and First Aid training. The American Red Cross offers these essential courses to childcare professionals on a local level.
- International Nanny Association – The International Nanny Association has been a valuable resource for childcare workers, nanny employers and industry service providers since 1985. With certification programs and educational resources available to members, the INA makes networking and professional development much easier for new and aspiring nannies.
- Nanny Network – The Nanny Network is an online resource for nannies and their employers with discussion forums and agency listings. Using these resources can help new nannies to find reputable agencies to work with and to network with veteran industry workers.
- Association of Premier Nanny Agencies – Promoting ethical business practices and connecting nannies with reputable agencies, the APNA is dedicated to placement and networking for nannies.
- International Association for Private Service Professionals – Domestic service providers across the country rely on the International Association for Private Service Professionals for networking and support services. Membership includes newsletter distribution and communication with other industry workers.
- National Nannies – National Nannies offers support and information for new nannies complete with counseling services from former childcare workers with a focus on quality placement services and guidance.
- Professional Nanny Association – The Professional Nanny Association is dedicated to reaching nannies from all walks of life, so they offer free membership and networking services. With an emphasis on the betterment of the in-home care provider industry, this non-profit organization also tackles important industry-related issues in addition to providing services for workers.
- The Nanny Support Group – This free service offers a place for nannies to communicate with one another on a frank and candid level, giving each other advice and much-needed support.
- American Nanny Company – The American Nanny Company is based in Boston, but provides matching services and stringent screening for clients across the country. New or hopeful nannies can often have more luck finding employment through an agency, so looking into the American Nanny Company or others of its kind might be a good starting point.
- National Association for Nanny Care – Though this organization officially closed its doors in 2010, there is still an active community headed up by founders Lora Brawley and Sue Downey. Dedicated to the need for minimum nanny standards industry-wide, the community of the National Association of Nanny Care and its offshoot, Nannypalooza, is still very much alive.
Becoming an active part of the nanny community isn’t just a good idea for networking and placement services; having a support system of people with similar experiences can also be helpful when working in this high-pressure industry. There are several organizations on a local level to look into, so doing your homework about the resources available in your area is also a great idea.
