How can I get licensed for nanny jobs?

Answer 1

You have two basic options: 1.) JOIN AN AGENCY - this usually requires a personal interview, backround checks, drug checks, CPR training, and more, depending on the agency's standards. The great part about going w/an agency is that they check out the families for you, they're an advocate for you if there's ever a problem in your work environment (not being paid on time, someone's hitting on you, etc.), they'll hook you up w/reliable contracts and let you know what papers you should have signed & they'll be a never ending source of info (how much to charge, what to do w/the kids, how to log your activities, etc.) which is vital, especially if you're new to this field. You usually do need to show alot of "paper experience". Some agencies will be able tell by an interview if you are the right person, even if your resume isn't as impressive as you'd like it to be. (Spoken from personal experience - It'd been about 10 yrs since I was on the babysitting market. I'd been earning a living the last few years!) 2.) GO IT ON YOUR OWN - this is better if you don't have enough on your resume, but are confident your personality and "undefined talet" will win over prospective parents. You can find prospective families in your local classifieds, word of mouth, your church & (my favorite) online. Online can seem a bit nervewracking at first, but I've found it the most efficient way. There are a number of sites out there including www.nannyclassifieds.com and www.sittercity.com. Basically, you create a profile & are able to browse profiles of searching families. Alot of times this is free to the nannies & the companies charge the families a small fee. Just, be careful. If you get a funny feeling about a family - back off. Plan on meeting w/each family for at least one interview. Make sure you feel confident that you'll be able to get along w/the parents & work well w/the child(ren). Also, keep in mind that you really do need a contract outlining what is expected from both family & nanny (any cleaning, payment details, kids' daily schedule, sick days policy, days off, etc.) as well as signed Medical Consent forms for each child in case of emergency. If you will be driving their vehicle, I do reccommend having a signed "permission slip" in the glove box, in case you get pulled over for anything. And don't forget: by not having an agency behind you, you're gona need to REALLY interview your potential families & put all the extra details into your contract to protect you. (Me personally, I asked for a clause put in that allowed me to immediately terminate the job w/2 weeks salary if I felt the father was hitting on me or makng me feel threatened. They agreed.) Just make sure you cover your back. Nobody else is there to do it for you. Oh, & most contracts are yearly, but, for the first year, make sure you put a clause in that at 6 months you'll sit down for a review to change any policies or even terminate the job if it isn't workingout for one/both parties. After that, a yearly review is good. Communication is important, though, so if anyone feels something needs to be addressed, make sure you both make the time to be available to each other. I wasn't signed in when I wrote this answer, but I just wanted to tag it. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me. Thanks! Carutledge

Answer 2

Ask your parents if they know people, and take a Red Cross CPR course. Don't babysit for strangers, and make sure your parents know who you're babysitting for.

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Answer 3

Advertise in the news paper, baby sit cousins and ask family to recommend you to friends with young children, go door to door hand out leaflets, make posters, maybe leave an add on your shops notice board... Anyway you want really!

Answer 4

There is no required licensing procedure to become a nanny. Some schools that specialize in nanny training might issue a certificate that could be helpful, but it is up to the employer to determine the qualifications and suitability of the nanny.