How to Find a Job as a Nanny

The skills, experience, and training you need to be a childcare professional

Co-authored by Jessie Davidson and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: March 29, 2023 References

Becoming a nanny is a great option for anyone who loves children and wants to be a bit more involved than a babysitter. It’s hard work—you’ll be watching kids for hours at a time, for multiple days a week—but watching a child thrive with your care and attention is also incredibly rewarding. We’ll fill you in on the necessary experience and training, how to advertise your services, and how to find a family that’s right for you.

Things You Should Know

Get certified in CPR and basic first aid. Also consider taking childcare classes or pursuing a degree in childhood education.
Spend some time babysitting or volunteering at a daycare to gain childcare experience.
Create a resume with your skills and experience, then create profiles on childcare sites like Sittercity or Care.
Interview possible clients and ask about their family life to see if you’re a good fit as a nanny.

1

Babysit to gain experience.

Watch someone else’s kids to see if the job is for you. Before you commit to a full-time nanny job, dip your toes into the career by babysitting or working in a daycare center. This will give you a better idea of what it takes to be a childcare professional and add valuable experience to your resume.^{[1]
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- Ask friends or family if they need help watching their kids, or volunteer at a daycare to find your first gig.

2

Get proper medical training.

Get certified in CPR and first aid. Anyone working in childcare should be trained in basic first-aid procedures. These show that you’re serious about safety and prepared to act in an emergency. Even if you never find yourself in a serious emergency while watching children, having the proper know-how gives both you and the parents vital peace of mind.
- Contact your local Red Cross, YMCA, or even your local firehouse to enquire about first-aid training sessions.

3

Attend courses on childcare.

Take childcare classes or pursue a degree to add to your resume. While a degree isn’t required, parents are more likely to trust a nanny with a college education. An associate’s degree in early childhood education will prime you on basic childcare practices like infant health and safety. It will also give you valuable hands-on experience.^{[2]
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- Alternatively, childcare classes through Red Cross or other organizations are a cheaper and more casual way to gain skills like managing behavior and monitoring children outside the home.

4

Write a resume.

Create a resume with your training and experience. A resume lets potential clients review your skills and past experience at a glance. Create a resume and include any past gigs, training and certifications, volunteer experience, your availability, and a brief statement on what you hope to achieve as a nanny.^{[3]
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- Also include what sort of job you’re looking for, such as a live-in or travel situation.

5

Advertise to your acquaintances.

Use word of mouth to find interested families. Tell your friends, families, and coworkers that you’re available to nanny. Even if they don’t need your services themselves, they may know someone who does and refer potential clients. Building a personal network like this can be essential to finding work.^{[4]
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- Also print flyers or posters advertising your services and post them on community job boards around your town.

6

Sign up for childcare websites.

Create profiles on childcare directories. Sites like Sittercity and Care connect parents to childcare professionals. These are handy resources for finding and communicating with potential clients. Fill out your profile with a headshot, prior experience, and your own approach to nannying to let parents know what sort of nanny you are.^{[5]
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7

Apply to nanny agencies.

Join a nanny agency to have someone find jobs for you. A nanny agency is a private group that connects nannies to families. You’ll join a roster of qualified nannies, and a representative will do the hard work of pairing you up with a job that’s a good fit.^{[6]
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Research source} Google local agencies and submit an application to join their ranks.
- You’ll often need to submit a headshot, resume, and a statement of purpose, which is a brief description of your philosophy as a childcare expert.

8

Meet with interested families.

Interview the family before you agree to nanny. Every family is different, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with a potential client to see if they’re a good fit for you. Meet the parents along with their children at a public place, like a park, where you can interact with and get to know them.^{[7]
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9

Wear practical clothing.

Dress professionally to make a good impression. What you wear to the interview informs the parents about what kind of nanny you are. To make the best impression, dress in clean, modest, and practical clothing. Wear something that gives you plenty of mobility and isn’t too revealing.
- Slacks, sneakers, and a long-sleeve shirt or blouse are great options for professional, practical clothing.

10

Find out more about possible clients.

Ask questions about the family to see if they’re a good fit for you. How you interact with and treat kids may not be compatible with some parents’ views. Ask the parents what they expect from a nanny, what sort of discipline they use, and if they have any religious affiliations you should know about. All of these will come into play if you decide to nanny for them. Some other questions to ask include:^{[8]
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- Does their kid have any medical conditions you should know about?
- Are there any relevant dietary restrictions in the house?
- Are there any unusual family dynamics you may have to navigate?
- How would they handle any of your views on childcare that may conflict with their own?

11

Negotiate a fair wage.

Set your rates. Before you land a client, decide how much you’ll charge for your services. Browse childcare directories like Sittercity and take note of how much other nannies in your area charge, then set your own hourly rate to a similar number.^{[9]
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Research source} Also consider the number of kid’s you’ll nanny, their ages, and their needs. Negotiate a fair rate with any possible clients.
- For example, nannies in Salt Lake City often charge around $14 an hour, while New York City nannies charge closer to $21 an hour.
- Set your rates higher than average to attract more affluent clients. Be aware that you may need extra qualifications to justify your prices, like greater availability or the ability to tutor.

12

Agree on a contract.

Review and sign a nanny contract. A nanny contract specifies your rate, availability, expected duties, and benefits. When writing a contract, use simple, clear language. Specify how long you’ll work each day, the period of your employment, and any conditions that might lead you to terminate the contract.^{[10]
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Research source} Then, agree on your starting date and begin your nanny career!
- Termination conditions might include a lack of pay, working unnegotiated overtime, or a demonstrably hostile environment.
- If you’re inexperienced, it’s best to [Contact-an-Attorney| hire an attorney] to help you write a contract.
- Some families may not require a contract, but having one is a good idea to protect your rights as a worker and clarify your responsibilities.