Recommended Practices for Nannies
To promote quality childcare and an environment for all children that nurtures their well-being, the International Nanny Association recommends the following practices for nannies.
- Professionalism
- Relationships with Children
- INA Commitment to Professional Excellence
- Relationships with Parents/Employers
- Relationships with Agencies
- Disclaimer
Professionalism
Participate in personal and professional growth activities.
INA recommends that nannies become involved in social, cultural and
educational activities not only to maintain and improve their child care
skills, but also to enhance their own personal growth. Suggested activities
include attending child development courses, seminars and training programs
on the care of children, participating in nanny-related organizations, and
involvement in community affairs and child advocacy groups. INA has
developed a Nanny Credential Exam to assess an individual's knowledge of
children, their developmental needs and how to meet those needs of an in-home
environment.
Act as an advocate for young children.
INA recommends that nannies promote knowledge as well as understanding of
young children, and their needs and rights. Nannies should be familiar with
the signs of child abuse and neglect, and be knowledgeable of procedures for
dealing with them.
Relationships with Children
Respect each child as a unique individual.
INA recommends that nannies recognize the individuality of the children in
their care. Nannies can create an environment that fosters children's trust,
self-esteem and independence through the practice of daily routines and
developmentally appropriate behavior management techniques.
Provide developmentally appropriate play and learning experiences.
INA recommends that nannies provide for the physical, emotional, intellectual
and social needs of children by using developmentally appropriate
play/learning activities, materials and equipment.
Create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for children.
INA recommends that nannies promote the physical and emotional well-being
of
children. Duties may include: serving nutritious meals and snacks;
supervising rest periods, naps and sleep; recognizing symptoms of common
childhood illnesses; handling emergency situations; administering first aid;
teaching children the hygienic way to bathe and wash hands, hair and brush
teeth; taking every safety precaution when traveling with children;
performing domestic tasks related to the care and maintenance of the child's
areas of the home such as bedroom, playroom, bathroom and outside play space;
laundering and making simple repairs to children's clothing; and observing
safety rules in the home.
Communicate effectively at the child's level of understanding.
INA recommends that nannies model appropriate language for children,
recognize stages of language development in children, and engage in
activities that encourage language development.
INA Commitment to Professional Excellence
- Respect the contributions of individuals and organizations involved in professional in-home child care.
- Maintain high standards of professional conduct.
- Respect and support families in their task of nurturing children.
- Promote the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of children.
- Support the lifelong process of personal growth and professional development.
In recognition of their responsibilities of children and families, members of the International Nanny Association make these commitments in support of professional in-home child care.
Relationships with Parents/Employers
Request a personal interview with prospective employers.
INA recommends that nannies interview prospective employers in person,
preferably in the family's home.
Request a descriptive, written work agreement detailing conditions of
employment.
INA recommends that, at a minimum, a work agreement include the following:
job duties, hours and days of duty, salary amount, when and how paid and
compensation for overtime worked, employer's legally required tax
obligations, fringe benefits such as health insurance, holiday and vacation
policies, sick leave if offered, probationary period, frequency of work
agreement review, terms of notice and termination and grounds for dismissal.
INA has developed an excellent Family and Nanny Agreement to assist in
addressing all the details.
Respect the family's right to privacy.
INA recommends that nannies show good judgment in maintaining confidentiality
about the private lives of the families for whom they work.
Support the child rearing philosophy of the employer.
INA recommends that nannies recognize the ultimate authority of parents in
making decisions about the welfare and care of their child/children by
respecting the parent/employer's philosophy of child rearing.
Develop positive relationships with the family.
INA recommends that nannies work cooperatively with the family, perform
duties as agreed, communicate openly and effectively, show sensitivity to
family situations, seek constructive solutions to problems and maintain a
consistent, positive attitude.
Relationships with Agencies
Be clear about placement agency services and required fees prior to using
agency services.
INA recommends that nannies obtain a full and complete explanation of agency
services, expectations, requirements and fee (if applicable) before
registering with an agency.
Accurately and truthfully represent personal job qualifications and
experience.
INA recommends that nannies provide complete, accurate and truthful
information about their background, education, special skills and abilities,
and prior work experience.
Request descriptive information about prospective employers.
INA recommends that in addition to details about a particular position such
as working hours, duties of the job, salary and benefits, nannies also obtain
all information available about the employing family. A placement agency can
provide details about the family's needs and preferences and may also be able
to supply the nanny with references on the family.
Disclaimer
The International Nanny Association recommends these practices, but has no authority to require a member to adhere to them. INA does not represent that the Association has the authority to discipline a member for a violation of the letter or spirit of what is recommended. Consequently, INA assumes no responsibility or liability for the action of any member of the Association.
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