Prior Work Experience of Nanny Applicants

There are many terms used in the child care field, not always in a consistent manner. We have reprinted industry definitions below. When considering the amount of previous experience you require of your nanny there are several factors to consider. Newborns should never be left with a caregiver without prior infant caregiving experience. You will want to be sure the individual is current on first aid and life saving certifications. You will also want to spend time orienting the individual to your home, child, and care giving preferences. Older children (generally 4 or more) may respond well to the mature candidate who does not have prior experience. Looking at the candidate with babysitting or mother's help experience can work out well. If a parent will always be in the household but just needs extra hands - very common with multiples or households with young children close in age - a candidate with just babysitting experience may work out well. This mother's help position actually becomes a training ground for a future full charge nanny job. And don't forget your preferences - if you are not interested in closely managing the day to day activities of the nanny you may need to choose the more experienced candidate to have your needs met.

Au Pair (American) [INA definition]

Lives with the family and provides help with light housework and child care 40 to 60 hours per week. Usually works under the direct supervision of the parent. May or may not have had previous child care experience.

Au Pair (Foreign) [INA definition]

Foreign national in the United States for up to one year to experience American life. Lives as part of the host family and helps with child care and housework (45 hour per week maximum - regulation required pursuant to the type of visa the U.S. Government grants these individuals) in exchange for room and board, spending money and the chance to learn about a family's language and customs. May or may not have previous child care experience.

Baby-sitter [INA definition]

Provides supervisory, custodial care of children on an irregular full-time or part-time basis. No special training or background expected.

Governess [INA definition]

Traditionally an educationally-qualified person employed by families for the full-time or part-time at-home education of school age children. Functions as a teacher and is not usually concerned with domestic work or the physical care of younger children. Hours work by arrangement.

Nanny [INA definition]

Employed by the family on either a live-in or live-out basis to undertake all. Nanny's work week ranges from 40 to 60 hours per week. Tasks related to the care of children. Duties are generally restricted to child care and the domestic tasks related to child care. May or may not have had any formal training, though often has a good deal of actual experience Usually works unsupervised.

Nursery Nurse [INA definition]

Title used in Great Britain for a person who has received special training and preparation in caring for young children, in or out of the home. When employed by the family, may live in or live out. Works independently and is responsible for everything related to the care of the children in her charge. Duties are generally restricted to child care and the domestic tasks related to child care. Work is usually 50 to 60 hours per week. In addition to specialized training, the nursery nurse will also have successfully passed the national British certification examination of the National Nursery Examination Board.

Parent/Mother's Helper [INA definition]

Live in or out and works for a family to provide full-time child care and domestic help for families in which one parent is home most of the time. May be left in charge of the children for brief periods of time. May or may not have previous child care experience.

INA Definition refers to published position descriptions by the International Nanny Association.