The nature of the nanny industry has undergone great changes in recent decades. Years ago only wealthy people were able to secure the services of a nanny, who was considered to be a household servant rather than a household employee as is the case today. Below you will see some of the changes that have occurred since nannies began to make the changeover from servants to wage-earners.
  1. Certifications – CPR and First Aid training are generally considered “musts” for a nanny to have before she is considered hire able. Other nannies, particularly night nannies who deal with newborns, will often have received special education that incorporates some of the knowledge a nurse would have.
  2. Education – The modern nanny often takes on educational duties that were once confined to the position known as a “governess. Many nannies who come from overseas are hired, in part, for their ability to teach a foreign language.
  3. Child Development – Today’s nannies often come with a college degree in the field of child development. Even without a degree, most nannies will have received extensive training in this area. A good agency will help prospective employers find the qualified help they need.
  4. Mobility – Nannies do a lot more driving today than they did years ago, to play dates or t-ball or karate classes, so it is vital that a nanny be a safe driver. Often, the employer will provide a car and auto insurance.
  5. Nanny Cams – Nanny cameras are common today, not just as a security device to check up on the nanny, but as a way for parents to see that their children are behaving. With available applications, these devices can also serve as a way for parents, children and nannies to communicate directly.
  6. Employees – At one time, most nannies were considered household servants. Today the position is considered to be that of a household employee, with regular contracts and work agreements.
  7. Night Nannies – Where there are health or employment issues, there has been an increased need for nannies who are capable of caring for infants and toddlers on a 24/7 basis, particularly during the first few months after a baby is born.
  8. Live-Out – More and more working class families are having to hire child-care help, but many don’t have large enough homes to accommodate any live-in help. This has led to more live-out nanny situations. Typically, a live-out nanny will receive a higher wage because she may be responsible for all of her own housing requirements.
  9. Mannies – Though the nanny industry is largely female-oriented, there are some male nannies, often called “mannies”. Sometimes a family is looking for some male influence in a household, and this is where a skilled “manny” may find a future.
  10. Report Card –  Families need ways to screen their options when they are considering hiring a nanny or employing the services of a nanny agency. The website “Angie’s List” (www.angieslist.com ) provides a grading system that is powered by subscribers.
Mary Poppins might not recognize the industry if she dropped in today, but there will probably always be a market for a nanny who can fly by umbrella.
Molly Cunningham