Most people start their careers with some form of specific formal education, whether from a university or a trade school. However, nannies come from diverse educational backgrounds. Some may hold degrees in early childhood education or nursing, while others might simply start as nannies without formal training. At some point in a nanny’s career, it’s natural to seek ways to continue education and enhance one’s skills. While traditional universities might not offer a “nanny” degree program, there are numerous educational resources available. Family First has compiled a comprehensive list of 10 valuable classes, certifications, and resources for nannies to consider for their professional development.
1. CPR/First Aid Certification + Water Safety
Why It Matters: CPR and First Aid certification are fundamental for nannies. These skills prepare you to handle emergencies effectively and are often a requirement for employment.
Where to Get It:
- Red Cross: Offers traditional, online, and blended courses for CPR and First Aid as well as Water Safety. Learn more here.
- American Heart Association: Provides both in-person and online CPR and First Aid courses. Find a course.
- U.S White Water Center: Provides in person courses in collaboration with the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI), now offers certification in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) classes. Find a course.
- TIP: Certification must be renewed every two years, so stay up-to-date!
Why Water Safety?: These courses are essential for nannies responsible for supervising children around pools or beaches. They focus on equipping nannies with crucial skills to ensure children’s safety in aquatic environments, reducing risks associated with water-related activities.
2. INA Exams
Why It Matters: The International Nanny Association (INA) offers exams to validate your skills and knowledge in childcare.
What You Can Do:
- Nanny Basic Skills Assessment: A 40-question test covering essential child care knowledge. More info.
- Nanny Credential Exam: A comprehensive exam with multiple-choice and essay questions for advanced certification. Details here.
- INA Conference: Prepare to “grow and bloom”. You will have the chance to dive into interactive workshops, connect with other professionals, and have a little fun too! Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and energized! View Details
TIP: Consider joining the INA for additional resources and discounts on exams. Join here.
3. InterNational Nanny Training Day (iNNTD)
Why It Matters: A global event dedicated to nanny training and networking.
What You Can Do:
- Attend iNNTD: Participate in local events and workshops in April. Find an event.
TIP: Check with local nanny agencies or Nannypalooza for event details in your city. Make sure to check in and see if Family First is hosting an event near you.
6. Humbled by Motherhood Courses
Why It Matters: Courses from Humbled by Motherhood offer insights into parenting and childcare from diverse perspectives.
About: Hey there! Dairian here… your go-to expert maternal health occupational therapy (OT) in Los Angeles, CA. As an occupational therapist, lactation consultant, perinatal mental health specialist, and the passionate owner of Humbled by Motherhood, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting mothers and infants.
What You Can Do:
- Explore Courses: Visit Humbled by Motherhood to discover courses that enhance your understanding of parenting, child development, and family dynamics.
TIP: Consider courses that align with your personal and professional growth goals as a nanny.
7. Feeding Littles Courses
Why It Matters: Feeding Littles offers courses that educate on pediatric feeding and nutrition for infants and toddlers.
What You Can Do:
- Explore Courses: Visit Feeding Littles to find courses that cover topics such as introducing solids, picky eating, and nutrition for young children.
TIP: Enhance your knowledge of pediatric feeding practices to support healthy eating habits and growth in children under your care.
- Nannypalooza
Why It Matters: Nannypalooza is a premier conference offering nannies opportunities for professional development and community engagement. It provides a platform to learn from experts, share experiences, and stay updated on industry trends, ultimately enhancing childcare skills and career growth.
What You Can Do:
- Attend Workshops: Participate in diverse workshops covering topics such as newborn care solutions, special needs care training, and more.
- Network: Connect with fellow nannies and childcare professionals to build relationships and support networks.
- Stay Informed: Keep informed about upcoming events and resources to continue your professional development journey.
TIP: Early registration often comes with discounted rates. Check Nannypalooza’s website for details.
- Car Seat Safety Training
Why It Matters: Proper car seat installation and usage are critical for ensuring children’s safety during travel. This training emphasizes the correct methods of securing car seats according to safety standards, reducing the risk of injury in transit.
What You Can Do:
- Car Seat Safety Training: Learn about proper car seat installation and safety measures.
- Attend Workshop: Participate in hands-on sessions to learn how to install car seats correctly and securely.
- Understand Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local laws and guidelines for child passenger safety.
- Provide Safe Transport: Implement best practices to ensure children are safely restrained in vehicles at all times.
TIP: Look for workshops that offer certification, which may be required by some employers or agencies.
- Newborn Care Solutions
Why It Matters: Specialized training in newborn care is crucial for nannies who specialize in caring for infants. This training equips caregivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide optimal care during the critical early stages of a child’s life. From understanding newborn development to implementing safe sleep practices and feeding techniques, this training ensures nannies can meet the unique needs of newborns with confidence and competence.
About: After spending over 30 years working as a Nanny, Newborn Care Specialist and Household Manager, Tonya Sakowicz went on to create Newborn Care Solutions alongside her husband, Todd, a company dedicated to the specialized training of high-level Newborn Care Specialists and the only company to offer the Master NCS® Training Program.
What You Can Do:
- Complete Training Programs: Enroll in specialized courses that cover a wide range of topics, including newborn health and safety, feeding schedules, soothing techniques, and early childhood development milestones.
- Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience through simulated caregiving scenarios and interactive workshops focused on diapering, bathing, and comforting techniques tailored to newborns.
- Stay Updated: Stay informed about the latest research and recommendations in newborn care to provide the best possible support to families and ensure the healthy development of infants in your care.
TIP: Look for training programs accredited by reputable organizations such as Newborn Care Solutions who offer comprehensive courses and resources designed specifically for nannies specializing in newborn care.
11. Global Nanny Training
Why It Matters: Michelle LaRowe has more than 25 years of nanny industry experience. As an International Nanny Association credentialed nanny and Nanny of the Year™ award recipient, Michelle has authored several parenting books including Nanny to the Rescue!, Nanny to the Rescue Again! and Working Mom’s 411.
What You Can Do:
- Nanny Certification Classes: Covers essentials from nutrition to literacy development. Sign up here.
TIP: This course is entirely online and costs $199-$599. It can be completed at your own pace.
12. SUIDS Training
Why It Matters: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training is crucial for understanding and implementing safe sleep practices for infants.
What You Can Do:
- Certification Courses: Enroll in courses that provide training on SIDS prevention and safe sleep guidelines. For example, check out courses offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
- Online Resources: Access online modules and resources offered by local health departments or organizations specializing in infant care.
TIP: Stay informed about updated guidelines and recommendations to ensure safe sleep practices for infants in your care.
13. Brownicity’s Hues of You Course
Why It Matters: The Hues of You course from Brownicity focuses on racial diversity and cultural sensitivity in childcare.
What You Can Do:
- Course Details: Enroll in the Hues of You course to deepen your understanding of diversity and its impact on childcare practices.
TIP: Enhance your cultural competence to provide inclusive and respectful care to all children and families.
14. US Nanny Institute
Why It Matters: Offers accredited and CACHE online programs from a licensed educational institution.
What You Can Do:
- Basic to Advanced Childcare Programs: These programs lay the foundation for a childcare career as a Nanny or Sitter. Basic Child Care graduates learn positive discipline techniques from a child psychologist and get safety tips including active shooter response tactics from experts. Sitters and nannies also gain legal insights from a child care lawyer to confidently supervise and manage children. Explore options.
- Bonus: They also offer a Specialist Childcare Program, Professional Childcare Program and CACHE Level 4 Childcare Program.
- TIP: US Nanny Institute offers free introductory courses to help you decide if their programs are right for you.
15. Local Events and Networking Opportunities
Why It Matters: Local events provide opportunities for professional growth and networking.
What You Can Do:
- Look for Local Trainings: Check with local agencies, chiropractic offices, and birthing centers for workshops and events.
TIP: Reach out to local agencies and professional networks to find events and training in your area.
Additional Resources
- Coming Soon
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