An increasing number of Early Childhood Educators are leaving the daycare world and are finding jobs working as professional nannies in private homes. Parents want the best for their children and many families are choosing to hire Early Childhood Educators to provide in-home, one-on-one learning throughout the day.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the reasons why ECEs are transitioning from working in a group childcare environment to becoming professional Nannies.
Nannying gives you the opportunity to continue using your education and expertise
Do you have a diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education or Child and Youth Care? Being employed as a Nanny is a wonderful way to make use of that education. Nannies are not glorified babysitters; they are caregivers, teachers, and a source of support and guidance for children during their most formative years!
Fewer children = more time to form quality relationships
When you’re working one-on-one with a child, rather than with a group of children, you are able to develop a special relationship with them. You will form a close bond that they will likely remember and carry with them for the rest of their lives!
Competitive Wages
Nannies with ECE diplomas and backgrounds in Education are currently being paid $25-35 gross per hour.
Not paid “under the table”
As a Nanny, you are hired as an employee. You will receive a payslip, have taxes deducted from your pay, and receive a T4 at tax time. This also makes you eligible for Employment Insurance and other applicable government financial supports and subsidies.
Extended Medical and Dental Benefits
At The Nanny Solution, parents can opt to purchase a benefit plan for health and dental benefits for the nanny they employ. Coverage includes: Prescription Drugs, Hospital, Medical Equipment & Supplies, Travel Insurance, Dental Care & more.
Not required to do housekeeping
Nannies are not required to do housekeeping. Their primary purpose is to provide care for the child and ensure they are safe. Aside from tidying up after any meals or activities they may do with the children, Nannies do not need to do any cleaning for the family. In fact, many of our clients also hire housekeepers to take care of that.
Paid vacation and Benefits
That’s right, Nannies get benefits and paid vacation, often receiving anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks of paid vacation! Do you even need another reason to make the switch?
Health and safety
Working in a private home, as opposed to a daycare centre, means you’re exposed to far fewer bugs and viruses. You’re able to limit exposure and better protect yourself and any “at risk” people in your life, which is especially important in light of the recent global pandemic.
Appreciative parents
When you work for a family, the parents come to depend on you and regard you as part of the parenting team and family unit! You are invaluable to them and that level of appreciation sure feels nice.
More autonomy and independence
As a Nanny, the parents are your employer. Aside from that, you have autonomy and the ability to work independently without constant supervision. The family trusts that you know what’s best for the children and can make decisions and plan around that.
No workplace politics
When you work in a private home, there’s none of the usual workplace drama. No conflicts with co-workers, unfair power dynamics, lack of cooperation and communication, etc. When you’re just working with the family, the structure is far more simple.
It’s free to register with an agency
Working with an agency comes at absolutely no cost to nannies! The families pay the agency a finder’s fee.
Opportunities for fun field trips and activities
Taking the children out for a field trip or even to the park for an afternoon doesn’t require extensive planning, waivers, and coordination when you’re just working with one family. Think of all the fun places you can explore and activities you can do with the children in your city! When the weather is nice, you get to spend the days outside in fresh air.
World-wide travel (if that interests you)
Some families hire Nannies to travel or go on vacation with them as well. They cover the expenses and you have the opportunity to visit new places while also getting paid to do so!
Need more convincing? Here’s a testimonial from nanny Sarah M.
‘After graduating from George Brown College with my ECE diploma I worked in centres for 11 years. Initially I was happy and I loved my job, but then I started to feel undervalued, underpaid and burnt out.
My friend recommended that I register with Nannies on Call/The Nanny Solution as a nanny. I ended up finding the most amazing family to work for. I work full time caring for the sweetest kids, who were 14 months and 3 years old when I started with them. We’ve become the best of friends and they are going to be in my wedding this year!
The parents and I work like clockwork and I really feel respected. I get 5 weeks of paid vacation each year, sick pay, and I earn $60,000 a year. Looking back, I wish I had made the switch to nannying sooner. I LOVE being a nanny!
Interested in applying with The Nanny Solution? Start Here