How to Become a Nanny in Canada

Nannies, as well as other domestic workers, are in high demand in Canada. Being a nanny is a busy but enjoyable and rewarding occupation if work with children is in your blood. However, to be a perfect Canadian nanny, you also need an adequate level of education, training certificates, fluency in English and/or French, and certain skills.

The Live-In Caregiver Program
In case you live outside the country and are interested in working as a nanny, you may apply for the governmental program called “The Live-In Caregiver Program”. It offers foreigners live-in caregiver positions, i.e. to live in their employer family’s home and take care of kids, the elderly or disabled individuals. If you apply for this program and get approval, you can live and work in Canada for a period of two years. After this period, you can apply for permanent residence. Nannies from all over the world live and work in Canada as a result of the special conditions placed by the Canadian government within its immigration policy which concern domestic workers and nannies in particular. However, all applicants are carefully screened and most successful ones have a university degree in health care or education. Another requirement is to have training in geriatric or pediatric nursing, geriatric care, early childhood education, or a related field. Experience in some type of establishment is also required, including senior citizens’ home, medical facility, crèche, daycare, etc. Proof of paid, full-time employment is required as well.

Responsibilities

Among the responsibilities of caregivers/nannies are changing bed linen, making beds, and doing the laundry. The list also includes grocery shopping, housekeeping, and cooking. Nannies help with grooming, dressing, and bathing.

Via Reputable Agency

Besides “The Live-In Caregiver Program”, you can use the services of a reliable agency as a large number of Canadian families prefer to hire nannies working with reputable agencies.

Step 1 – Find Agency
Find a trustworthy, legally operating agency known for taking care of both, the family’s needs and nanny’s needs. Thus, you will be sure that the agency would direct you to a good and suitable family. Remember: never pay the agency any money, they get their commission from the employer. There are also websites that publish teaching, child educator, and babysitting jobs offered in Canada (including live-out and part-time nanny jobs).

Step 2 – Prepare Documents
As all agencies do the entire paperwork and the applicants’ screening, you need to prepare all necessary papers, such as:

* Valid identifications;
* Education and training certificates; fluency in English and/or French is mandatory and you need to provide a certificate;
* Resume;
* Letters of recommendation or references from your former employer or employers; preferably showing your ability to work with children;
* Driver’s licence;
* Immigration papers if you are a non-Canadian citizen;
* Telephone and email address you are available at are also a must;

There are other documents to present, including birth certificate, college or high school diploma, police clearance, and letter to a Canadian family. Those who have a caregiver certificate should present it as well. A NSO certificate and marriage certificate are other documents to present (if married).

If you are a non-resident, there are additional requirements to meet. You should submit proof that you have 72 college units. Another requirement is to have experience working as a nanny or caregiver, i.e. babysitter or disabled or elder caregiver.

Step 3 – Get Required Skills
Prepare to meet the minimum employment term which is one year of full-time work. You have to be proficient in First Aid or Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). So, take lessons to get these skills if you have not done it before.

Step 4 – Get Your Mind into the Job
Stay flexible, as you might do household work like dishwashing, light cleaning and laundry.

Skills That Help Nannies

There are certain skills that employers want to see in a nanny. The ability to multitask, reliability, people skills, and patience are important skills for nannies. Coming up with new ideas, games, stories, and plots is also important so that kids do not get bored easily. Having imagination and a good sense of humour helps with this. Young children play role games that help develop their imagination and explain how they feel. This is the stage in which asking “what happened” and “what would happen if” helps children to develop healthy emotional responses. Trust and the ability to communicate effectively are very important, especially when it comes to young children. The same goes for staying consistent on discipline. This way, children feel that their environment is safe. Of course, it is also important to ask parents about their views on discipline, requirements, bedtime, and others.

The Hottest Spots for Canadian Nannies
While looking for nanny positions in Canada, keep in mind the hottest spots for nannies are in the country The capital city of Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver – the British Columbia’s largest city, Calgary and Edmonton – the major cities in Alberta, Winnipeg – the capital city of Manitoba, Montreal in Quebec are the best places to show your nanny’s talents and skills.



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