Nanny

Nannies' duties vary depending on the household and the number and age of children but, in general, they:

• supervise and guide children
• bath and dress infants and help children dress and wash
• sterilize bottles, prepare formulas and change diapers for infants
• plan and prepare nutritious meals for the children or others in the immediate family
• keep children's rooms and the household clean and tidy
• do the children's laundry and ironing
• organize age appropriate play activities 
• take children to school and appointments
• supervise study periods and assist with homework
• support the emotional development and well being of the children in their care
• discipline children according to the methods requested by the parents
• perform light housekeeping duties as time allows.

Nannies also may keep records that include daily observations about each child and information about activities, meals served and medications administered. Nannies usually receive instructions from their employers but often work with little supervision.

Child care is physically demanding work, frequently requiring lifting children and equipment weighing up to 20 kilograms. Nannies are on their feet most of the time.

Hours of work may vary and may require split shifts or weekends.

The work also can be emotionally demanding. Some nannies live in the same residence with their employers; others return to their own homes evenings and weekends. Live-in nannies have their own furnished rooms or suites but may be subject to restrictions regarding telephone calls, visitors or time away from home.

Nannies sometimes travel with the employing family on vacations. In some cases, live-in nannies have their health care premiums paid, are included in the family's club memberships or are allowed personal use of a family vehicle.

Nannies need the following characteristics:

• a genuine interest in children
• physical stamina
• good judgment and the ability to work independently
• patience
• excellent interpersonal skills
• good oral and written communication skills.

They should enjoy working with children, organizing meal preparation and housekeeping duties, and overseeing children's activities.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Nannies are employed by private individuals and agencies.

Nannies may move into other personal service jobs such as home support aide or residential aide (for more information, see the Health Care Aide occupational profile). Experienced nannies who have the required business skills may become family day home operators or open their own placement agencies.

Nannies are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4411: Home child care providers. In Alberta, 97% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Other Services (PDF)
• Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 7,500 Albertans are employed in the Babysitters, nannies and parents' helpers occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.5% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 188 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As nannies form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for nannies.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

The Live-in Caregiver Program webpage: www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/caregiver/index.asp

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.