Tips for Being a Good Employer

        As an employer, we always have expectations of our employees, for example: be punctual, be hard-working, and be reliable; but what about the other way around? In what ways can people be better employers? Ensuring a harmonious relationship with your caregiver does not fall solely into the caregiver’s hands. A positive employer-employee relationship involves give and take. In order to promote a mutually beneficial relationship, here are a few tips to make your employee feel valued:

1)      Offer a fair wage: For live-in caregivers, the wage has already been determined according to government standards. However, for live-out caregivers, the wage is negotiable. When offering your caregiver a wage, truly ask yourself, “What is required from this individual and what is a reasonable wage”? How many children do you have? Is there housework involved? Driving the children? Meal preparation? Your wage should fairly compensate your caregiver for the job’s requirements.

2)      Treat her like a professional: If you are confident in your caregiver’s childcare abilities, you should trust her judgement. If you have any concerns, these should be addressed in private and not in front of the children; doing so will only undermine her authority. Try to respect her childcare approach and be polite in making suggestions. We all have different ways of doing things and there may even be a cultural element to your caregiver’s approach.

3)      Respect her privacy: You should respect your caregiver’s personal space, especially a live-in caregiver. Even though they live in your home, this does not mean your caregiver is available all the time. When the work day is done, your caregiver is free to enjoy their time off; whether that is in the comfort of their private room, or out with friends, be respectful of their personal space.

4)      Establish rules and respect them: Your caregiver’s job description has been clearly detailed in the employment contract. If you require duties beyond what has been described in the contract, please consult with your caregiver first. Furthermore, if your work day finishes at 5, try and be home at that time so your caregiver’s workday may end. If it is necessary for them to work longer, be sure to compensate fairly.

5)      Show your appreciation: Positive feedback goes a long way in fostering a harmonious relationship. If you are pleased with your caregiver’s performance - let them know!

6)      Be flexible: Life doesn’t always go according to plan - maybe your nanny needs a day off and can only provide short notice. Or perhaps, you need your nanny to work on a weekend and it’s a last minute request. As much as we all like to plan ahead, sometimes you need to bend a bit.

7)      Be welcoming: While arriving in a foreign country is an exciting experience, it can also be terrifying. Take the time to show your caregiver around the house and explain how everything works. At the same time, you may also want to point out bus stops, grocery stores, banks, cell-phone stores, etc. Your caregiver will appreciate the gesture and your assistance will help build their confidence.

Being a Professional Nanny

           Being professional is always important, regardless of the kind of work. As a nanny, you have a responsibility not only to your employers, but to the children you care for as well. Taking pride in your work and acting in professional way will be beneficial to your current work relationship and to your future opportunities. Having a poor reference from a past employer will only harm your future chances of success.

            That being said, here are a few general tips to follow in order to be a more “professional” employee.

            Respect for Others

·         Be polite and have good manners.

·         Be punctual: if you start work at 7.a.m., you should be ready!

·         Keep your employer’s private affairs confidential.

·         Accept and listen to criticism - keep an open mind.

·         Apologize for errors or misunderstandings.

·         Do what is asked of you.

·         Speak clearly - you may not be understood all the time, it’s best to check!

Take Responsibility

·         Be honest!

·         Be reliable and dependable - this is your job!

·         Always give the best you can.

Of course, there are some tips which are more specific for nanny-work:

·         Nannies should be mindful of childhood development and plan age-appropriate activities.

·         Nannies should keep a journal to report any milestones in development or observations.

·         Nannies must supervise children carefully and use common sense when responding to emergency situations.

Remember, being a nanny is a professional job and therefore requires serious attention and effort! If you feel your nanny skills have been lacking, make it a New Year’s Resolution to try some of these tips to make your work relationship more harmonious!

Sample Nanny Resume

Jane Nanny

453 Beach Avenue

Childtown, BC

(986) 453-5426

janenanny@email.com

Objective: Seeking a live-in caregiver position that will allow me to work closely with children, since I love working with kids.

Qualification Highlights:

·         Over 10 years of childcare experience.

·         Early childhood education certified.

·         Excellent communication skills.

·         Fluent in English and Japanese.

·         Experience working children who have special needs.

Work Experience:

Mr. and Mrs. Need-a-Nanny

Caregiver

November 2009 - November 2011

• Responsible for the care of two children ages 3 and 5.
• Assisted children with bathing and dressing.
• Oversaw playtime and daily activities.
• Discussed and reported any concerns with the parents.

Education:

Early Childhood Education Certificate

Completed January 2000

Hobbies: painting, yoga, cooking, and volleyball.

References available upon request

Creating a Nanny Resume

           Regardless of the type of job to which you apply, your resume provides a first impression of your education, qualifications, and experiences. While a nanny resume is not so different from other career fields, it is important to follow a few rules in order to present yourself in a professional manner. Since a resume offers that first glimpse, you want to highlight your nanny experience in an organized and detailed manner.

            As like other resumes, you want to begin by placing your name and contact information at the top of the page. Your name should be in bold font, so that it is easy to read. You must remember that when an employer or agency reads a resume, they often read over it relatively quickly, looking for key points. Therefore, it is vital to always highlight the important details, such as your name, education, employment details, and skills.

            After your contact information, you have a couple of choices. Some people choose to include an “objective”, that is, the reason why you are seeking a nanny position. When stating an objective, it is important to include more than “seeking a full-time job”. That is not an objective. A true objective will identify what skills you intend to use and why you want to work for that person/company. An example of a stronger objective is, “Seeking a nanny position that will utilize my diverse set of skills and help me in gaining practical experience”.

            Once you have decided upon your objective, you may wish to include “Qualification Highlights”. This is your opportunity to identify four or five special skills that you think are important. These skills may be listed in short sentences and need not be too detailed.

            The objective and qualification highlights are merely the appetizer to your resume. What follows is the main course; your work experience and education. When listing your work experience, it is important to organize it chronologically, from most recent work, to least recent. For each job, you should list the name of the employer, as well as the dates and location of the childcare. Underneath each entry, list the general responsibilities. What ages were the children? What were your daily duties? Did you have additional tasks besides childcare? For example, housecleaning, meal preparation, or helping with homework? All of these details will help future employers assess your qualifications.

            When explaining your educational background, again it is important to include the date and location of your studies. Even if the education is not related to nanny work, it is important to share the information with future employers so they may see your versatility. Also of importance is any non-academic training, such as First AID classes.

            After the main course of your resume, comes dessert. The last information you may wish to include is details about hobbies, or any specialized skills. Last but not least, include a short sentence stating, “References available upon request”. An employer or agency will always ask for your references and you may provide them when asked.

            Remember - your resume provides an employer with a first impression of your qualifications for the job! Therefore, it is essential to make your resume as informative and organized as possible.

Canada needs more caregivers, please

From Monday's Globe and Mail

Published Sunday, Nov. 06, 2011 7:30PM EST

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney’s plan to accept 10,000 more skilled workers into Canada next year is a sound one, and so is the government’s overall target of 255,000 newcomers. Some other changes make less sense, and may be motivated by politics, more than economics.

Mr. Kenney acknowledged that the seven-year backlog to sponsor grandparents and parents has become unmanageable, and announced a two-year moratorium on applications. In the meantime, however, he will increase the quota by 10,000 over two years, to 25,000, and introduce a two-year multiple-entry visitor’s visa for these family members.

Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Why would a country with a declining fertility rate and the expected mass retirements of baby boomers want to recruit yet more older people? “The government has it backwards,” says Sergio Karas, an immigration lawyer.

While family reunification is a goal for Canada’s immigration program, family-class newcomers already make up two-thirds of all those accepted. Parents and grandparents are unlikely to create economic growth and will have more health needs.

Live-in caregivers are a category that should be expanded. They perform a key role in the labour market: caring for children in a country with no national daycare policy, and looking after the elderly. There is already a shortage of quality care for the aged, a problem that will grow in years to come with the country’s demographic shift.

Canada’s live-in caregiver program is unique in the world, and allows caregivers to apply for permanent residency after living with a family for two years, caring for either children or the aged. It has real weaknesses, such as long application-processing times, abusive employers and nannies being recruited for “fake” jobs, but the program itself remains sound.

The government would be wise to put resources into having it run more smoothly, and make sure that well-qualified caregivers are recruited to bona fide jobs and that their permanent residency applications are processed in a timely fashion. As the population ages, Canada will need more of them.

Why Choose A Foreign Live-In Nanny?

          Choosing the proper childcare for your family can be a daunting task. Nowadays, there are many choices – daycare, babysitters, and even familial care are all possible options. However, each has its own drawbacks. Daycares often have a high child to caregiver ratio, which means your child may not receive the attention they deserve. Although babysitters are usually trained in basic childcare skills, they lack experience and have limited availability. As for familial care, not all families have support nearby. With these concerns in mind, there exists another alternative; hiring a foreign live-in nanny.

            If you have never considered such an option, hiring a foreign worker may seem like a costly and time-consuming choice. However, of all your childcare options, hiring a foreign live-in nanny is actually the most affordable and with the help of an agency, a far less intimidating task. Not only is it cost-effective, but foreign nannies are looking for long-term employment which minimizes the hassle of negotiating future childcare. At the same time, most overseas applicants have at least one year of childcare experience; not to mention their qualifications and education are often superior to domestic workers. As a few examples, foreign nannies are often trained teachers, nurses, and midwives. Unlike other childcare options, hiring a live-in nanny provides additional benefits. For example, a live-in worker may also help with light housework as well as help with meals. Having daily support in the home eases stress in hectic lives, provides more quality family time, and ensures that your children are well-cared for in a safe setting.

Perhaps you are wondering how it is possible for a foreign caregiver to work in Canada? The Government of Canada provides opportunities for qualified foreign caregivers through the Live-in Caregiver Program. The program’s goal is to bring qualified workers to Canada, often due to a shortage of domestic workers. Successful applicants receive a work permit that allows them to work in Canada for up to four years. After two years of full-time employment, live-in caregivers may be eligible for permanent residence status.           

            With the help of an agency, hiring a foreign live-in caregiver can solve many of the worries with other childcare alternatives. If you are interested in exploring a new option, please explore the website, or contact our Canada-Wide Nanny Experts at: 1-800-820-8308

NEW : Free forms for families and nannies

Nanny self evaluation form :

Tips for keeping your Caregiver long term

Be welcoming:

Working in another country can be daunting as it is, working and living in your employer’s home even more so. Take the cultural barriers for what they are and provide her with as much information which will be of benefit. Things such as showing her how to work the appliances in the kitchen, giving her a tour of the area, including nearest bus stops and likewise will help her become more independent and increase her confidence.

Respect privacy:

Having a live-in nanny does not mean that she is available all hours of the day or night. Your nanny should have a room in the home which is hers alone, and both the family and the children should respect this. Appreciate that just like any other employee she is entitled to time off, even if she is in the home, and ensure that when she is not working; she is not working!

Establish boundaries:

Having a nanny become “one of the family” is great, but always be aware of the fact that you are her employer and she is an employee.  Living and working in one place can mean there is always the risk of personal issues affecting her performance in the position; professionalism should always be maintained.

Fair pay system:

Be a good employer by paying your nanny in a suitable fashion. This means an appropriate wage, with a mandatory pay stub, and on time. A pay rise after the first year is recommended.You should also think about giving her the occasional bonus for good work; it doesn’t have to be money but a gift she might enjoy.

Show support:

You should never discuss your problems or concerns with the nanny in front of the children, nor do or say anything which could undermine her authority with the children. This will only make her job more difficult. And when your nanny is doing a good job, make sure you let her know; praise goes a long way to making an employee happy.

Be flexible:

Whilst reliability is important in a nanny, allowing her time off occasionally or with only short notice if need be can be a good thing. There will be times when you’ll need to call on her to work at the last minute.

Have reasonable expectations:

Providing guidance is a good thing, and breaking down tasks and structuring the day is essential when the nanny begins the employment if she is to become well suited with your family. However be aware that being a nanny is not like other jobs, sometimes it may be impossible for her to complete a daily schedule and care for the children.

The Dos and Don'ts of a Professional Nanny

Do

- Be flexible with your employer. Being a nanny is not like working in a factory or an office, it is not always possible to start and finish   exactly on time. Be willing to give your employer a little bit of leeway and they will provide you the same courtesy. However, you should be compensated for any overtime hours worked.

- Let your agency know if you are experiencing any difficulties with your employer, this is what they are there for. Chances are they will have heard of similar stories from other nannies and can provide great insight in how you can approach and fix the problem. A good agency will provide follow up and want to know how you are doing in your job.

- Be pro-active. It is your responsibility to ensure your work visa is renewed on time, that your employer provides you with a payslip every time you are paid etc.

- Seek sensible advice from reliable sources. Canada Immigration, HRSDC, and all information regarding being a foreign worker in Canada can be found online. There are also many telephone lines dedicated to different departments who will be able to answer all questions and queries you may have.

- Get into the habit of writing things down, especially when beginning a new job. It is always better to have instructions written down to refer back to at a later time.

- Improve your skill set. Take the opportunity to learn new skills or strengthen and improve on the ones you already have. Canada has some great colleges and institutions where you can take courses and classes.

Don’t

- Take job advice from your friends. Being a good friend does not mean they will necessarily give good advice. If you are unsure about anything check with your agency who have experience in the matter.

- Lie to your employer. If you make a mistake, admit to it and apologise.

- Use your cell phone during working hours.  You would not do this in another work setting such as an office so being a nanny should be no different. The same rule applies to watching TV or spending time on the computer; do it when you are not working.

- Be shy about asking questions. It is much better to ask than to keep quiet and make repeated mistakes. Canadian employers will see this as a good sign of your wanting to perform your job correctly.

Realistic Expectations when hiring an overseas Live-in Caregiver

- Acknowledge that your nanny has arrived in Canada for the first time. You will need to teach her everything she is required to do, from how to use the washing machine to what to feed the children.

- Do not assume she will know what needs to be done. Just like in any other job where you are the supervisor you will need to delegate tasks.

- Understand that the culture shock may be overwhelming; the weather, the food, the size of the home, the appliances, the cleaning products, the language, the relationship Canadian employers have with their nannies and the way they raise their children will all be different. This may leave her completely at odds when trying to deal with a Canadian family.

- Be patient. It may take several months for the nanny to settle into her job and into your home.

- Be reasonable. Do not expect your nanny to be able to do more than you could.

- Create fair working conditions. This will help your nanny feel settled and secure in the knowledge that she is with a "good employer".

- You nanny may also have unrealistic expectations of the position. Canada is sometimes seen as an attractive place to work because it is "easier" than other places. It is your responsibility to set the ground rules for the position and ensure your nanny knows what is expected of her.