Job search free essay sample

Prior to a Job search, to ensure uccess, nannies should know what type of position they want to secure and for what type of family they wish to work. Things youll need to take into consideration during your Job search include: Whether you want a full-time or part-time position Whether youd like to be a live-in or a live-out nanny Geographical locations where youd like to work The number and ages of children that you are comfortable working with Which, if any, household chores you are willing to do in addition to the ones directly related to the children Personal preferences you have that may affect whether you accept a particular position. These personal preferences may include: Allergies to pets Personal, political or religious convictions Lifestyle preferences Parenting philosophies. Nannies are also encouraged to carefully consider which nanny care model suits them best when searching for a nanny position. We will write a custom essay sample on Job search or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page There are three main models of nanny care. These include custodial care, coordinated care and surrogate care. In the custodial care model, the nannys role is limited to meeting the childrens physical and emotional needs during their parents absence. In this model, the parents manage the childrens day by providing the nanny with specific guidance. A nanny who provides custodial care will not have input into the childs scheduling or activi ties and does not have a voice regarding childrearing practices or parenting philosophies. In the coordinated model of nanny care the nannys role is to be a team player in raising the children. Nannies who engage in the coordinated model of care are viewed as true parenting partners. Nannies in this model have a voice when it comes to childrearing practices and parenting philosophies. Their input is not only sought, but highly valued by the parents. These nannies tend to be full charge nannies who re given the freedom to make the day to day decisions regarding the childrens activities and outings. In the surrogate model of nanny care, the nannys role is to be the primary care giver for the children. In this model of nanny care, the nanny may have limited interaction with her employers and may be left to make almost all decisions for the children in her care. Nannies who engage in the surrogate model of care may work tor parents who travel extensively, or work in highly demanding Jobs and need a guardian type of caregiver to tend to the children while they are away. RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR NANNIES Professionalism Participate in personal and professional growth activities. INA recommends that nannies become involved in social, cultural and educational activities not only to maintain and improve their child care skills, but also to enhance their own personal growth and development. Sug gested activities include attending child development courses, seminars and training programs on the care of children, participation in nanny related organizations and involvement in community affairs and child advocacy groups. Nannies are encouraged to take the INA Nanny Basic Skills Exam and/or the INA Nanny Credential Exam. Both the INA Nanny Basic Skills Exam and the INA Nanny Credential Exam assess an individuals knowledge of child care and his or her understanding of the emotional, social, intellectual and physical developmental needs of children. Act as an advocate for young children. INA recommends that nannies be familiar with the signs of child abuse and neglect, and that they be knowledgeable in the procedures for reporting these signs. Nannies are court mandated reporters and have a professional and ethical obligation to report suspected abuse of any child to the proper authorities. Nannies should ctively promote the optimal development of a child in their care. Relationships With Children Respect each child as a unique individual. INA recommends that nannies recognize that each child in their care is a unique individual. Nannies are encouraged to create an environment that fosters each childs self esteem and independence. By providing structure and developmentally appropriate behavior management techniques, nannies build trusting relationships with the children in their care. Provide developmentally appropriate play and learning experiences. INA recommends that nannies provide for the physical, motional, intellectual and social needs of the children in their care by using developmentally appropriate play/learning activities, materials and equipment. Nannies can promote socialization in young children by providing opportunities for children to interact with their peers through play groups, outings and age appropriate group activities. Create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. INA recommends that nannies promote the physical and emotional wellbeing of children. Nannies are encour aged to partner with parents to create a safe environment for children to learn, play and explore. Nannies should be knowledgeable about childproofing techniques and should have a solid under standing of how to successfully meet a childs physical and emotional needs. Communicate effectively at the childs level of understanding. INA recommends that nannies model appropriate language for children, that they recognize the stages of language development in children and that they en gage the children who are in their care in activities that encourage and promote language development. Respect the contributions of individuals and organizations involved in professional in-home child care. Maintain high standards ot protessional conduct. support families in their task of nurturing children. motional, intellectual and social development of + Respect + Promote the physical, children. + Support the lifelong process of personal growth and professional development. Relationships with Parents/Employers Request a personal interview with prospective employers. INA recommends that nannies interview prospective employers in person, preferably in the familys home. Nan nies should be cautious when responding to Internet based employment advertisements and should thor oughly pre-screen a family before eeting with them in person. Respect the familys right to privacy. INA recommends that nannies show good Judgment in maintaining confidentiality about the private lives of the families for whom they work. Request a descriptive, written work agreement detailing conditions of employment. INA recommends that nannies begin each nanny position with a detailed, written work agreement. Support the childrearing philosophy of the employer. INA recommends that nannies recognize the ultimate authority of parents in making decisions about the welfare and care of their child/children by respecting the parent/ mployers philosophy of childrearing. Develop positive relationships with the family. INA recommends that nannies work cooperatively with the family, perform duties as agreed, communicate openly and effectively, show sensitivity to family situations, seek constructive solutions to problems and maintain a con sistent, positive attitude. Relationships with Agencies Be clear about placement agency services and required fees prior to using agency services. INA recommends that nannies obtain a full and complete explanation of agency services, expectations, require ments and fees (if applicable) before registering with an agency. Accurately and truthfully represent personal Job qualifications and experience. INA recommends that nannies provide complete, accurate and truthful information about their background, edu cation, special skills, abilities and prior work experience. Request descriptive information about prospective employers. INA recommends that in addition to the basic details about a particular nanny position, nannies should ask about the employing familys specific needs and child care preferences. Nannies are also encouraged to ask for refer ences that they can contact regarding the family with whom they are contemplating mployment. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY/NANNY WORK AGREEMENT A work agreement assures that both the parents and nanny have a clear understanding of each others ex pectations. A work agreement helps parents outline the Job description, role and responsibilities of the nanny position in their home and enables good communication between the parties. A work agreement should include: Information about the employee and employer The time frame of the agreement How amendments can be made to the agreement How the agreement can be terminated Nannys duties Nannys responsibilities Nannys schedule Job duties Driving rules and responsibilities, if any. The agreement should outline whether the nanny has use of the employers car during working hours or if the nanny will receive mileage reimbursement for work related driving should she use her own car Employers legally required tax obligations Probationary period Frequency of work agreement review Terms of notice, termination and grounds for dismissal The compensation package, including: Salary Health benefits When and how payment will be made Compensation for overtime worked as paid holidays, vacation time, bonuses and sick leave. Fringe benefits such Some agreements will also include disclaimers or statements about the use of nanny cameras, family reloca tion, use of vehicles, house rules and confidentiality agreements. Most nannies commit to at least one year of employment with a family and sign a work agreement stating such.