Time for Reflection
This year we really want to bring YOU into who WE are as an agency and give you a clear vision of why we exist, what we stand for, who we are made up of and where we see ourselves going. As we have grown in the last year, we have realized that it is more important than ever to communicate our expectations clearly with our nannies.
Our industry has faced many hurdles due to the increasing demand for in-home childcare and the unsatisfactory quality of nannies nationwide. This is why we have such an extensive and thorough screening process and why we strive to seek out the highest caliber staff. It is extremely important to us to only onboard people we would truly feel comfortable having watch our own children. That is why we came to be in the first place.
We are learning to do better at stating our expectations out-right. We want to have open communication with our nannies and families in order for us to become the best possible agency that we can be. We want to be ahead of any conflict or dissatisfaction by having clear expectations for our nannies and families. We have learned a lot in the last 12 years, but we still have A LOT to learn. Below, you will see 15 points that will be included in the handbook.
15 Outstanding Ways to Represent Patty Cake Nannies
1. MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION.
This begins during your first phone call with the family. “Hi my name is ______ and I am a Nanny with Patty Cake Nannies calling to introduce myself. How are you today?” is a good start. It is difficult for parents to leave their children in the care of someone they just met. For some, it is the first time. Bring activities or books to immediately engage the children, without being overbearing. Some children may want to watch you for a while before they warm up.
2. ALWAYS BE ON TIME.
Plan to be 5-10 minutes early. If you are going to be more than 5 min late, call the parents and give them your ETA.
3. LIMIT TV AND TECHNOLOGY.
Unless specified otherwise by the parents, do not use the TV, TABLETS, PHONES etc. You are being paid above average to provide outstanding care. Get creative and have fun. We do not want to be known as the TV Nannies.
4. PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN.
Personal phone calls/ text messaging/emails are not permitted while you are working, unless you need to call the parents, the agency, or emergency services. Children should have 100% of your attention. Phones can be checked during nap times if the house has been tidied up and all prep for post-nap time is completed.
5. PAY ATTENTION.
Keep children within EYESIGHT and/or HEARING DISTANCE. Be active and engaged with them at all times. Check children during nap time.
6. BE GENTLE, PATIENT AND CARING.
Do not use any disciplinary action not approved and discussed prior by the family.
7. RESPECT THE FAMILY’S PRIVACY.
Do not go into the master bedroom, spare bedrooms, go through medicine cabinets, drawers or use the family’s computer.
8. NEVER LET ANYONE IN the door unless you were told to expect that person and even then, request identification.
9. Do not do PERSONAL ERRANDS while on the job.
10. NO SMOKING, VAPING, ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION OR RECREATIONAL DRUGS OF ANY KIND DURING YOUR SHIFT.
11. DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Also, limit make up, perfume, heavy detergents – it can be an allergy issue.
12. NO NAPPING – even if the children are sleeping, you are the watchdog.
13. PHOTOS/SOCIAL MEDIA.
Photos should only be taken if parents give explicit permission or ask for photo updates. Do not communicate with families through social media or post pictures of their kids on the web.
14. CAREGIVER BOUNDARIES.
It is not uncommon for families to ask you to come back another day. If requested, let the family know that in they must book you through the agency. If it is found out that you have worked extra shifts other than agreed upon, you could be liable to pay the agency the placement fee as this is how we maintain our livelihood.
15. NANNY CAMS ARE LEGAL.
Work each shift with integrity. Do the right thing even if no one is watching, but pretend they are, because they could be.
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