Are you interested in finding out how to become a nanny in Oregon? This article will provide you with the necessary information to begin the process of landing your first job in the state. With an excellent starting salary, being an Oregon nanny is a gratifying and fulfilling career. Getting started can often feel very intimidating and, at times, perceived as more complicated than it is. This article will guide you through all the steps to getting hired while providing helpful information regarding your duties and the skills necessary for this career path.
Table of Contents
What Is a Professional Nanny in Oregon and Difference Between a Babysitter?
First and foremost, let’s dig into what it means to be a professional nanny in Oregon and how it differs from babysitting. Even though these two positions might seem like they are similar, there are a few key differences.
TIME/SCHEDULE
Babysitters are usually hired on an as-needed basis while parents are at work or out for activities such as a date night. On the other hand, nannies are employed on a regular part-time or full-time basis and might, sometimes, live with the family (live-in nanny).
DUTIES
The most significant differences come down to the job duties. While babysitters are solely responsible for the safety and well-being of the children, nannies are considered experienced childcare professionals who also take care of their development.
Babysitters are generally responsible for entertaining the children, feeding them, changing them, putting them to bed, and supervising them while the parents are away. Depending on the arrangements with the family, some might also be in charge of extra tasks that are always exclusively related to the children and not required on a regular basis.
The role of a nanny is more hands-on and involves additional duties and responsibilities. It is an ongoing support to the entire family. A nanny can be required to drive the children to activities and outings or take care of cleaning-related tasks such as washing dishes, laundry, tidying up the children’s room, etc. Some nannies also help with homework and work closely with the parents to develop a family’s schedule. They are involved in the children’s mental, physical, and emotional growth, and it is safe to say they often assume a co-parenting role.
QUALIFICATIONS
In most (or ideal) cases, babysitters have a basic understanding of childcare, CPR, and first aid. They are not required to have a college degree or some form of higher education. Nannies, on the other hand, have a more advanced educational background. It is common for nannies to have a degree or educational background in early childhood education and/or similar fields, additional certifications in First Aid, CPR and Water Safety to name a few, and advanced childcare training.
TYPE OF CONTRACT
Babysitters are generally paid by the hour and are independent contractors. Conversely, nannies are usually W-2 employees, and families often offer vacation time, sick time, holiday pay, and medical insurance. Because of the additional qualifications and duties, nanny prices or pay rates are higher than babysitters across the board.
Can You Make a Living Being a Nanny in Oregon?
The short answer is yes. You can definitely make a living as a nanny in Oregon! Notably, Oregon has been ranked among the top 5 states (more precisely, no. 4) where nannies make the most money in the United States. Oregon nanny rates (2022 update) show an average annual salary of $50,131, with the highest 10 percent earning up to $64,000 per year, without including possible benefits. Salary can also vary widely based on the number of children in the family. With Oregon’s nanny prices being among the highest in the country, it is the ideal place to start your career.
How to Become a Nanny in Oregon with No Experience
Although landing the first nanny job with no experience in Oregon state is difficult, it is possible, and there are several things you can do to build your resume and experience to become hirable.
- VOLUNTEERING
If you have no experience, the best way to acquire some is by volunteering for religious or other institutions that might need someone to supervise children or offer free services to parents in need. Sports teams or schools might also need individuals to provide some extra help during events such as a chaperone for a field trip. Finally, libraries often look for volunteers for their reading programs. - BABYSITTING
Babysitting can be the first step to getting experience with children. As explained above, this role requires fewer responsibilities, and parents are generally more open to offering an opportunity to newbies, especially if they offer competitive rates. - SELL THE SKILLS YOU ALREADY HAVE
Though you may not currently have nanny experience, this doesn’t mean that you don’t already possess the skills required for this job. Learn to sell yourself and the features about yourself you already have. Are you a well organized traveler? Do you come from a big family? Do you take care of family members? This information is crucial and can be used to embellish your resume. - ACQUIRE CERTIFICATIONS AND TAKE COURSES
Making it a priority to attain certifications and take courses as these actions will allow you to stand out as well as compensate for your initial lack of experience.
Keep reading to find out about some of the most in-demand certifications and courses for the job.
What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Professional Nanny in Oregon?
No formal training is legally required to be a professional nanny in Oregon. Still, most families will only consider hiring someone with at least a CPR and First Aid certifications. Several places offer these classes, and you can research local community centers, first responder departments, or even individual instructors in your area providing the necessary training. During this course, you will learn to perform one-person CPR, CPR with rescue breaths, hands-only CPR, and how to administer a shock from an AED. For your First Aid training, you will familiarize yourself with how to control bleeding, take care of injuries and burns, assess altered mental status, what to do if someone is experiencing breathing difficulties, and so on.
Another in-demand safety qualification is the Water-Safety certification, which can be obtained at private and public pools or community centers. Families or agencies might also request more specific certifications. These could include State food handling, newborn care training, toilet training, sleep safety training, a certificate in recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect, or other child care certifications generally linked to health and safety. If needed, you can usually obtain these within the first 30 to 90 days of employment.
Are You Ready to Get Started?
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