New Nanny or Babysitting job?

New Nanny or Babysitter Job Orientation

Successful Orientation with Your New Family

You got the job!  Congratulations on your exciting new babysitting or nanny job.  

Here are a few tips on how to have a successful orientation with the child and family.

What exactly is a new nanny or babysitter job orientation?

A babysitter or nanny orientation typically involves getting to know the family, learning about the children, their routines and the household routines.  It also involves finding out about the specific expectations for the role. 

Orientation includes meeting the children, learning about their personalities, schedules, and any special needs or preferences.

The orientation also covers important safety information - such as emergency contacts, first aid procedures, allergies, and house rules.

Babysitters may be shown around the home, given instructions on using appliances (heater, air conditioner, oven, door locks) or preparing meals, and briefed on bedtime routines or screen time limits.

It’s also a chance for both the family and the carer to build trust, ask questions, and ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident before regular care begins.

Why is an orientation recommended for a nanny or babysitter?

There is a lot to learn each time you start with a family. Your new family is unique, with their own values and beliefs about raising their child.

Each child has their own personality, temperament and interests for you to learn about.

Ideally your first few days in the role should include an orientation and some 'on the job' training.  This may involve shadowing the parent, or being supervised.  After you've settled in and built rapport with the child you can confidently be in sole charge.  

Remember that children are always listening!  Young children understand far more than they can speak, so make sure you use positive language and include them respectfully in the conversation.

Children, particularly babies and toddlers use their parents as social references. This means that they will watch their parent's faces, body language and tone of voice to decide whether a new person is a safe, friendly individual.  

There are a number of other factors that will also influence the child's response to you. Each child's personality will determine how comfortable they are around new people. The social life of the family also plays a part in how children relate to new people.

What is the best structure for a job orientation? 

For a smooth transition, try to organise a few short (1-2hr) playdates with the parent and child before starting. 

This will allow you to:

Observe how the parents interact with their child. Their methods will give you lots of ideas on how best to comfort and converse with the child yourself, as they know their child's cues, likes and dislikes. Listen to the messages that they give their child so that you can be consistent with the values shown by the parents.

Play with the child and family. This builds trust with both parents and children as they learn about how you will interact and care. Have a sense of fun and playfulness. Bring along a small activity (e.g., bubbles) to help with engaging in play with the child yourself.  Give the child time and space to get to know you. 

During this time, it is also a good opportunity to talk further with the parents about the practical things you need to know. 

What questions should I ask during my babysitter job orientation? 

  • Where to find the child's belongings and other important items in the house.
  • The child's routine.
  • The child's likes and dislikes.
  • Kids games and activities that they enjoy 
  • Activities and parks in the area.
  • If the parents would like you to help with other tasks around the house.
  • How the parents would like to receive communication about the child's day.
  • How to usie the pram / car / appliances
  • Whether we should write up a babysitter or nanny employment agreement

Talk to the child about how you are looking forward to spending time together and the fun activities you look forward to doing!

Time invested in a good orientation is the basis for the start of strong relationships and the foundation for success in your work. 

We know you'll make a great nanny or babysitter and the family will value your wonderful support! 

We wish you all the best for your new role!

Join now to find babysitting or nanny jobs near you!

Did you know we have an app?
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play