What is the difference between a nanny and a mother's helper?

A nanny will have sole-charge responsibility for the children in her care with the parents absent from the home. A mother's helper will work under the close supervision of a stay-at-home parent, typically the mother. Detailed definitions follow.

What is a Nanny?

Primary Functions: The International Nanny Association defines a nanny as one "employed by the family on either a live-in or live-out basis to undertake all tasks related to the care of children. Duties are generally restricted to childcare and the domestic tasks related to childcare. May or may not have had any formal training, though often has a good deal of actual experience. Nanny's work week ranges from 40 to 60 hours per week. Usually works unsupervised."

4nannies.com notes that a nanny is more than a baby-sitter. The nanny job is the best paying childcare career - and for good reason! Nannies are expected to participate in the social, emotional, and intellectual development of their charges, and will work with the child(ren) on such areas a language development, potty training, social manners, homework, and more. Most families request that a nanny make a minimum commitment of one year to the job. This is to make sure that the children have continuity in their childcare. Candidates who do not feel that they can commit to a year might consider other types of childcare work until they are comfortable with the commitment.

Before applying for a nanny position, the candidate should ask herself the following questions to judge her suitability for the work:

• Are you patient? Can you handle 8-10 hours on a stretch with a small child, perhaps with no other adult companionship? Are you reliable and trustworthy?
• Are you flexible enough to perform your childcare responsibilities according to the family's rules?
• Are you a self-starter with initiative who can organize his/her day to accomplish all required tasks, while not neglecting your charge(s)?
• With children, things do not always go according to plan. Are you adaptable and flexible enough to change your routine to accommodate the sick child, for example, or the lost sneakers when you are on a deadline, without becoming upset?

A nanny may work eight to ten hours per day, generally five days per week. A nanny will generally expect two consecutive days off weekly. A nanny may live in or live out. The nanny should have some previous verifiable child care experience or equivalent training/education. The nanny works under the minimal supervision of the family (adult members) and must be a self-starter, show sound judgment, be committed to the well-being of children, and be able to take initiative.

Many candidates for nanny positions have held previous employment as CDAs (Child Development Associate) or CNAa (Certified Nurse Assistants). The CDA is a credential. It usually involves one year of preparation and assessment. Although the CDA is not a college degree, college courses often assist the applicant preparing for a CDA. The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition awards the CDA credential. A CNA, Certified Nurse Assistant, provides direct personal care for aged and impaired individuals who require assistance with the activities of daily living under the supervision of a nurse. Credentialing of the CNA varies from state to state and may or may not be regulated.

What is a Mother's Helper?

Primary Functions: Assists the stay at home parent with all aspects of childcare and light house work. A Mother's Helper is a fabulous position for the younger candidate not ready, either educationally, experientially or maturity, for sole-charge child care for long periods of time. A mother's helper provides an extra set of hands, helping the stay at home mom or dad meet their children's demands. Often works with families with multiples, and families who home school. This individual may live in or live out. May be left in sole charge for short periods of time.

Secondary Functions: May assist with light housekeeping, run errands, light meal preparation, and any domestic chore that assists the parent.

In the US market, the role of Mother's Helper is generally held by young women, aged 18 - 20, who plan to move into other childcare positions in the future. No special educational background, and often has babysitting experience.