where can I find a nanny with a degree in early childhood education or development?

[Anonymous]

Have a toddler with slight developmental delay. He's getting PT/OT etc. Would like to add to that and find a nanny that has a degree, preferably a masters in early childhood development or education or even with a pediatric OT/PT background or something like this (suggestions welcomed). Where can I find such a person? Does any DCUM have experience with this? How much should I expect to pay? Feeling overwhelmed that I am not doing enough to stimulate my child.

Thanks in advance

[Anonymous]

At your closest college. Where are you located?

[Anonymous]

You didn't share many details about your son's delay, but it sounds to me like you're really over reacting. You say it's a slight delay, and that he's receiving services to help remedy it. Why is it you feel so inadequate? Chances are you are doing fine and are just getting physically and emotionally overwhelmed yourself.

In response to your question though, if you want someone with a Masters, you are going to have to pay VERY high end. Likely comparable to what they could be earning in a school/hospital setting (depending on what their degree is specifically in and background). To find someone I'd start be reaching out to your therapists and asking if they might know anyone, and then perhaps sending an email out to the education departments of local colleges.

[Anonymous]

OP here. The developmental peds says he's 5 months behind. To me he seems normal (first child) like he's always making progress and in my mind I think I have convinced myself that he's at the lower end of normal but got a reality check from the doc that he's a bit more behind than that. She also said I should do addtl EI through the district (am in DC). Its a bit overwhelming.

[Anonymous]

OP are you looking for a FT nanny or someone to come in PT to stimulate him for a few hours each day/a few days a week?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP are you looking for a FT nanny or someone to come in PT to stimulate him for a few hours each day/a few days a week?

i could do either

[Anonymous]

OP I would suggest that if he's therapy services, a nanny studying child development with a desire to enter OT would be great and you won't have to pay the arm and leg someone with a degree would charge. I did this as a college student and it was great experience and the reference letters were so much help. If you're open to part time with a flexible schedule, go the college student route and advertise at your local schools for someone pursuing those degrees. Good luck, you're doing your best OP!

[Anonymous]

OP I agree with others that you are overreacting on needing someone with a masters degree. If your child needs more simulation you should get a normal nanny and could schedule more OT sessions that she attends with your child. The exercises for OT, speech etc are not difficult. They key is consistently doing them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP are you looking for a FT nanny or someone to come in PT to stimulate him for a few hours each day/a few days a week?

i could do either

If I were you, I'd begin by calling the respective departments at the colleges and universities in my area and letting them know that you're hoping to attract one of their students for a PT position with a child who has slight delays and could they recommend the best places for you to advertise. Then I'd put up ads on sittercity, care.com, and craigslist indicating that you're looking for a student (or graduate) of an XYZ (ECE, OT, Speech Path, PT) program. Be sure to indicate that you're able to pay appropriately - if they're graduates or graduate students they will cost more than your random nanny; if they are still college students they will not - and I really think you'll be able to find someone within a few weeks.

I also don't think you are overreacting at all. The kinds of targeted games, language, and interactions those students (especially if they're good students) learn how to use with kids is not common sense for your average nanny and are extremely beneficial for children overcoming developmental delays.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to all for your input. It is helpful. Lots to think about.

[Anonymous]

OP it will not be hard to find a college educated nanny. You won't have to pay an arm and a leg either. Example would be $15/hr for a normal (non college educated) nanny and you work up from there. If the nanny is able to drive, has experience and references then go up to $16 or $17. If she has all of that plus completed CPR and First Aid classes, is college educated in ECE, then she would be worth more. Maybe around $20 or so.

[Anonymous]

I would think higher than $20.

[Anonymous]

I have a master's degree in early childhood special education. I would love to find a live-in position in DC similar to this posting. What would be the best way to find a position in DC if I live in another area? I have always loved DC and would love the chance to live in the district. Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

You should be able to find a nanny with a bachelor's in child development or ECE for $15 per hour with basic holiday and vacation pay. A lot of college grads work as nannies for a year or two while they map out future plans (grad school, etc). To get a long term commitment (more than a year or two) you'll probably need to pay a little more, especially if you don't need more than 45 hours a week.

Are you a SAHM? If so, you may want to characterize the job as a tutoring position rather than a childcare position. You want someone who will come in with lesson plans based on developmental targets, not just someone to administer meals and naps. A master's degree student in a child-related field might be ideal, because she won't necessarily need full time hours and will probably cost less than a person with the master's degree in hand. However, she'll presumably be fully engaged in child development theory, and may welcome the opportunity to develop her practical skills through work with your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should be able to find a nanny with a bachelor's in child development or ECE for $15 per hour with basic holiday and vacation pay. A lot of college grads work as nannies for a year or two while they map out future plans (grad school, etc). To get a long term commitment (more than a year or two) you'll probably need to pay a little more, especially if you don't need more than 45 hours a week.

Are you a SAHM? If so, you may want to characterize the job as a tutoring position rather than a childcare position. You want someone who will come in with lesson plans based on developmental targets, not just someone to administer meals and naps. A master's degree student in a child-related field might be ideal, because she won't necessarily need full time hours and will probably cost less than a person with the master's degree in hand. However, she'll presumably be fully engaged in child development theory, and may welcome the opportunity to develop her practical skills through work with your child.

Why do you post on every thread, no matter the details of the job that OP can find someone for $15/hour? That is an average rate for an average job for an average nanny. OP does not have an average job and she is not looking for an average nanny, therefore it is in bad taste to advise her to pay $15/hour. An experienced nanny with a degree, especially if OP wants one with a masters, will cost you more than $15/hour. You're living in as much of a fantasy world as the nutso nannies claiming a job requires $30/hour.