Archive for September 2012

A great tip from a professional nanny!

By TLC Nannies & Sitters | September 27, 2012

In honor of Nanny Appreciation Week I wanted to tell you about one professional nanny’s great idea.

I came across Nanny Brandi’s “Nanny Binder” on the Regarding Nannies website and I wanted to share it with you.

Here is part of her question and answer:

What is a Nanny Binder?

It is a collection of my favorite articles and information from various resources that help me in my development as a professional nanny.

Why did I make one?

Because I kept accumulating all of this information and when I wanted to reference it I didn’t always have a computer handy. I am not a “techie” in the truest sense. Printing the information out and having the information readily available in a binder is what works for me. I carry it with me to work every day because I never know when I might need it.

What do I keep in it?

Anything that is relevant to my job as a nanny. I put information I have gathered from websites and conferences. Specifically I have it organized into sections:

Child Development Tips, Webinars, Personal Improvement, Craft Ideas, Recipes and Forms. For example, in the Personal Improvement section I keep information about improving my resume and portfolio. This is something that is always a work in progress and should be updated regularly. In the Forms section I have an emergency information sheet, household information, medical authorization forms etc. I also keep a copy of my updated work agreement just in case I might want to reference it.

How often do I really use it?

Literally, every day. Whether it is craft ideas for the kids, a recipe, or a few minutes at nap time, I can pull it out and read something that helps keep my focus on being a better nanny. I am constantly printing out and adding more to it so there is always current information for me to read.

How to make one?

It’s very simple and you don’t need to spend a lot of money. To get started I went to an office supply store and found a good sized binder, section dividers and a good three hole punch tool. An extra printer cartridge is also a good idea. You can personalize it anyway you want.

What do you think of Brandi’s idea? Do you have something similar that you bring along to work?

Posted in Featured Nannies and tagged nanny binder, professional nanny, staying organized as a nanny, TLC for Kids

Caring for Special Needs Kids

By TLC Nannies & Sitters | September 19, 2012 |

Raising a child on the autism spectrum brings with it a unique set of challenges… Not just for the child, but for the parents, siblings, grandparents and friends.

TLC for Kids is proud to be associated with LoveU2Pieces. LoveU2Pieces is committed to giving families the time and support they need to raise healthy, successful children in a strong, supportive environment.

Here is an excerpt from one of their blogs that I wanted to share.

“Caring for a child on the autism spectrum is challenging for even the most loving and committed couples. The constant stress, lack of downtime and exhaustion can test relationships on all levels. Finding time to be a couple, versus parents of a child with ASD, can be almost impossible. Yet the shared responsibility of caring for a child (or children) on the spectrum can actually strengthen a relationship, if the couple makes their bond as important as the care they provide their child.

Take time for yourselves whenever you can. If that means only 15 minutes alone together, take it! There’s no perfect moment, so take advantage of the snippets of time as they present themselves. When you are able to plan a more elaborate date or weekend away, do it. “

TLC for Kids has a special needs staff. The TLC staff includes professionals and paraprofessionals in the education and special education fields, as well as nurses, nursing students, occupational and physical therapy students and social work students who have experience working with children with a broad range of special needs including; autism, hearing loss, sensory disorders, ADD, ADHD, cerebral palsy, seizures and others.

Please contact us if you have any questions about our special needs staff or if you would like to request one of our experienced sitters.

To learn more about LoveU2Pieces.org and all they do to support families who have autistic kids visit their website.

TLC For Kids, Inc has been St. Louis’ premiere nanny and babysitting agency for over 25 years. TLC For Kids’ dedicated staff is ready to assist you in finding nannies, tutors, newborn care specialists, sitters and more. Reach us at info@tlcforkids.com or 314-725-5660.

Posted in Special Needs, Temp Service and tagged caring for special needs kids, LoveU2Pieces.org, respite care, St. Louis autistic kids, TLC for Kids

Nanny Recognition Week

By TLC Nannies & Sitters | September 13, 2012 |

Nanny Recognition Week is September 23rd to the 29th.

TLC For Kids is very proud of all our of great nannies! This week is a great time to let your nanny know how much she is appreciated.

Here are a few gift ideas for your nanny:

You can give your nanny a membership to the INA or a conference registration to a nanny conference like INA or Nannypalooza.
Visit the Nanny Gift Shop for t-shirts and other fun “nanny” gifts.
Have your child draw a picture of something that they do together.
Look at this adorable nanny glass pendant made by a nanny.

For more great ideas take a look at this blog post from Regarding Nannies.

Thank you nannies for all the hard work you do! 🙂

TLC For Kids, Inc has been St. Louis’ premiere nanny and babysitting agency for over 25 years. TLC For Kids dedicated staff is ready to assist you in finding nannies, tutor’s, newborn care specialists, sitters and more. Reach us at info@tlcforkids.com or 314-725-5660.

Posted in News For Nannies and tagged gifts for your nanny, nanny gifts, Nanny Recognition week, TLC for Kids

Determining your Nanny's Salary

By TLC Nannies & Sitters | September 4, 2012 |

Often times we are asked, “How much should I pay my nanny?” This is a very important question because you don’t want to underpay the person taking care of your kids! The average salary for a nanny depends on a few things.

To set a nanny salary you should determine your average range for your area. Families in major coastal cities pay more than families in smaller central cities. To find your average salary you can click on the annual salary survey link on the International Nanny Association’s (INA) website. They have salaries listed by location. This will give you a good base salary range. To see where you fall in this salary range you can look at a few things.

First, a nanny’s salary can depend on her education or experience. Nannies with previous experience working for families are highly coveted and will be at the top of a salary range. Also, nannies with a background in education or child development will be at the top of a pay scale.

Nannies starting their career with a family will have previous childcare references and earn closer to the average range.

Second, job responsibilities also play a big factor in the salary of a nanny. When determining a nanny salary a family should also look at the number of children, the hours and the household needs. Asking a nanny to do more housework will also require a higher salary.

Once a salary has been set it should be agreed upon by both parties and reviewed annually if not more based upon changes throughout the year.

If you have any questions on nanny salaries please let us know.

Posted in Hiring A Nanny and tagged average nanny salary, how much should I pay my nanny, Nanny salary, setting a nanny salary, TLC for Kids

Meet some of our Newborn Care Specialists

St. Louis Newborn Overnights

Sherri S: Sherri has been a newborn care provider with TLC for Kids since 2013 and quickly became one of our most requested newborn care specialist in the St. Louis area. Sherri has completed the Certified Newborn Care Specialist course and is Certified in CPR and First Aid. Sherri is also trained and has experience working with multiples. One of Sherri’s references said this about her “Sherri has the perfect personality to work as a newborn nanny, she is courteous, cheerful, and compassionate. Sherri was very friendly, easy to talk to and was a blessing to our family”.

Kim D: Kim has been providing families Newborn Care with TLC since 2009. Her vast experience and calm soothing personality give families support, knowledge and rest. She is also Certified in CPR and First Aid and has experience working with multiples. Kim has worked with several families in the St. Louis area providing newborn care. One of Kim’s references said this about her: “Kim interacts wonderful with the girls and has a talent working with babies, especially twins. Kim has been a huge help for my family. She is great and anticipating needs and works very hard”

Michelle D: Michelle has been with TLC for Kids since 2013 and has become a coveted newborn care provider for our TLC families looking for overnight. Michelle 16 years of experience in nurturing children. She has formerly owned and operated a daycare center in for children ages 2-5. Michelle has already worked and made a huge impact on several families in St. Louis providing newborn care. One of Michelle’s references said this about her: “Michelle's interaction with my baby was excellent. She was kind, warm. and jovial. I would absolutely recommend Michelle as a newborn nanny.

Karen L: Karen brings warmth, knowledge and experience to new parents. Her experience with newborn multiples has brought much relief and order to ST. Louis families bringing home twins. In addition, Karen has participated in dozens of various trainings pertaining to child development and special needs children. One of Karen’s references said this about her: “She is very attentive and enthusiastic. We have a very structured home and have high expectations for our nannies. Karen goes above and beyond each and every night that she is here with my twins”.

Miami-Dade Newborn Overnights

Mary-Ann: Mary-Ann has been a newborn care specialist in Miami for the past 7 years. She educates new parents on all aspects of newborn care, from breastfeeding to swaddling. Mary-Ann knows how overwhelming it can feel to have a new baby in the home. She is soothing and she’s always looking for ways to support postpartum mothers both emotionally and physically. Our agency loves her, and our clients love her! She is calm and amazingly adaptable to all situations. Mary-Ann has also been a nanny and adult companion for many families. One of her references even refers to her as an Angel!”

Rosy: Rosy is offering over 20 years of childcare experience and proficiency in assimilating into a new family culture. She has worked as a nanny and overnight newborn caregiver. Rosy began working with children when she was in school and began to pursue a degree in Child Psychology. She then decided that she wanted to dedicate herself full-time to providing private child care and newborn care, which she has been doing ever since. She has extensive experience providing care for babies as young as 1 week old as well as providing support

Midtown, Brickell, Miami Beach Newborn Overnights

Patricia D: Better known at TLC as the Bahamian Baby whisperer has a special magic with infants. Her calm and soothing nature plus her 10 years experience helps new parents gain confidence and much needed rest and serenity during the early days and weeks home with a new baby. Patricia is CPR certified.

Amber C: Amber is a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula as well as a mother of 2. She is committed to educating parents and helping them with the transition into parenthood. She is a strong advocate of parent-infant bonding and will support mothers in breastfeeding.

Gloria B: Gloria’s calling is working with babies and their parents. Gloria has over 15 years of expertise as an Infant Care Specialist. She has extensive experience caring for infants and toddlers, including multiples and preemies. She also has experience in sleep coaching, lactation education, and is fluent in English, Spanish, and American sign Language. Maria: Maria is one of our most requested night nannies on Miami Beach. While she loves working with children of all ages, she has a special place in her heart for assisting families with their new babies. It is her goal to give parents the help they need so that they can rest and recover. She is bilingual speaking both English and Spanish. She also has experience working with multiples.

Archive for September 2012

A great tip from a professional nanny!

Caring for Special Needs Kids

Nanny Recognition Week

Determining your Nanny's Salary

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