How to Support Your Nanny’s Professional Development

— And Why It Matters More Than You Think

Hiring a nanny is one of the most personal, high-stakes decisions a family can make. You’re not just bringing someone into your home—you’re entrusting them with your child’s emotional, physical, and developmental wellbeing. And while you may offer a competitive salary, guaranteed hours, and a stocked snack drawer, one of the most overlooked ways to retain a truly exceptional nanny is by investing in their professional development.

Just like you want to grow in your own career, your nanny likely has goals, interests, and areas where they’d like to improve. Supporting that growth not only benefits your nanny—it enhances the care your child receives and contributes to a stronger, more respectful employer-employee relationship.

1. Understand What Professional Development Looks Like for Nannies

Professional development doesn’t always mean a college degree or formal certification—though those certainly count. In the nanny world, professional development can include:

• CPR/First Aid recertification

• Courses in early childhood education or development

• Webinars or conferences on child behavior, sleep, nutrition, or safety

• Training in positive discipline or Montessori approaches

• Attending a nanny-specific conference or local meetup

• Learning how to track developmental milestones or use daily care logs

• Gaining tech skills to better communicate with the family

Start by asking your nanny: If there was one area you’d love to grow in this year, what would it be?

2. Make Space for Growth—Literally and Figuratively

If you want to support your nanny’s growth, you’ll need to give them the time and trust to do it. That might look like:

• Letting them off a bit early to attend a course or webinar

• Encouraging them to join a local nanny network or playgroup

• Reimbursing expenses for CPR recertification or a relevant course

• Including paid professional development days in their contract (yes, this is becoming more common!)

By doing this, you’re sending the message: Your growth matters to our family. And that makes a huge difference in long-term retention.

3. Offer Financial Support—Even a Little Goes a Long Way

Many nannies pay out of pocket to stay up-to-date on best practices. If you have the means, offering even a small stipend can go a long way. Consider:

• An annual professional development fund ($100–$300 is typical)

• Reimbursing for certification renewals (CPR, First Aid, etc.)

• Paying for a subscription to a platform like Nanny Care Hub, Nanny Training.com, or other trusted sources

If you’re not sure where to start, just ask: “Would you be interested in taking a class or training this year? If so, we’d love to help cover the cost.”

4. Encourage Play-Based Learning and On-the-Job Growth

Not all development has to happen in a classroom. Support the learning that happens in real time by:

• Asking about their favorite ways to engage your child developmentally

• Providing a budget for toys, sensory bins, books, and educational materials

• Encouraging them to try new play-based activities, field trips, or sensory experiences

• Setting aside time during your weekly check-ins to ask what they’ve noticed about your child’s growth

You might be surprised how many nannies already track milestones, introduce themes (like colors or seasons), and plan age-appropriate activities—if you open the door for that dialogue.

5. Build a Culture of Mutual Feedback

Professional development isn’t just about courses. It’s also about feeling seen, supported, and empowered. That starts with how you communicate.

Try incorporating:

• Monthly check-ins focused on growth, not just logistics

• Asking your nanny what’s going well—and what could go better

• Offering constructive feedback that’s kind and clear (“We noticed our toddler is really responding well when you narrate the day. We’d love for you to keep doing more of that!”)

• Encouraging your nanny to share their own ideas for improvement or innovation

When feedback is a two-way street, everyone grows.

6. Recognize Their Career, Not Just Their Job

It’s easy to forget that many nannies view this work as a long-term profession—not a stopgap. One of the kindest things you can do is treat it like one.

That might mean:

• Writing a glowing letter of recommendation they can use in the future

• Helping them build a portfolio (photos of crafts or activities they’ve done—never of your children without consent!)

• Talking to your kids about how “Miss Emily is always learning new ways to help you grow—just like a teacher!”

• Celebrating milestones like a 5-year work anniversary or a course completion with a small token or handwritten note

That kind of recognition builds loyalty and pride—and turns an employee into a true member of your family.

7. Encourage Connection With Other Professionals

Being a nanny can be isolating. They’re often with young children all day, away from adult conversation, support, and peer collaboration. Encouraging your nanny to connect with others is a form of professional growth.

You can:

• Encourage participation in nanny playgroups or professional meetups

• Introduce them to local Facebook groups or online forums

• Offer to pay for admission to a local event, like a nanny brunch or seminar

• Give space for “adult time” with other caregivers when at the park or library

Many nannies share that even just knowing their employer values that connection makes a huge difference in their confidence and sense of community.

8. Add It to the Contract or Annual Review

One of the simplest ways to keep professional development top of mind? Bake it into your nanny’s agreement or annual check-in.

You might include:

• One or two paid training days per year

• A set reimbursement budget for courses or books

• Time off to attend a certification class

• A “development goal” that both of you agree on and revisit annually

This makes it feel like a true part of their role—not an extra or afterthought.

9. Celebrate and Share the Wins

When your nanny learns something new—use it as an opportunity to celebrate!

• Did they complete a sleep training course? Ask if they’d like to implement what they’ve learned with your baby.

• Did they attend a webinar on toddler behavior? Ask what stuck out to them most.

• Did they try a new routine that helped your preschooler settle down more calmly at nap? Thank them out loud, and ask if they’d be open to sharing what worked.

Acknowledging these little wins reinforces that their growth isn’t going unnoticed—it’s impactful.

10. Why It’s Worth It: The Long-Term ROI

When you support your nanny’s professional development, you’re not just helping them—you’re improving your child’s experience and investing in the longevity of the relationship.

Nannies who feel supported and respected are more likely to:

• Stay in the role long-term

• Bring new energy and creativity to their days

• Stay up to date on safety and developmental best practices

• Take initiative in new ways

• Speak up earlier about challenges or opportunities

And for you? You’ll have greater peace of mind knowing your child is with someone who isn’t just watching them—but growing with them.

Real-Life Insight from the Field

Many families we’ve supported have shared how their nanny blossomed when given just a little space to grow. One parent told us that after covering the cost of a toddler behavior course, their nanny came back with strategies that completely transformed bedtime. Another shared how her nanny used a sensory bin subscription to engage her neurodiverse child in a new way—something she wouldn’t have felt empowered to try before.

And from nannies themselves? The sentiment is consistent: “When my family supports my learning, I feel trusted, respected, and like what I do really matters.”

Final Thoughts

Whether your nanny has been with your family for six months or six years, supporting their professional development is one of the best things you can do to strengthen your working relationship. It doesn’t require a huge budget or elaborate plan—just a willingness to say, “I see the work you do, and I want to help you grow.”

It’s a win-win—for your nanny, your child, and your peace of mind.

Resources to Explore
Here are a few trusted platforms and communities where nannies can grow professionally:

• Nanny Care Hub

• NannyTraining.com

• International Nanny Association (INA)

• The Nannyhood

• The Nanny Relief Fund – for access to grants, webinars, and support

Credits
This post was inspired by real conversations, nanny blogs, and insights shared across platforms like Reddit’s r/Nanny, Nanny Care Hub forums, The Nannyhood, and International Nanny Association resources. While the stories have been blended for privacy, the sentiments are grounded in real-life experiences.