NannyUp: Session 1 Documents
Creating a Nanny Portfolio
The following sections describe what to include in your Nanny Portfolio. You can find the Nanny Portfolio instructions here. (It is a Word document that will download to your computer.)
Cover Letter (Required)
Your cover letter introduces you to your employer.
Here is an example of an effective cover letter. You can edit this to create your own cover letter. (It is a Word document that will download to your computer.)
You can find more information about writing cover letters here.
The following sections provides specific information on what to include in your cover letter.
Paragraph 1
State the position you are applying for.
A brief summary of your experience.
Respond to the requirements of the job. For example, if the child has special needs, talk about your experience with special needs children. If the parents want a bilingual nanny, talk about your language capabilities.
Paragraph 2
Give more details about your work as a Nanny.
What makes you a good Nanny?
What kind of activities do you like to do with children?
What do you children think of you? (For example, “The children I take care of love me because they say I am a lot of fun and I also am a good teacher.”)
Paragraph 3
Explain why you are looking for a new job or, if you’re not working now, why you’re not working.
Paragraph 4
Say “Thank you for your consideration” or something similar.
You can find more information about writing cover letters here.
Resume (Required)
It is very important to have an up-to-date resume that includes all of your skills. Here is a link to an article about how to write an effective nanny resume.
Here is an example of an effective nanny resume. (This is a Word document that will download to your computer.) Modify this document to create your own resume.
College Transcript (Required)
Your college transcripts shows your employer that you are a hardworking college student. You can get a free unofficial transcript from your college.
To obtain an unofficial college transcript:
Log into WebSmart.
In the Student Services section, choose Student Records.
Choose Request Unofficial Transcript.
Follow the directions.
When you receive your Unofficial Transcript, print it and put it in your Nanny Portfolio.
Letter of Recommendation (Required)
When you include a letter of recommendation in your Nanny Portfolio, you are demonstrating that you are a responsible employee. Try to get as many letters of recommendation as possible. Make sure to include the relationship of the person writing the letter (for example, current employer, family member, etc.). Also, include the person’s phone number and email on the top of the letter.
You can find examples of letters of recommendation here. One is from an employer and one is from a family member.
You can ask for a letter of recommendation from any of these people:
Past employer
Present employer (if they know you’re leaving)
Professor
Clergy
Pediatric CPR/First Aid Training Certificate (Strongly Recommended)
The American Red Cross offers a class in Pediatric First Aid and CPR. This is an excellent class for anyone who works as a nanny or wants to be a nanny.
The class is $95 and is held from 9:30 to 5:30 on a Saturday or Sunday throughout the year.
You can sign up for the class here.
When you complete the class, print your certificate and include it in your Nanny Portfolio.
Upwards Scholars will reimburse the cost of the CPR/First Aid Training class. To show that you have completed the class, you must email your receipt, your CPR certificate and a reimbursement form to diana@upwardscholars.org. You can download a Word version of the form here. Or you can download the GoogleDoc here. You will need to print the form, complete it, and take a photo of it to include in your email.
TB Test Results (Strongly Recommended)
Your doctor can give you a TB test. Or you can get a TB test at one of these locations:
San Mateo Mobile Health Clinic
650 573-2786
Call for price and availability
Immediate Care
650 570-2273
Call for an appointment
TDaP Vaccination Results (Strongly Recommended)
TDaP is a combination vaccine that protects against three potentially life-threatening diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
You can get this vaccine from your doctor. If you don’t have a doctor, go to one of the clinics listed here.
COVID-19 Vaccination (Strongly Recommended)
As childcare providers, nannies were among the first professionals to qualify for the vaccine. Go to https://myturn.ca.gov to find an appointment near you.
Trustline Registry (Optional)
Info coming soon
Applying for Nanny Jobs Online
Applying for Jobs at Care.com and Urban Sitter
The two best places to look for childcare jobs online are
Care.com (This is good for nanny jobs)
UrbanSitter.com (This is best for babysitting jobs)
Creating an Online Profile
Before you can apply for a job at Care.com or UrbanSitter.com, you need to create an Online Profile. Your profile should include the following:
“About Me” description
Photo of yourself
Current resume
After you have an About Me description, go to the site and create your online profile.
Applying for Nanny and Babysitting Jobs on Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a neighborhood website where you can post your online profile. You can only post information about your services on your own neighborhood Nextdoor site. But you can ask people who live in other neighborhoods to recommend you on their Nextdoor site.
To sign up for Nextdoor
Go to Nextdoor.com, enter your email address and street address and click Find your neighborhood.
Complete all of the required fields.
When you receive an invitation to join Nextdoor, follow the link on your invitation to create your account.
Click Sign up.
Verify your address.