Three Models of Nanny Care
When considering the type of position a nanny may excel in, it’s essential that she (or he) consider which model of nanny care best encompasses her approach to nanny care, her personal style, and her level of comfort working within the different models of care families may require.
There are three main models of nanny care. These include custodial care, coordinated care, and supervisory care. Each model governs the role the nanny plays in the family.
In the custodial care model, the nanny’s role is limited to meeting the children’s physical and emotional needs during their parents’ absence. In this model, the parents manage the children’s day by providing the nanny with specific guidance. A nanny who provides custodial care will not have input into the child’s scheduling or activities and does not have a voice regarding childrearing practices or parenting philosophies.
In the coordinated model of nanny care the nanny’s role is to be a team player in raising the children. Nannies who engage in the coordinated model of care are viewed as professionals who make valued contributions to the family. Nannies in this model have a voice that is heard when it comes to childrearing practices and parenting philosophies. These nannies tend to be full-charge nannies who are given the freedom to make the day-to-day decisions regarding the children’s activities and outings.
In the surrogate model of nanny care, the nanny’s role is to be the primary care giver for the children. In this model of nanny care, the nanny may have limited interaction with her employers and may be left to make all decisions for the children in her care. Nannies who engage in the surrogate model of care may work for parents who travel extensively and need a guardian type of caregiver to tend to the children while they are away.
It’s essential that a nanny know what role she likes to play and that she chooses a family who is seeking a nanny to play a similar role. A nanny who enjoys planning the children’s day, for example, will not enjoy working for a mom who likes to micromanage her children’s schedule.
While the terms used around the world maybe be different, the sentiments are typically the same. When a nanny understands which model of nanny care best aligns with her approach to childcare, personal style, and comfort level, she is better able to identify positions that allow her to play the role she naturally fulfills best.
Taken in part from Foundation Practice for Nannies. ©2016 by Michelle LaRowe. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Michelle LaRowe is the lead educator at NannyTraining.com. Foundation Practice for Nannies is a CACHE Accredited nanny training program and is offered in partnership with Nanny Stella, Inc. Michelle has served as the International Nanny Association Executive Director, was a past INA Board Member and was the 2004 INA Nanny of the Year.