MODULE 1: What’s Different About In-Home Care (A Nanny)
Why This Course Matters:
Choosing to do this course shows you're not just stepping into a new job — you're stepping into someone’s home, their family, their daily life. It’s a big shift, and taking the time to prepare means you care. You’re building trust, professionalism, and the kind of confidence that makes a real difference in children’s lives. That matters — and it sets you apart."In a centre, you’re part of a team. In a private home, you’re the expert.
You’ll work more independently, manage your own time, and often handle everything from meals to nap routines without daily direction. It’s rewarding — but requires confidence, flexibility, and strong communication with parents."
What Nannies Ask About In-Home Care
Q1: Do I still get breaks like in a centre?
A1: Yes — but they’re informal. You may get downtime while the child naps, but there’s no official lunch break unless arranged with the family.
Q2: Do I follow a program like EYLF?
A2: Not formally. Many families like a play-based routine. You can use your knowledge to create flexible, age-appropriate activities.
Q3: What if the parents are home while I work?
A3: It’s common. Communicate early about roles and space. Be professional, confident, and don’t overstep.
Cleaning & Expectations
Q1: Am I expected to clean the whole house?
A1: No. Nanny duties usually include cleaning up after the child — toys, meals, nappies. General house cleaning (toilets, floors, laundry) should be discussed separately and paid fairly.
Q2: What’s “light housekeeping”?
A2: It usually means tidying child areas, wiping down surfaces after meals, and doing the child’s laundry. It should not include deep cleaning unless agreed in writing.
Q3: What do I say if I’m asked to clean outside nanny duties?
A3: Be polite but clear. Say something like, “I’m happy to tidy after the children, but general housework falls outside my nanny duties.”
Making the Transition
Q1: What’s the biggest adjustment when moving from a centre?
A1: Independence. You won’t have a team to bounce off or strict rosters. You’ll rely more on your own rhythm, creativity, and communication with one family.
Q2: Will I feel lonely working alone?
A2: At first, maybe. Many nannies miss the centre buzz. But you’ll build deep relationships with the child and family — and you can join nanny networks or playgroups for connection.
Q3: How do I prove I’m “professional” if I’m just in one house?
A3: Show up on time, be consistent, and communicate like a team member. Keep routines, write daily notes, and trust that your role matters just as much as in a centre.
Module 1 Summary – The Shift from Centre to Home
Transitioning from a childcare centre into a family home isn’t just a change in setting — it’s a whole new way of working. In a centre, your days were structured by timetables, teams, and shared responsibilities. You had colleagues nearby, scheduled breaks, and a clear chain of command. As a nanny, the dynamic is more personal, more flexible — and more reliant on your own instincts and communication skills.
In the home, you’re not just following routines — you’re creating them. You’ll be trusted to plan the day, notice what works, and adjust in real time. Parents might be around or completely out, but in either case, they’re trusting you to care for their child in the space they hold most sacred — their home. That takes maturity, trust, and emotional intelligence.
You’ll also find yourself balancing many hats: educator, carer, communicator, cleaner (just a little!), and above all — the consistent, calm presence in that child’s world. There’s no team leader to lean on. But there is incredible trust and deep connection. Families often tell us that a great nanny becomes part of their world — not just a helper, but a quiet anchor in their child’s life.
Taking this course shows you care about making that transition thoughtfully. You’re preparing yourself to lead with care, speak with confidence, and honour the boundaries that make nannying work beautifully for everyone involved.
You’ve already got the skills. This is just the shift in mindset that unlocks your next level.
