The Scoop on International Nanny Training Day & Why It Matters
Can you recall the best manager or teacher you’ve ever had? Now, think about how they made you feel and ways they encouraged your growth. Chances are they supported you wholeheartedly, invested time in your success and gave you the tools you needed to excel. Being a nanny is no different. Just like any professional, nannies deserve the same type of professional development and positive encouragement from those they work for.
International Nanny Training Day is an annual event to remind us about the importance of investing in our nanny’s professional growth. Designed to promote professional development, career advancement and local networking, International Nanny Training Day (iNNTD) gives us an opportunity to celebrate the value nannies add to our lives and a reminder that an investment in our nannies is an investment in our children’s future.
When is International Nanny Training Day?
This year International Nanny Training Day is on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Nannies across the globe will gather in person or virtually to network and attend events and trainings designed to enhance their professional knowledge.
What is International Nanny Training Day (iNNTD)?
Created and organized by Nannypalooza, International Nanny Training Day (iNNTD) is held “to recognize the needs of young children and to raise awareness of the positive correlation between nanny training and quality care.” Because the quality of our children’s care is directly related to a nanny’s experience, training and knowledge.
Part of iNNT is to raise awareness for both nannies and employers of the importance of professional development. The other component of this annual event is to give nannies the opportunity to gather in person or virtually to attend workshops and events, and to network with others in the caregiver community.
In Boston, nannies will gather to hear from Sue Downey, the organizer of Nannypalooza, speak about developing an emotional vocabulary. Nannies in Cincinnati can choose from workshops focused on topics like effective communication with children, caring for and connecting with neurodivergent kids or the nanny’s guide to maximizing your paycheck. Events take place across the country and chances are there’s an event happening near you!
Don’t see a nearby event on the events page? iNNTD invites you to get involved. Learn more about organizing your own event here.
Who organizes International Nanny Training Day?
International Nanny Training Day is organized by Nannypalooza. The national initiative is a part of the Week of the Young Child, an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Why International Nanny Training Day Matters for Families and How Families Can Get Involved
This might go without saying, but we’ll remind you anyways: if your nanny is scheduled to work on April 12, give them a paid day off to attend a workshop or virtual event. Beyond providing your nanny with actual paid time off to network and learn more about iNNTD, families should encourage their nannies to explore the iNNTD website and see which resources may resonate with them.
Then sit down with your nanny for an honest conversation about their professional goals and growth needs (hint: you should be doing this anyways during an annual review, but if you’re not, now is a great time to start). Maybe they’re eager to become a certified newborn and infant care professional, take a course from a sleep consultant on fostering on consistent sleep routines, or enhance their knowledge of water safety.
Taking your nanny’s goals seriously and facilitating their professional development will strengthen your relationship and show that you’re invested in their happiness and future. Risa Owen, Lead Recruiting Manager at Hello Nanny! says, “Being a nanny is more than just a career. It’s about creating lasting, positive change in the lives of children and families. That’s why International Nanny Day is so meaningful to caregivers and nannies around the world, as it celebrates the extraordinary impact they have on the families they serve and the immense dedication they put into their work every day. A nanny’s commitment to continuous growth through workshops, networking and continuing education helps them to better support the families they care for.”
How to find events for International Nanny Training Day
Last year iNNTD hosted in-person workshops and conferences in 38 cities. You can find a local event near you here.
Hello Nanny! Takeaways
While we love a day to celebrate all of the amazing ways nannies enrich our lives, families really should be celebrating and investing in their household support year-round. Support and investment in nannies can look like:
- Daily positive feedback (“I really value how you always lead with patience when Sophie is having a tough time expressing her frustration”)
- Regular check-ins to assess what workshops or continuing education your nanny would be interested in and benefit from—and then making it happen for them by providing paid time off that doesn’t count against their vacation days and financial support for their professional development.
- Annual reviews that provide both families and nannies a time to let each other know what’s working well and what could use improvement, as well as discuss potential salary changes
- A salary and benefits package that reflects your local market rate and aligns with your nanny’s experience and background
Of course, you want your children to receive the highest quality care available. One easy way to do this is to invest in your nanny’s education and professional growth because there’s no question that well-trained nannies provide elevated care. Doing this isn’t just a benefit, but an essential element of the nanny/family partnership. Supporting your nanny, whether on International Nanny Training Day or throughout the year, will translate to raising the standard of care and ensuring your child receives the nurturing and knowledgeable support they deserve.
