Becoming a Nanny

Click Here to Fill Out a Nanny Application Click Here to View Family Profiles Frequently Asked Questions from Nannies

Why use American Professional Nannies?
American Professional Nannies, has been an exclusive referral agency since 1991. We place nannies mainly in the Des Moines Metro and surrounding areas, but also throughout the United States. No fee is ever charged to our nannies.

What can you expect when American Professional Nannies places you with one of our families?
When you are part of the American Professional Nannies program, you can count on us for support to help solve any problems that may arise. Once you are placed with a family, you will continue to have support. We are a phone call away to answer questions and assist you.

American Professional Nannies’ screening method.
Through our 18 years of experience under the same ownership and thousands of nanny placements, American Professional Nannies has developed a thorough screening method that helps make the selection process go smoothly. We are very careful in our screening process, so when you have been accepted by American Professional Nannies, you know you have fulfilled all the requirements necessary to become a top nanny. 

American Professional Nannies earn competitive wages.
Our families are exceptional. They are respected community members, and in most cases both are working parents. Your salary will depend on your age, childcare experience, education, and the contract with your employers. As a nanny, your primary responsibility will be care of the children. Typical daily tasks include but are not limited to:

meals dressing bathing, when appropriate playing assistance with chores crafts

reading social activities (i.e. library hour, music lessons) assistance with homework carpooling doctor visits

You may also be asked to help your family perform light housekeeping and chores. These might include:

• child’s laundry
• light shopping and errands
• simple meal preparation for the children
• loading/emptying dishwasher
• tidying up at end of day

Each nanny's responsibilities are unique and will be negotiated with the family or employer prior to placement.

Please click on our Nanny Testimonials link to read what our nannies have said about working with American Professional Nannies.

Click Here to View Nanny FAQs

If you meet or exceed our minimum requirements (see below) please complete our online application.

Nanny requirements:

• High School diploma
• One year or more experience in daycare, a year or more experience as a nanny (other than family), having or working on a degree in a child-related field i.e. child development, teaching, child & family services, etc.  
• Willing to sign a contract for a minimum of one year. Exceptions: summer, vacation or temporary nannies.
• U.S. citizenship.  
• Possess a valid driver’s license and a reliable car. Clean driving records are preferred.
• Proof of state-required car insurance before starting position.
• Being in good health.
• Have three (3) childcare references that can be verified. These can include previous nanny experience, daycare experience, teaching experience, home childcare experiences, camp counselor or working in child care at a church.
• Three (3) character references that can be verified. These cannot be, best friends, boyfriends or relatives. We prefer co-workers, (current or past) previous teachers, family friends or people who have known you for a period of time.
• Due to the growing concern of second-hand smoke and the increase in asthma and allergies in children, most families require non-smokers.

All nannies that are placed have driving records and child abuse records verified.

What you can expect from your employer when you are placed through American Professional Nannies.

Weekly Salary: Expect a competitive wage based on your age, education, experience, job requirements, etc. Salary range: $8 – 12 per hour on average. Nannies possessing several years experience, teaching or child development degrees etc. should expect the higher range.

Working Hours: Full-time nannies generally work 9 – 10 hours per day, with some variation depending on the family’s needs. Schedules for part-time nannies vary depending on each family's needs.

Accommodations: Live-in nannies’ salaries include room and board. A separate bedroom is provided for the nanny’s privacy. Most families also provide a private bathroom or one shared with the children. Hours are usually the same as live-out nannies.

Days Off: Nannies work 5 days per week, unless other arrangements are made. Nannies should be given all Federal Holidays off with pay.

Vacations: Nannies typically receive two weeks vacation. However, this is based on how much vacation the parents receive and is usually scheduled around the parents' vacation. This is negotiated between the two parties.

Medical Insurance: Some families contribute toward medical insurance, but it is not a requirement.

Travel: Some families may need their nanny to accompany them in travel. This is not usually a requirement but can be a plus for those nannies who enjoy travel.

Family/Nanny Contract: Our Family/Nanny Contract outlines your job responsibilities. This contract creates a clear understanding of what you expect from your employer and what your employer expects from you. We have found this contract is very helpful in the success of your placement.

Being a nanny is more than just a job: Being a nanny is more than a job providing financial rewards. You are responsible for the care and development of the children of busy professional parents. You play an important role in their everyday lives. This experience is valuable for both you and the children you care for.

Please call today 515-254-2240 for more information and to receive an application or fill out one online now.