Part of being a professional in any industry is being a member of an organization that serves your industry. Teachers, doctors, plumbers, firefighters, police – all have trade associations dedicated to their professions. This industry is fortunate to have three organizations dedicated to serving the professionals of the in-home child care industry. Diverse in services and history, yet united together by the individuals who support and manage these organizations. We conclude our series of these three organizations – APNA, DEMA and INA, by putting the spotlight on INA. We encourage you to get to know these organizations, consider membership in one or more and become involved with those that serve and our industry.
In 1985, Dr. Deborah Davis, then a young mother and educator, founded INA. Her mission was to help legitimize and professionalize the nanny profession. Thanks to her insight and personal sacrifices, in 1985 she brought together nanny agency owners, nannies and nanny educators from the United States, England, Canada, Australia and New Zealand for the first INA conference. More than 100 people gathered at Scripps College in Claremont, California, to focus on training and professionalism for in-home caregivers in the United States.
Since then, INA has become one of the country’s leading associations to press for professional standards, recognition and working conditions for nannies.
In our 26 years, INA is proud to have:
· Established Recommended Practices for nannies, placement agencies and educators
· Produced the first internationally recognized nanny credential exam for nannies and an accompanying study guide: Beyond Parenting Basics
· Created a Nanny Basic Skills Exam to gauge the child care knowledge and skills of entry level nannies
· Created a Family/Nanny Work Agreement used by parents and nanny placement agencies across the United States
· Launched nanny.org, an informational web portal for in-home child care
· Published Beyond Peanut Butter & Jelly, Time for Cooking with the International Nanny Association
· Conducted nationwide salary and benefits surveys for in-home child care providers
· Hosted 26 annual educational conferences across the United States.
With the support of nannies, agency owners and industry professionals, INA has become the authority on in-home child care.
INA membership is open to those who are involved with the in-home child care industry including nannies, nanny employers, nanny placement agency owners (and staff), nanny educators and providers of special services related to the nanny industry.
Members agree to abide by INA’s Commitment to Professional Excellence and Recommended Practices.
INA serves as the umbrella association for the in-home child care industry. Our members include providers, educators and business owners. While we have different types of members, our members are passionate about improving the in-home child care industry and work together to do so.
INA also offers individual members an opportunity to grow professionally through the INA nanny mentoring program and the INA newborn care specialist mentoring program. Both programs pair seasoned professionals with those who are new to the profession.
INA also believes in recognizing its members for their commitment to professional excellence. INA does this through the Service Award Pin Program, which originated within the National Association of Nannies in 1995 and continues today through the INA Service Award Pin program and the INA Harriette Grant Service Award Program. Each year INA also recognizes the personal achievements of a working nanny with the INA Nanny of the Year award.
INA has members from all over the world, from Israel to Australia, Peru to Taiwan. We are currently at 500+ members.
While we offer membership benefits like the use of our member logo, discounted conference rates and discounts on industry related resources and tools, that’s not the main reason people join INA. People join INA because they want to make a difference. If you want to have a part in improving our industry, you should join INA. As an INA member, you’re partnering with us to professionalize our industry, to promote quality in-home child care, to increase awareness about the nanny profession and to educate parents about the benefits of hiring a qualified nanny to care for their children.
As a member of INA, you are separating yourself from your peers. You’re aligning with others who see the importance in raising the bar and do so by committing to INA’s Recommended Practices and Commitment to Professional Excellence.
I love this organization. Joining and attending conference were 2 of the best things I have done for my career as a professional nanny.
I’m proud to be an INA member. I joined the organization in 1989 just after accepting my first nanny position. I knew that belonging and participating in such an organization would make the difference between being a nanny and being a professional nanny. Since then I’ve attended 18 conferences, served on several committees, served on the board of directors and become an INA Credentialed Nanny.
Put a little effort into your career – join a local support group, join INA, attend conferences and workshops (Nannypalooza is next in November), be active, make a difference . . . you won’t regret it!!
I really grew up, professionally (and some would say personally) speaking in INA. The Monday after earning my degree in chemistry, I started my first full-time, agency placed professional nanny job. I worked as nanny before, but this was the first day of my new career. During my miserable last year of school, I realized I wanted to continue to do what I loved, caring for kids, even with my degree in hand. INA showed me that there was a place for me! I could make a career out of doing what I loved! Shortly after I was pulled on the board. I got involved from the get go! I networked with others (drove others crazy with my new ideas!) and learned there were others like me. I made life long friends. INA fed a fire within me. My passion for making a difference could come alive! Joining INA was the best thing I ever did in my career. Now I’ve come full circle and I love serving an organization I love!
I was a founding board member of INA.
INA is where my professional roots were formed. If it had not been for the educators, business owners and especially nannies who have been lifelong friends, I would never have stayed in this profession. In attending and participating in INA conferences I have continued to make new friends, and expand my professional horizons.