Answering Questions about the INA Nanny of the Year Award
By: Greta Schraer
This time last year I was going through nomination process for International Nanny Association, Nanny of the Year (NOTY). I was pretty new to INA and of course the process and procedure of accepting the nomination and preparing a portfolio.
I cannot wait to see the wonderful applicants this year and hoped to shed some light to those that don’t know about it. In this article I will answer the following questions about my experience.
How is a nanny nominated?
A full-time nanny (or specialty nanny) can be nominated for the NOTY award by someone that has witnessed their exemplary and outstanding acts as a nanny. This may be by an employer, agency they have worked with, or even a friend of the nanny. My employers nominated me and were to include short essays that they shared about my experiences with their children and in the industry. I will tell you that I was in tears as I read the notes that the family wrote. I felt like I received the greatest gift hearing the impact I had been on their family and that they cared for me as deeply as I did them.
What does the process look like?
If a nanny is not yet a member of INA, they should apply before or with their application. Each nominee will share copies of a portfolio with the selection committee. The portfolios are very in depth and include your work history as a nanny, pages of reference letters, pictures, essay questions and basic information about you.
This was the most rewarding experience for me. It was amazing and humbling to see letter after letter come through my email. Friends, previous employers, mentors, and even grown up kids that I have cared for, shared their stories and appreciation. From some of them it was the first time I had really heard these deep and heartfelt words from them. Though it was a lot of work, I now have the most wonderful collaboration of memories that I will treasure for a lifetime.
Why should a nanny consider this?
The rewards of this award are far more than a small statue. It is an honor to stand with the many nannies that have come before. It does bring some attention to you giving a platform to speak for professional nannies in your shared industry. I have found myself, over the last year, sharing about INA and the quality of nannies that not only care deeply for children, but desire to further the industry, continue professionalism and reach more nannies that desire a support network.
Some nannies may feel like they don’t need an award to be outstanding and I would completely agree – they do not. The award to me is so much more than what is may seem. To me it is about communicating to the world that nannies are professionals and should be honored. It is something that we have an opportunity to spotlight each year as a community – not as 1 winner.
When is the deadline and specifics?
All of the needed information and documents must be postmarked and complete by March 10th, 2011. The process is completely laid out clearly and specifically on the INA’s website. Click here for all the details and application.
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