Editor’s Note: At Westside Nannies, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the nanny industry. We uphold a strict non-discrimination policy and believe that every candidate deserves equal access to opportunities based on qualifications, merits, and experience. The following question that was sent our way addresses a concern we know is shared by many caregivers.
Dear Westside Nannies,
I’ve been a nanny for a long time, and I am a person of color. I’m becoming increasingly nervous about the state of the industry under our current administration. With so many changes to DEI policies, how is this going to impact the nanny industry and the opportunities I’m being considered for, both when working with and without an agency?
Sincerely,
A Concerned Nanny
The Westside Nannies Approach: More Than Just a Job Placement
First and foremost, we want to reassure you that Westside Nannies stands firm in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. No matter how national policies shift, our values remain the same.
Our Non-Discrimination Policy:
We are an equal opportunity employer and highly value diversity. Employment and representation are decided on the basis of qualifications, merits, and available opportunities. Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience is reflected in our diverse candidate pool. Our differences make us stronger and further our commitment to representing incredible childcare professionals as unique as the families they support.
Westside Nannies wouldn’t be who we are without the wide array of dedicated nannies that make up our community. DEI has always been and will continue to be one of our top priorities. We deeply value the caregivers we work with and know that their various backgrounds are responsible for making Westside Nannies one of the most reliable and sought-after agencies in the industry. This is also reflected in our commitment to working with families that seek compassionate, experienced, and skilled professionals, qualities that transcend background or identity.
Our matchmaking process is about much more than pairing a family with a nanny. We have always taken the time to understand values, expectations, and long-term compatibility to create successful placements. Our main goal is to ensure that every nanny placed by our team, regardless of background, finds themselves in a role where they are valued, respected, and compensated fairly.
Navigating the Industry Without an Agency
If you are searching for a position without the support of an agency, it’s important to prioritize a good fit for YOU. While we wish that we could, we unfortunately can’t guarantee that every family seeking childcare shares the values that we’ve outlined here. Every family’s expectations and needs are different, so finding the right alignment can set the foundation for a positive and long-lasting working relationship. Some important tips include:
- Ask thoughtful questions during interviews to understand the family’s values and priorities.
- If anything is unclear, clarify expectations upfront regarding schedule, duties, and household dynamics.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to move on.
Final Thoughts
While national DEI policies may change, the essential role of nannies in households remains the same. Families continue to seek caregivers who bring love, care, and expertise into their homes. Westside Nannies will always advocate for fair and inclusive hiring practices to ensure that all caregivers, regardless of background, have access to meaningful opportunities.
If you ever have concerns or need guidance in your job search, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you every step of the way.