Alice Vandersteen

Name:

Alice Vandersteen

Location:

Melbourne

How long have you been a nanny?

I have been a nanny for 24 years.  I started at the age of 18 after completing school.

Now don’t be shy, why are YOU a great nanny? I am a good nanny because caring for children has always been in my nature.  Growing up as a child I was surrounded by children and I always had an interest in taking care of the young ones.  When it comes to children I love the role I get to play in being able to enrich their lives.  I love to be there for children by listening, supporting, playing, reading, helping, feeding and caring for them.  Never in my 24 year career have I ever thought “I don’t want to go to work today.”  I am so happy to go to work every day and make a difference in the lives of my families.

What is your philosophy when it comes to taking care of children?

I want to make sure the children are safe, happy and well.  I like to support children and help build their self esteem by encouraging independence so they grow to be confident. I help children learn through play by encouraging social skills and venturing out to new experiences.  I am firm but fair. Most importantly, I lead by example. I find it very important to be a good role model and help provide an environment where the children can flourish and be who they are.

What is your current role(s)?

Two families, two days a week each. One family has four children (G10, G8, B6 and G4) I have been with that family for nearly six years.  My other family has two sporty boys (B10 and B12). I work as a personal assistant to the family during the day then back into nanny role when I pick the boys up from school.

What sort of experience and training do you have?

I did a nanny course in 1992  that set me up to get started in my career.  It covered a wide range of nanny topics and established a strong foundation for me to build off as I continued my career.  In 2012 I completed a Certificate of Education Support (Teacher Aide) course at Monash University.  I then completed a Certificate III in children’s services in 2013.  I have followed my learning path to many other seminars, shows and events that have covered relevant nanny topics.  I think continually seeking out training on new topics is essential in this fast changing industry and I will continue to better myself in any relevant courses I find.

You’ve already had an outstanding career.  What are your future plans for your career?

I like to broaden my knowledge and skills so I will always continue to seek out further education.  I seek out these opportunities through social media, organised events, nanny networks and seminars in my communities.  I am also considering branching out to a specialised field such as safeguarding in the home and garden or preparing a home for a newborn.

What’s your favourite part about being a nanny?

I like that I can be my own boss and take charge of my career.  It’s great starting with children as young as babies and watching them grow up.  It’s fascinating to watch, learn and play a part in their development and milestones.  I love that every single day is a new adventure and I can go with the flow of what works, for both myself and the children.  I feel like I really make a difference as a nanny and it’s such a rewarding career.

Why did you join the ANA?

I want to help improve the rights of nannies.  The ANA is a group that is working towards reforming the industry with the introduction of things like wages, government rebates and fair working conditions. Since becoming a member I am able to stay up to date and informed with what’s happening in the industry.  The ANA also encourages nannies to have their say so it’s a great way for me to give my two cents to help those, who are helping us.  We need to amend people’s attitude towards nannies and the ANA is working towards eliminating any bad stereotypes and building a better reputation for nannies, in a better industry.

How has your ANA membership benefited your career?

Since becoming an ANA member I have more confidence in knowing that the industry is being taken seriously.  This helps me see a bright future in my career as a nanny.  I love that the ANA provides me with an opportunity to make a change for the better in the job that I love.

Is there anything else you would like share with the ANA community?

I hope to see more nannies get involved so that we can work together to help improve and extend the nanny industry.  If we pool all of our skills together (Agencies, nannies and families) we can strive to make the changes needed to help nanny become a viable career option for those in childcare and an affordable solution for working families.