How to become a babysitter, nanny or childminder?
There are different possibilities to work in childcare: you can either work on a more flexible basis as a babysitter, in a family's home as a nanny, or in your home with several children as a childminder. Here you can read about the requirements you need to meet to find the right job.
Have a heart for children
If you would like to look after children, it is important that you basically enjoy this work. You should be caring, patient and trustworthy. Childcare also means being able to work independently. A sense of responsibility and organisational skills are important qualities for a job in childcare.
Work flexibly as a babysitter
As a babysitter, you look after the children at their families' homes. Depending on the families' needs, this can be on a regular or irregular basis. Sometimes parents also require adequate care for their children at short notice. This can either be for a few hours during the day or in the evening. If you are looking to stay flexible with your time and earn money on the side, then a babysitting job is the right thing for you.
An educational training is not necessary for this. However, we recommend you to attend a babysitting course and a first aid course (e.g. at the SRK).
Good to know!
Young people must be at least 15 years old to create a profile as a babysitter on Babysitting24.
Work as a nanny
To work as a nanny or manny, you must be of age. You usually stay with the families on a long-term basis and work regularly for at least five hours a week at the families' homes. Your responsibilities include looking after the children as well as helping out with the household chores. During your work, you will also take on educational tasks and have pedagogical responsibility, which makes you an important attachment figure for the children. As a nanny or manny, you are employed by the family and are subject to compulsory social insurance. The work is also subject to the minimum wage for home economics valid throughout Switzerland and the cantonal standard employment contracts.
For this type of childcare, you can qualify, for example, with the "Nanny SRC" course or by training to become a "professional caregiver". You can also work as a nanny or manny with vocational training as an "educational specialist" or a "paediatric nurse".
Looking after children full time as a nanny or childminder
As an alternative to day care or crèche, parents can have their children looked after by childminders. As a childminder, you are self-employed and determine your own hourly wage. The children are part of your family's everyday life, and you provide a welcoming and child-friendly environment.
For this job, you should have completed at least the basic course "Day Care Families" (e.g. at kibesuisse). If you also intend to look after infants, a further course may be necessary. Ideally, you will deepen your knowledge in annual training courses and exchange your experiences with other childminders at pedagogical meetings.
