Blog

The importance of newborn care as a specialty, with Tonya Sakowicz

We recently enjoyed a professional development workshop (online, of course!) with my long-time friend and colleague Tonya Sakowicz.

Acclaimed author Steve Biddulph speaks to Placement Solutions at our latest PD

Connected on the inside and out, with Steve Biddulph

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It’s our 30th anniversary!

As Placement Solutions enters its 30^th year, I still carry a pen and notebook with me, but the business has long outgrown that kitchen table. 

The importance of asking the RIGHT questions

Asking questions throughout your whole placement process is crucial for ensuring you understand everything you need. Here are some important questions to ask.

Interviewing the Children

As a Nanny, it is important to understand the growing interests of the children you care for. Here, Placement Solutions list the questions you need to ask! 

The importance of researching the company before your interview

The employer is looking for someone to complement their business, have a good understanding of morals and values and the overall, functions of the business.

The importance of a good reference

Your References — Nothing is more frustrating for recruiters than being unable to get in contact with a candidate’s referee.

The ‘state of play’ of nannying here and in the USA

I’ve recently returned from a visit to the USA during which I attended the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies (APNA) conference. Those who attend this conference are running nanny agencies all over America and beyond, so collectively they provide a unique perspective on what is happening in the nanny industry in the States specifically, but with implications for all of us.

I subsequently interviewed Daryl Camarillo, who runs Stanford Park Nannies in the Silicon Valley area of California, and Kathy Webb, who runs HomeWork Solutions, a nanny payroll and tax compliance business on the other side of the country in Virginia. I wanted to get their views on where the nanny industry is  heading. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they describe issues that have many similarities to what is happening in Australia.

And about time too

We have been waiting for this for a long, long time. Finally we are hearing very strong noises from the Australian Tax Office confirming what we have been arguing, and in fact fighting for, for years. An ATO official investigating the tax implications of the Nanny Pilot Programme has confirmed that there are no circumstances – none – in which a nanny can be regarded as an independent contractor for tax purposes especially working through a private firm.

Save the date - Carer Professional Development

This is an exclusive invitation for Placement Solutions carers to attend our upcoming Professional Development training day.

Saturday August 9th -9.15am-1.00pm

INA Conference proves invaluable

Placement Solutions Operations Manager Rachelle Teycheney reports on her recent participation in the International Nanny Association (INA) conference in Los Angeles.