Nannypalooza

Last weekend was Nannypalooza o7- a fiesta of fun and learning. This conference provides training and networking to many and I am proud of it. It is still in its infancy. This year was only the second year. It really started with a dream of creating a place where nannies could get affordable classes. In college I learned of the value of conferences and seminars as continuing education. These kind of conferences are common in corporate America, and even in educational situations. But for nannies they are really only an option for the elite level nanny. INA (International Nanny Association) has a great conference but the fees to attend alone are well over $2oo dollars- not to mention hotel and travel. NAEYC has a great conference- better than any other early childhood one I think- but it is really geared toward preschool TEACHERS and doesn't have much specifically for nannies. And even NAEYC is more than $150 to attend. Nannypalooza is $75. It includes 3 meals. It includes 6 workshops. It will continue to be $75 for as long as we can keep it there- even if we have to make sacrifices to keep it that way. I am adamant about this. Why? Because if I had come to a conference like this in the first years of my nanny career, I would have been a better nanny. I would have been happier. I would have improved the lives of the families I worked for, and for the kids I loved. It makes a difference to have the conference experience. And even though the "vintage" nannies make up a good portion of the conference, I am beyond thrilled to think about the nannies who really need this education, connection and inspiration.

- Sue Downey
NANC