Nannies plan to nurture their knowledge

When it comes to child care, nannies often play a large role. They provide interaction, encouragement and fulfill other needs children may have when their parents or guardians are not present.

Lexy Capp, owner and founder of Las Vegas-based Nannies & Housekeepers U.S.A., believes nannies are an integral part of a family, which is why her agency is sponsoring National Nanny Training Day April 28.

"At the end of the day, nothing matters more than family," Capp said. "We work with families at hotels and homes in Las Vegas, and we want to make sure they have qualified, trained nannies wherever they are."

Nannies & Housekeepers U.S.A. plans to host workshops and events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 28 at the Tuscany Hotel and Casino, 255 E. Flamingo Road. Registration is $35 per person, which includes admission to the workshops, lunch, a gift bag and registration for door prizes. Agency representatives plan to collect gently used books at the event for Spread the Word Nevada, which provides local elementary school students with reading material.

Panels and workshops for the conference range from topics about nutrition to musical activities and caring for children with special needs. Capp said the sessions allow nannies not only to gain knowledge on a variety of topics but also to discuss them with other child care providers, too.

"This training day is a great opportunity to meet other nannies," Capp said. "To connect with like-minded caregivers is so important, especially to see how they're operating from the same page."

Dawn Schrader, a caregiver who has worked under Nannies & Housekeepers U.S.A. for more than four years, attended last year's event. She said the workshops are ideal lessons for nannies of all experience levels.

"I think these events are just great opportunities to learn new ideas and how to take different approaches with each child," Schrader said. "Any training you can do as a nanny helps you touch lives, and I think it's a great way to get together with others who do what you do."

Capp said two hot topics of caregiving today are nutrition and children with special needs. Carole Devon, director of community relations for the People's Autism Foundation, is scheduled to speak at 10:15 a.m. about caring for children with special needs.

"Seventy percent of the nannies we represent are educators," Capp said. "We represent special education teachers, and (Devon) can speak from the parent's perspective, as well."

Slated to follow Devon's presentation is a panel discussion featuring pediatrician Dr. Carmen Jones and experts on nutrition. Capp said with the growing epidemic of child obesity, this session is expected to be an eye-opening one.

"I think it's really important to heighten the awareness about kids getting active and getting them to move," Capp said. "With a local pediatrician and some health experts, they can share some ideas for healthy snacks and good child nutrition."

Schrader said it's these workshops and events that remind her of why being a nanny is rewarding.

"Being a nanny has been the most fulfilling job I've ever had," Schrader said. "Just serving others has been an awesome opportunity, and it's great, knowing I can bond with these children and walk away knowing I'm part of their lives."

For more information on National Nanny Training Day, call 451-0021 or visit nannytrainingdaylasvegas.event
brite.com or nahusa.com.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.