Damayan and Cornell University Team Up to Host Nanny Training Workshop

From April to June, Damayan, in collaboration with the Cornell University Worker Institute, facilitated a Nanny Training Workshop for Damayan Workers. Guest speakers from organizations such as Queens Community House and the Red Cross contributed to the discussion. The workshops took place over four sessions, with each session analyzing different aspects essential to care-taking.

The first session covered child development and proper communication with families. Participants learned about tending to the specific needs of children at each stage of development, and improving communication with the parents, family, and community they work for and with.

The second session addressed basic and pediatric medical information, as well as worker and child safety. It dealt with issues such as recognizing symptoms of common childhood illnesses, preparing and providing First Aid, administering medications, identifying unsafe and unhealthy work conditions, and practicing safety in the workplace

The third session concentrated on nutrition and worker empowerment. Participants reviewed the nutritional needs of infants and children, learned how to prepare meals with ample nutritional value, discussed their rights as domestic workers protected by the Department of Labor, and reviewed strategies for effectively communicating with employers.

Interviews with Nanny Training Workshop Participants

Judith

1.Did you have prior experience/knowledge of the topics (CPR, nutritional knowledge, child development) before attending the workshop?

“I knew a bit about child development, their mood changes, and what food to give them.”

2. How has the nanny training workshop affected your career/job?

“Since I already have experience working with children, the workshop was a great refresher for me. But I certainly learned a lot.”

3. What was the most useful skill you learned at the workshop?

“How to deal with kids, how to stop them from crying, their routines, why they cry.”

4. Have you been able to apply what you learned at the nanny training workshop to work or any other scenario?

“Yes, how to discipline the children and get them to follow instructions, how to get them to adjust their attitudes.”

5. What was your favorite part about the workshop? Why?

“The CPR training because it was really fun and helpful. When you apply to be a nanny, usually employers ask if you have any CPR training. Now I have a certificate to prove my credentials and that skill gives me more job opportunities.”

6.Would you recommend this workshop to your peers? Why? Do you have any comments about it?

“Of course! It was very helpful and I can only say positive comments about it.”

Emma

1.Did you have prior experience/knowledge of the topics (CPR, nutritional knowledge, child development) before attending the workshop?

“Yes, with babysitting, but I did not know how to do CPR.”

2.How has the nanny training workshop affected your career/job?

“It expanded my knowledge and my work opportunities. When I finished the workshops, two families try to hire me right away but I had to turn them down. The workshop has given me better credentials; employers are more trusting because of my training.”

3.What was the most useful skill you learned at the workshop?

I would say the importance of communication and establishing a positive relationship with family. I learned to have good listening skills and have become better at expressing myself to my bosses. These would help assess the child’s needs.”

4. Have you been able to apply what you learned at the nanny training workshop to work or any other scenario?

“When I’m playing with the kids I’m babysitting, I also learn alongside them.”

5.What was your favorite part about the workshop? Why?

“The nutritional and cooking part because we learned how to give kids nutritious food, such as vegetables, fruit, protein - everything to make a balanced meal.”

6. Would you recommend this workshop to your peers? Why? Do you have any comments about it?

“I think so, because when I finished the workshop, 6 of my friends called me asking if there were more nanny training workshops and when it will happen again. Damayan should really host another workshop soon!”