Nannies and childcare workers look after children in family homes or childcare settings, keeping them safe, fed, active and settled in a daily routine. Families across Canada hire full-time and part-time help, and some roles are live-in while most are live-out. This page explains what the work usually involves, what employers usually ask for, how to stay safe while job hunting, and how to apply through a verified job board.
Salary and visa details below are GENERAL GUIDANCE ONLY. Pay varies by employer, province, hours, and experience. Always check the official posting before you apply.
Job Details
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Location | Canada — city and area as listed in the official posting |
| Job type | Full-time or part-time, live-in or live-out — as per official posting |
| Work setting | Private family home or childcare setting — as per official posting |
| Salary | General guidance only: pay varies by employer, province and experience. Check the official posting for the exact rate. |
| Visa note | General only: Canada has specific immigration pathways for home childcare providers that change over time. Check the official posting and official immigration pages for current rules. |
What the Work Usually Involves
Daily tasks
- Supervise children at all times and keep their environment safe.
- Prepare meals and snacks suited to the children's ages and needs.
- Take children to and from school, activities and appointments.
- Plan play, reading, crafts and outdoor time appropriate to each age.
- Help with homework, routines, bathing and bedtime where agreed.
- Change nappies and support toilet training for younger children.
- Keep children's rooms, play areas and laundry tidy.
- Update parents on the day — meals, naps, activities and any concerns.
- Follow the family's rules on screen time, visitors and safety.
What Employers Usually Ask For
Requirements
- Genuine experience caring for children, with references families can check.
- A background check — in Canada this is often a vulnerable sector check.
- First aid and CPR training for children is widely requested.
- Patience, warmth and clear communication with parents.
- Basic cooking and household organisation skills.
- A driving licence and clean record where school runs are part of the role.
- Legal right to work in Canada, or a clear plan through an official programme.
- Non-smoking and good health are commonly requested.
Safety Note — Read Before You Apply
Childcare jobs involve trust on both sides, so protect yourself from the start. Use reputable agencies or verified platforms such as Job Bank Canada, and be careful with adverts shared only through social media chats. Never pay upfront fees to an agency, recruiter or family for a job, a visa or paperwork — legitimate employers do not charge you to be hired. Check which working-with-children checks the role requires (for example a vulnerable sector check) and complete them through official channels. Before accepting a live-in role, agree the hours, pay, days off, room and duties in writing, meet the family on a video call or in a safe place, and keep copies of your own documents — never hand over your passport.
How to Apply
- Read the full official posting — ages of children, hours, duties, pay and requirements.
- Check that you meet the listed requirements, including background checks and first aid.
- Prepare a short CV focused on your childcare experience, ages you have cared for and references.
- Apply only through the official link below.
- Save the posting and your application confirmation.
Apply here: Apply here — Job Bank Canada, verified live 2026-10-16: official government job search for Canada. Search the role keyword "nanny" or "childcare" on that portal to see current listings. Apply link verified: 2026-10-16.
FAQ
Do I need qualifications to work as a nanny in Canada? Formal qualifications are not always required for private family roles, but experience, references, first aid and a background check are widely requested. Licensed childcare centres usually ask for early childhood education credentials. Check the posting.
What is a vulnerable sector check? It is an enhanced background check used in Canada for roles involving children or other vulnerable people. Employers or agencies will explain how to obtain one through the local police service.
Are live-in nanny jobs common in Canada? They exist but live-out roles are more common. If a role is live-in, the posting should state the accommodation and how it affects hours and pay.
Can overseas applicants apply for childcare jobs in Canada? Some can, through official immigration programmes for home childcare providers, but the rules change and spaces can be limited. Rely only on official immigration pages, and never on an agent who charges you for a job offer.
Scam Warning
Never pay a fee to apply, to get a job offer, or to speed up a visa. If someone asks for payment, gift cards, or passport photos by chat, stop and verify through official channels.
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Image alt-text suggestion: "Nanny reading a picture book with two young children."