Happy 2025 National Nanny Recognition Week!!!

Nannies spend all of their time and energy focusing on the needs of young children, I was thinking that perhaps for NNRW Portland Nannies could in turn help take care of YOU!  I wanted to create a week where one day you didn’t have to worry about breakfast, the next day we would take care of lunch, the following day it will be a dinner meal to-go, and then finally dessert and flowers to end the week!   I hope that for this brief period of time you let someone else do something for you and I find it an honor to a part of the agency that you have entrusted in finding your nanny families.  Thank you ALL for your continued support of Portland Nannies over the years.  We have some nannies with us that have been here even longer than myself (23 years now!) and I hope that some of my newer nannies and I will create just as long of a relationship together.   Thank you never seems enough but I am honestly just grateful for all of you, THANK YOU and happy National Nanny Recognition Week!

2025 NANNY APPRECIATION

More upcoming CPR classes

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• Monday May 12th 6:00-9:00PM at Windham High School  $69 https://windham.maineadulted.org/course/cpr

• Friday May 16th 3:00-4:00pm Eastern CPR Training Scarborough $60 605 Route ONE Scarborough Blended online and hands on training https://www.easterncprtraining.com/events/aha-bls-15-1

• Wednesday May 21st 11am-Noon  Eastern CPR Training Scarborough $6 0 605 Route ONE Scarborough Blended online and hands on training https://www.easterncprtraining.com/events/aha-bls-16-1

• Wednesday May 7th 6:00-10:00pm at the Biddeford Fire Department $70  https://www.biddefordmaine.org/2395/Course-Descriptions register by calling 207-282-6632 or emailing kathy.boyden@nullbiddefordmaine.org

• Thursday May 8th 10:30am-12:45pm Freeport Library $95  Blended class, need to complete online first and then in-person for hands on training https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-5825-the-freeport-library-10-library-drive-freeport-me-1030-1245pm

• Wednesday May 14th  9am-11:45am $95  Blended class, need to complete online first and then in-person for hands on training Cabela’s Scarborough https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-51425-cabelas-100-cabela-blvd-scarborough-me-930-1145am

• Tuesday May 27th 1pm-3:15pm $95  Blended class, need to complete online first and then in-person for hands on training Cabela’s Scarborough https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-52725-cabelas-100-cabela-blvd-scarborough-me-100-315pm

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Portland Nannies    Spring Minis, Open to current agency nannies and families on Tuesday April 8th at Ferry Beach, Scarborough! Enjoy a free 10-minute photo session from 8 AM to 11 AM, with one 5x7 print included. Reserve your spot today!

https://book.usesession.com/s/Wd_CpvjMLc

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UPCOMING CPR COURSES

• Friday March 7th 3:00-4:00pm Eastern CPR Training Scarborough $50 605 Route ONE Scarborough Blended online and hands on training https://www.easterncprtraining.com/events/aha-bls-66-2

• Wednesday March 12th 6:00-10:00pm at the Biddeford Fire Department $70  https://www.biddefordmaine.org/2395/Course-Descriptions register by calling 207-282-6632 or emailing kathy.boyden@nullbiddefordmaine.org

• Wednesday March 19th 1:00-3:15pm at Cabela’s in Scarborough. $95 Blended class, need to complete online first and then in-person for hands on training.  https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-31925-cabelas-100-cabela-blvd-scarborough-me-100-315pm

• Saturday March 15th 11:30am-1:45pm at York Public Library $95  Blended class, need to complete online first and then in-person for hands on training https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-31525-york-public-library-15-long-sands-road-york-me-1130-145pm

• Wednesday April 2nd  6:00-10:00pm at the Biddeford Fire Department $70  https://www.biddefordmaine.org/2395/Course-Descriptions register by calling 207-282-6632 or emailing kathy.boyden@nullbiddefordmaine.org

• Saturday April 19th 9:30-11:45am at Cabela’s in Scarborough $95  Blended class, need to complete online first and then in-person for hands on training. https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-41925-cabelas-100-cabela-blvd-scarborough-me-930-1145am

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HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY PORTLAND NANNIES!

Portland Nannies  is one of the longest running nanny placement agencies in the US. It was started back in 1985 and I am proud to be celebrating our 40th year in business and my 20th year as the owner! Thank you to all of the nannies and families who made this possible. There are lots of gatherings, events, and celebrations planned throughout the year- stay tuned!

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Please join us on Friday December 13th at 9:30am for a complimentary intro dance lesson at the Salt Flat Dance for kiddos ages 18 months to 5 years old and then an hour of free play after.

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I wanted to share some upcoming CPR certification courses.  Please keep in mind that the courses with MMG Safety require the online at home portion to be completed PRIOR to the in-person hands-on training.

Plenty of options via the Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/me/take-a-class or online https://www.nationalcprfoundation.com/courses/standard-cpr-aed-first-aid/

10/22 Standish, The Learning Post  1pm-3:15pm  https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-102224-the-learning-post-19-ossipee-trail-west-standish-me-1-315pm

11/2 9:30am-11:45am Cabela’s Scarborough https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-110224-cabelas-100-cabela-blvd-scarborough-me-930-1145am

11/6 2:30pm-4:45pm Cabela’s Scarborough https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-110624-cabelas-100-cabela-blvd-scarborough-me-230-445pm

11/9 10:30am-12:45 PM York Public Library https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-11924-york-public-library-15-long-sands-road-york-me-1030-1245pm

11/12  12:30-3:45 Cabela’s Scarborough https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-111224-cabelas-100-cabela-blvd-scarborough-me-1230-345pm

11/12 and 11/19,  Tue for 2 weeks from 6:00 - 9:00 pm OOB https://maineadulted.coursestorm.com/oobsaco/course/heartsaver-cpr-first-aid-for-adults-children10?search=CPR&page=3

11/14  6pm-10pm 152 Alfred Street Biddeford https://www.biddefordmaine.org/2395/Course-Descriptions

11/21 4pm-6:15pm York Public Library https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-112124-york-public-library-15-long-sands-road-york-me-400-615pm

12/4 9:30am-11:45 am Cabela’s Scarborough https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-120424-cabelas-100-cabela-blvd-scarborough-me-930-1145am

12/5  6pm-10pm 152 Alfred Street Biddeford https://www.biddefordmaine.org/2395/Course-Descriptions

12/14 9:30am-11:45am Cabela’s Scarborough https://mmg-safety.com/upcoming-courses/ols/products/adult-and-pediatric-first-aidcpraed-bl-r21-121424-cabelas-100-cabela-blvd-scarborough-me-930-1145am

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Plans for our upcoming Pumpkin Valley Farm Playdate on Friday October 11th at 9:30am!

Excited to celebrate National Nanny Recognition Week, September 22-28, 2024!!

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APRIL/MAY 2024 CPR COURSES

Gray Adult Education  207-657-9612 10 Libby Hill Road GRAY, ME 04039

IT'S FINALLY FEELING LIKE WINTER, LET'S REVIEW SNOW DAY POLICIES

Snow day policies vary and are agreed to from both family and nanny.  While many families have a lot of flexibility and can offer paid snow days, unpaid snow days, ability to make up hours lost, it's more about discussing together and finding what works best for everyone.   Some parents go to work in all types of weather so rely on their nanny- while I don’t want the nanny to be put in an unsafe situation, they might have agreed to staying overnight with extra pay, hiring a car service, etc.  If you don't have a snow day policy included in your nanny contract, it might be a good time to have a discussion together so that expectations will be clearer in the future.

Snow Day Policy

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HOODIES ARE BACK IN STOCK!! $20

We now have hoodies in larger sizes again, I clearly underestimated the interest in oversized hoodies!  Still sizes are limited.  Navy Blue in sizes S-XXL and Natural Cream in sizes L-XXL.  If you would like to order your hoodie, email Elizabeth.

NANNY APPRECIATION WEEK SEPT 18-24, 2022

2022 Nanny Appreciation Week

Click on the link above to see all of the exciting events happening!

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH 11AM

Nanny Appreciation week starts off Sunday on the Eastern Promenade 11am.  Portland Nannies will be providing brunch snacks, drinks and local food truck options as well.  Come hungry and excited to meet other nannies, bring a chair or blanket.  Also, I am realizing that I haven’t met some of you unfortunately due to COVID, I am beyond excited to see you on Sunday.  If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, feel free to shoot me an email if you plan on coming elizabeth@nullportlandnannies.com. So far the weather looks fine and cooperative, I will update should that change.   

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH 

Nanny Appreciation Week celebrates our almost 300 hundred nannies with some raffles throughout the week.  We will be drawing names daily, every nanny gets an entry, plus an additional entry for those on our babysitting list (not too late to join, email if you are interested in picking up occasional babysitting hours).  Also will post daily on FaceBook and Instagram, if you share or comment you will be entered an additional time.  

When putting together our thank you baskets, I was thinking of my amazing and thoughtful nannies, who above everything else are truly the most caring people I know.  I feel like you are all deserving of so much and know that these baskets barely touch upon my true thoughts of my gratitude for you.

MORNING PERK ME UP BASKET : When you need that little extra boost in the morning.  Navy blue 20 oz YETI tumbler and SWELL teal water bottle, along with $25 to Aroma Joes and $25 to Rosemont Bakery, Tazo tea, Caramel hot cocoa, local honey, and breakfast bars.   

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH 9AM-6PM

FLOWER BOUQUETS FOR ALL! : Stop by the office anytime between 9am-6pm for your Thank You Flower mini-bouquet.  We will have lovely arrangements for you to stop by at your convenience 453 Ocean St, South Portland ME 04106  They will be on the front porch waiting for you to select your favorite colors and blooms.  I will be in and out of the office if you have a moment to knock and say hello feel free to do so.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST

TREAT YOURSELF SPA DAY! Another gift basket raffle that includes all you will need for a nice relaxing day after work.  Included is a gift card for a massage at SOMA Massage and Wellness in South Portland along with at-home spa treatments for your feet and under eyes, water fountain for tranquil relaxation, and my favorite scent from Near & Native Candle ‘Juniper & Lavender’ Did you know that they offer refillable candles that you can find at their Westbrook location in the old mill on the river?  

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 22nd

NEW PORTLAND NANNIES SWAG RELEASE!  When I bought Portland Nannies back in 2004 it came with the same logo that I had been using that entire time, it was classic yet dated.  I am a true Mainer, I fight ANY change and I understand with a business, change is needed.  But yet, I fight it!  Thanks to nanny Emma’s kind nudging and my amazing nanny Savannah Perico’s artistic abilities I have been slowly but eagerly updating my logo.  I have ordered new hoodies and v-neck tee shirts and cannot wait to share with my nannies.  I will be drawing five nannies on Thursday for hoodies and five nannies for our new v-neck tees! 

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23rd

CHILL NIGHT IN!  Gift basket raffle, including everything you will need for a nice, relaxing night in.  No need to worry about dinner or snacks because we got you covered.  Snuggle up in your BIG ONE blanket and check out the menus for delivery from OTTO’s pizza as you will have $25 and also $50 towards the dozens of restaurants on 2DineIn  Also included are a couple of Maine Beer Co LUNCH IPA’s, some chocolate yummies, popcorn, and nuts.  If DVD’s were still a thing, I would throw in some classics!  Who doesn’t love a chill, cozy night in?!

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Update about Maine's vaccination distribution Phase 1B plan

January 20, 2021

Hello Nannies,

I have been working on this update over the past couple of weeks hoping to have a better idea on the COVID vaccination distribution timing.  It seems that there still isn’t a firm timeline with the phase 1B vaccination plan nor is there a determination yet if nannies will be qualified as an essential worker as current classification is specifically listed as teacher/daycare worker.

Phase 1b is dedicated to protecting vulnerable residents and frontline workers.   Nannies have been considered essential workers from the very beginning of the COVID pandemic.  Because nannies have continued to work and have had a higher risk of exposure while working, I am hopeful that nannies will be included in the State of Maine Phase 1B vaccination plan, likely to begin next month.   The state is reviewing these recommendations and will make final determinations as this part of Phase 1b approaches. This website will be updated with that information once available.  https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/public-faq  

Phase 1B currently includes teachers and daycare workers specifically- which leads me to assume it would include nannies but the State of Maine is unwilling to make that determination at this time.  It sounds like more info is coming very soon about potential eligibility and I will email nannies at that time.  Maine aims to complete Phase 1B by April!  When the determination has been made if nannies qualify, here is a listing of vaccination sites.

I wish I had a more finalized answer about the ability to obtain the COVID vaccines under the Phase 1B distribution plan in Maine but I will keep you updated over the upcoming days.

Be well, stay healthy, and thank you for all that you do!

Elizabeth Tedford, Portland Nannies

COVID safe activities to do with children as it gets cooler.

MAINE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER

In light of the recent Stay-at-Home Order for the state of Maine, many nannies and families are left wondering if this is applicable to them. Childcare Providers are listed as essential workers and therefore nannies may continue in their current position at both the family and nanny's discretion.

I have been reviewing the updates as posted, CHILDCARE is mentioned always as an essential service. I agree that is seems confusing when trying to determine your own individual situation. The mandate says that travel to and from work to provide childcare is permissible. I have not seen any exclusions stated that the parent's job has to be considered essential in order for the nanny to continue work. That to me seems like it should be determined between the family and nanny if her role is deemed essential during this time. I do have an email off to the State seeking specific clarifications in our industry and will follow up with any updates. Also, I do see that all essential workers are mandated to maintain a minimum of six foot distance, which I interpret to be from the employers and obviously not the children!

UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Nannies and families, please read the latest news about the changes in unemployment benefits. Many are feeling the strain of COVID-19 as it impacts employment here in Maine. The virus has forced closures and layoffs across our state, and the new emergency legislation will extend eligibility of unemployment benefits.

COVID-19 UPDATE

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Hello Nannies,

Summer is sadly coming to an end and as always, it seemed to go by too quickly.  While I know many folks look forward to the fall season, I am not quite ready to say goodbye to the sunshine especially after this amazing weekend!  There is a lot of unpredictability in the nanny industry but one that that has always remained true, that August/September is our busiest transitional period of the year.  I want to thank you all for your patience and understanding if I wasn’t able to answer your call or get right back to you.  I want you to always feel like I am here for you, available, and that you are my priority but I am aware that this time of year I am not as quick with my responses.  

Things are back to a more normal busy pace at the office and I am looking forward to catching up with some of our newer nannies and nannies that are just starting with their new families.  I want to welcome  our newest nannies with Portland Nannies- welcome Nanny Kate, Destiny, Lynn, Sarah, Laura, Micheala, Tammy, Ashley, Taylor, Lisa, Bridget, Alison, June, Sara, Elizabeth, Hannah, Maria, Stefanie, Jenn, and Emma.  I would like to welcome back nannies Meghan, Julia, Gia, Kristen, Katie, Shelby, Ashley, Amanda, Carly, Laurie, Dayla, Karla, Erin, Carol, Mary, Diane, Alexis, Noralee, Jen, Lynne, Aliza, Katie, and Meaghan!  I am grateful having such wonderful, professional childcare providers representing my agency! 

The International Nanny Association is excited to support all the hard working nannies during interNational Nanny Recognition Week  September 22-28, 2019.

In order to honor your service to the children and families in your care, they will be holding a RECOGNITION WEEK CELEBRATION SALE during the week of INNRW.  All in-home childcare professionals are encouraged to become INA members or renew their membership by Sunday September 29th to take advantage of this offer Childcare Professional Memberships are $40, a $15 savings.  Sign up: https://crm.nanny.org/public/login/membership/5d6441780f777e929908579f4a3b79a4505b1896/1  

interNational Nanny Recognition Week September 22-28 2019

PORTLAND NANNIES would like to thank all of our amazing nannies, we wouldn’t be here without your dedication and support!  Our families are forever grateful having you as part of their family and caring for their children.   Thank you Nannies, truly for everything and HAPPY NANNY RECOGNITION WEEK!! As a way to show my appreciation, I would like to invite you to the following offerings this week, all free of charge for you. 

MONDAY Stop by Broadway Gardens, 1640 Broadway South Portland, between the hours of 3pm-7pm and pick up a thank you bouquet of flowers.  Go to the main building and Eva will put together a nice arrangement for you, courtesy of Portland Nannies. 

WEDNESDAY  Stop by OTTOs Pizza, 125 John Roberts Rd in South Portland after work, between the hours of 4-6pm for a happy hour slice and drink.  I will grab us a picnic table, stop by anytime during those hours. 

FRIDAY  Treat Yourself!  What is your go-to for relaxing? Getting a Massage? Day at the Spa? Going out to eat?  Perhaps some Shopping?  We are raffling off a Visa Gift Card for $50 to one lucky nanny. 

FRIDAY OR SATURDAY  Stop by Cake Elizabeth, 851 Sawyer Rd in South Portland anytime between 10am-6pm for a yummy home made with natural ingredients cupcake, cake pop, or cupcake-in-a-jar, courtesy of Portland Nannies     

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And 2019 is off to a busy start here at Portland Nannies!  We had yet another record breaking year with 2018 being our most successful year to date.  Many thanks to all of our families and nannies in trusting in our agency.  We welcomed many new nannies to Portland Nannies and continued our relationships with nannies that have been with us for years.  Recently placed in their newest families are nanny Jaime and Nanny Storm who have been with us for over 20 years and Nanny Emily with us for over 10 years.   We appreciate working with you all of these years and look forward to many more.  Portland Nannies is looking to add to our pool of nannies, if you know of any qualified providers please have them apply with us.  We offer referral incentives for any nanny referrals that are placed in a position with our agency.   We are a word of mouth business and appreciate all of your support.

Portland Nannies has been helping families and nannies since 1985.  This past year was our most successful year yet.  In 2017 we worked with over 200 families to find their perfect childcare provider- this included over 30 full-time nannies, over 30 part-time nannies, and about 150 babysitters, hotel sitters, and on-call/emergency sitters.  Thank you for trusting in Portland Nannies, it has been an incredible year!

BOWLING NANNY NIGHT OUT!

Join Elizabeth and Portland Nannies as we Beat the Brewer at Easy Day in South Portland.
WHEN: Thursday March 29th 5:45pm-8pm
WHERE: Easy Day Bowling 725 Broadway So Portland
WHO: Nannies of all ages. Join the Portland Nannies bowling team as we compete for 1st & 2nd place against the brewers at Rising Tide Brewing. Two games, shoes, and 1st tasty pint of beer (21+ for beer) all for $20/person.
REG REQUIRED, Limited spots, email the office!