Strange request but I have a disability and have an opportunity to be an au pair

[hellokittymania]

Is there any way of shadowing a childminder for a month? Where else can I get experience?

I am visually impaired and it does scare people a bit...

Any ideas....?

Shadowing a nanny may be better as a nanny works in a families home, and thus does childcare and often some domestic tasks. It would be a closer match.

Not sure how you would go about getting such an opportunity. I suppose if a friend or relative knows someone with a nanny, then that may give you the opportunity.

It would depend on just how impaired your vision is.

Middle, it's quite impaired. I wanted to be an au pair at 20, but, as I mentioned, I always have to "prove myself" and people are hesitant to let me try.

There is a job offer for an au pair who has a VI, and I'd love to do it. I just don't want to start without any experience.

Cindy, I started my own organisation in order to work in Asia and have been here for 8 years...

I don't give up easily. :)

If you could demonstrate to me that you could look after my DDs, then I don't see it would be a problem. Burpt, for example, would you be able to see them if they ran off in the park?

Middle, this is why I want to shadow someone, to know what to expect :)

I think being with a family as a mother's help would give you a better idea of what to expect as an au pair.

Are you still in Asia? If not, you could put an ad on either gumtree or in a shop window offering an extra pair of hands for a local family who has a SAHM. That way you could see if the role is for you.

Is it your central vision or peripheral vision thats more impaired? If its mainly a peripheral vision problem you would be probably better with school age children as they are less likely to run off and helping with homework without having to use a LVA would be easier.

The other alternative is to just offer a trial weekend with the family who are advertising for the au pair with a VI. That way you can both see if you're a good fit.