There are several resources available specifically tailored towards gardening with young one’s, here are a couple of places to start:

Seattle Tilth: Children’s Garden Education Programs–check out this website for Garden Camps for ages 1 through 14 from June through August, also mark your calendar for their upcoming Edible Plant Sales found here.  Their “Maritime Northwest Garden Guide” is also invaluable for figuring out when to plant what and how in the NW climate.

Plan a visit to the Children’s Garden at Magnuson Park to get inspired!  Children ages 5-13 helped design the park, which includes: paths, flower beds, a Starfish border, and Big Blue Whale bed.  Work parties are held regularly Spring through Fall.  Also, check out the Children’s Garden at Marra Farm in South Seattle, where regular gardening and nutrition classes are held for school-age children.

Check out websites like KidsGardening.com or books such as Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots: Gardening Together with Children for more great resources and ideas!

There are several options in Washington state for achieiving education goals. The first is the STARS program. This program is designed to improve childcare through basic training and continuing education. It is mandatory for anyone working in a licensed facility, but it is also available to nannies as well. They offer several options for completing the basic 20 hour program, including online courses, site-based courses, and self-paced correspondence courses. The fees range from $95-$155, depending upon the course you choose.

The second option is to get an AA or BA in Early Childhood Development from a local community college or university. The Washington State Department of Early Learning offers scholarships, apprenticeship programs, and access to various continuing education opportunities.

There are also many organizations that support nannies and early childhood educators. The Washington Association for the Education of Young Children is dedicated to improving the quality and accessibility of early care and education programs for children birth-eight years old. They have regular classes, workshops, and publications all centered around increasing knowledge. The Northwest Nanny Association is a non-profit nanny support group in your own backyard! Their goal is to promote education in the field of childhood development, social networking, and advocacy for the nanny community. The International Nanny Association is another nanny support group whose goal is to serve the in-home childcare industry by providing education, information, and guidance.

Last, but not least, is networking with other nannies. By forming playgroups and your own nanny support groups you can share information-not only the educational kind, but stories good and bad. Being a nanny is a very rewarding career, but it can also be isolating at times. Getting out and meeting other nannies can help you feel more connected and satisfied in your career.