Strategic Session on Developing the Nanny Profession
A two-day strategic session to develop the nanny profession in Ukraine was held by the Ministry of Social Policy and the International Labour Organization. The event aimed to develop systemic solutions for formalizing this field of work.
Participants included representatives from government bodies, international organizations, and expert communities. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from international experience and key approaches to formalizing employment in the care sector. Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity, Lyudmyla Shemelets, emphasized:
“We entrust nannies with what is most precious to us—our children—yet this sector remains largely unregulated. Our task is to develop a fully-fledged nanny institution in Ukraine. The people who work with children significantly influence the development of the next generation and the values they will adopt.”
The Significance of Formalizing the Profession
A crucial aspect of this process is the upcoming enforcement of a law on support for families with children, which takes effect on January 1, 2026. This law will provide the foundation for the further development and formalization of the nanny profession in Ukraine, representing a timely step toward ensuring quality childcare.
Formalizing the nanny profession could significantly improve service quality in this sector by enabling the introduction of professional training standards and accountability. As the nanny institution develops in Ukraine, it will not only increase parents' trust in specialists but also elevate the overall culture of childcare, which will positively impact future generations.
The state's role in supporting and regulating this process will also be vital and could become an important factor for the country's social development. This move aligns with broader European trends toward recognizing and professionalizing domestic care work, which often exists in a legal gray area.