Learn About the CareStyle Approach
Not every family needs the same kind of household support. That’s why Kensington pioneered the CareStyle™ approach.
We are the only agency that matches a nanny’s natural strengths to the needs of the role.
Understanding your family’s CareStyle helps us identify candidates who fit your household, your child’s needs, and the way you want care to feel.
Below are the most common nanny CareStyles we see:
Child-Focused Nanny
For families who want more than supervision.
These nannies bring structure, age-appropriate learning, and intentional developmental planning into your home. They understand milestones and prepare daily activities to support fine motor skills, language acquisition, independence, and more. Ideal for newborn, infants, toddlers, younger children, and families who value education-based caregiving.
Common in: Full-time nanny placements, early childhood homes, households prioritizing cognitive or sensory development.
Balanced-Care Nanny
For families who need a bit of everything.
This is our most versatile placement. Balanced-care nannies split their time between engaged childcare and household support, light laundry, dishes, tidying, and meal prep are all handled with professionalism. These nannies help the home feel organized while still prioritizing the children’s routines and needs.
Common in: Dual-working parent homes, part-time nanny arrangements, or households with multiple children and competing priorities.
Household Support Nanny
For when the home needs attention too.
This role is best for families with school-aged children or those who need an extra pair of hands. These nannies offer light supervision but focus mainly on home management, laundry, errands, meal prep, organization, and family support tasks, freeing parents to come home to a space that feels calm, organized, and under control.
Common in: Large, busy households, frequent travelers, or households juggling schedules, activities, and guests, especially during peak seasons.
Afternoon or After-School Nanny
For structure between pickup and bedtime.
These nannies step in during critical afternoon hours, handling school pickups, homework help, playdates, early dinners, and evening transitions. They provide calm, capable support during a busy time of day and ensure your child’s after-school routine stays on track.
Common in: Part-time nanny placements, working parent households, or families with multiple children in school.
Supervisory Household Nanny (Ages 10+)
For families with preteens and teens.
This role blends household management with a gentle supervisory presence for older children. While not hands-on in the traditional sense, these nannies support structure, scheduling, transportation, and general oversight, perfect for families seeking maturity and reliability.
Common in: Busy families, business-travel households, or families with minimal childcare needs but high household demands.
Not Sure What You Need?
Let us help. We’ll help you choose the right care style, and ensure every candidate is prepared before they walk through your door.
Setting a Competitive Salary
At Kensington, we understand that every family has unique care styles and priorities. Choosing the right nanny is not only about finding daily support, it is about investing in your child’s development and long-term well-being. That’s why we can help families structure compensation that aligns with the role’s value, market expectations, and the professionalism a skilled nanny brings.
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