Today's nanny may be young or old, male or female, part-time, full-time or an emergency-care provider. But what all nannies do have in common is that they are child care specialists.

Perhaps the International Nanny Association says it best with their definition of nanny: "A nanny is a child care specialist. A nanny's workplace is in a family's private home and his/her job is providing one-on-one attention and the best possible care for the family's children. The work may be full-time or part-time, and the nanny may or may not live with the family. The nanny's role is to provide support to the family by serving as a loving, nurturing and trustworthy companion to the children. A nanny offers the family convenient, high quality care to meet each child's physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs."

And it seems today's parents are increasingly seeking nannies as a preferred child care choice for their beloved children. There are a number of reasons for the increase in demand for nannies: "Some such reasons include the increase of dual income and single parent households; increased threat and fear of illness from traditional daycare centers; and the logistical challenges that families face resulting in schedules that just don't fit traditional daycares and after-school programs."

Nanny Poppinz™ was founded by a "Mommy." In fact, their slogan is "A Nanny Agency Created by Moms for Moms." President Deneane Maldonado says they gave birth to their dream, Nanny Poppinz™ after years of consulting and managing other nanny agencies. They offer their services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Susan Priem, Vice-President of Nanny Poppinz™ says the definition of nanny is changing: "Parents who presume nannies are all live-ins are incorrect." Their nanny services are many and varied, and include: conventional childcare, "Day at the Park" nannies, emergency childcare, foreign language nannies, newborn specialists, live-in nannies, live-out nannies, summer nannies and tutors/home-schooling nannies, to name a few.

All Nanny Poppinz™ nannies are experienced childcare providers, CPR-certified and trained in First aid. Candidates are put through an extensive screening process that includes a national background check. Nanny Poppinz™ nannies do not need to be college educated, but Priem says any education is a plus: "We feel that experience is a better indicator of a nanny being a great nanny. Education is a wonderful addition but experience is a better indicator of their abilities." Prospective nannies must have at least three years of childcare experience, and a minimum of three verifiable childcare related references.

Priem says their nanny franchise is a win-win for all: "In addition to being personally rewarding that you're helping families with their precious children, the nannies are appreciative because they're finding gainful employment and a family that's a good match; as opposed to doing this on their own." Priem recalled, "A couple with children came to us that moved out-of-state and hadn't gone out for two years because family wasn't there." Nanny Poppinz™ came to their rescue. With so many families today separated geographically, says Priem, nannies can be a welcome solution.

Florida-based Nanny Poppinz™ was founded in 1999 and has just begun franchising. Today they have three franchises and two company-run stores. Their franchise goal is to have 200 franchises within five years. They are looking for franchisees "who will be hands-on with their business, want to be their own boss and still be very active in their family life." Priem says their franchise system is a good choice for someone looking for a home-based business with little overhead.