Mandarin-speaking nanny

[primata]

We're moving to Singapore next month with a couple of small children. I'm wondering if it's possible to get a Mandarin-speaking nanny? Live-in, part-time...? If so, where's the best place to find her? Many thanks for your help!

[Chey10]

I suggust you placed your child in a childcare centre,
they have certified staff to take care of your child.
This will give you a piece of mind.

[carolynW]

There are a number of families I know here who have "chinese" speaking maids... so when my helper went back I started to look for one, here is my experience.

I spent 2 weeks calling every maid agency I know, all had none. I left my number with every agency I spoke to. Nothing came up in the next 3 weeks.

Then 2 weeks ago 3 chinese speaking ones popped up! not all at once, they get taken really quickly too (these agencies really just trade on turnover of these helpers!). I didn't want to miss out and managed to interview 2 over the phone. The first was an indonesian who spent 5 years in Taiwan, she was very assertive but polite over the phone interview, at the agency she seemed alot more subservient (maybe in front of the agency who seemed rather fierce to these helpers, it was a bit surreal as I walked into the agency, all the maids stood up and bowed).

The other was a filipino who had spent 3 years in Taiwan and a rougher vocabulary. I am not sure how its all going to work out yet. I picked the indonesian one and 2 days later another agency called.

I plan to send the indonesian one to attend chinese classes to the local community center or the school my kids go to at the Chinese International has free classes for the helpers.

My advice is that first you cannot expect a china speaking helper here as they are not allowed to work here (apparently the women's group turned down allowing chinese helpers working here). Call all the agencies and leave your number and then either wait or keep calling them again.

Good luck!

[Suzu]

Domestic one would be a great place to locate a part-time nanny.

http://www.domestic1.com.sg/

Most of the nanny are local and I think you can request a Chinese speaking nanny as well.