Definitions

Babysitter - provides temporary care for children on a irregular basis, either full or part-time.  No special training or background  expected.  Basically provides a safe environment while the parents are away      .

Au Pair -  May be either foreign or American.  If European, live here up to a year to experience American life. May not have childcare experience.  In either case, they usually work under supervision or direction of the parent.

Nanny - employed to work either full or part-time either as live-in or live-out.  Tasks of a nanny are usually centered around childcare.  Examples of what a typical nanny does are related to the children are: cooking, laundry, errands and picking up after the children.  Nannies will also pick or drop off your children for school, or sports events.  Many times they also clean up the sink area and empty the dishwasher or other light chores if they have the time.  Sometimes nannies will also do extra light household chores for a slight increase in pay.  Nannies sometimes have formal training and all have solid experience.  Nannies work unsupervised.

Governess - usually an highly educated person for school age children.  They can offer to teach children and are not normally concerned with domestic work or younger children.