CNM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CNM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the focus of developmental psychology in childcare? → Understanding children's cognitive, emotional, and social growth
2. A family requests that the nanny speak only a specific language with their child. When communicating this requirement, the nanny manager should: → Include the language requirement in the written placement agreement
3. Which behavior is a RED FLAG for developmental delay in a 12-month-old? → No single words (e.g., 'mama,' 'dada')
4. A child has a deep laceration that is bleeding heavily. After applying direct pressure, the bleeding does not slow after 10 minutes. What is your next step? → Call 911 and maintain pressure with additional dressings on top
5. Which of the following temperatures constitutes a fever in a child 3 months to 3 years old, warranting parental notification? → 100.4°F (38°C) rectal or equivalent
6. A nanny reports to the manager that a parent made an inappropriate comment about her appearance. The nanny manager should: → Document the incident and address it directly with the family
7. A family suddenly stops responding to the nanny manager's communications. The most appropriate next step is: → Send a certified letter and attempt contact via alternate methods on file
8. What is the recommended response if a child discloses abuse to a nanny manager during play or a routine activity? → Remain calm, listen without judgment, avoid leading questions, and report to authorities
9. Which of the following best describes 'scaffolding' as used in early childhood education? → Providing temporary support to help a child master a skill just beyond their current level
10. Which of the following is the safest sleep environment for an infant under 12 months? → A firm, flat surface with no loose bedding in a separate crib
11. A family asks the nanny manager to mediate a disagreement between two parents about childcare rules. The nanny manager should: → Facilitate a neutral conversation focused on consistent childcare outcomes
12. A child is found unconscious and not breathing. You are alone. After calling 911, what is the correct sequence? → Begin 30 chest compressions, then give 2 rescue breaths — repeat
13. Introducing a new food to a toddler who has previously rejected it should involve: → Offering it repeatedly (up to 10–15 times) in a relaxed manner
14. Household employers in the US are generally required to pay the employer share of which payroll taxes? → Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) taxes, plus federal unemployment tax (FUTA)
15. What is the minimum recommended ratio of child-to-first-aid-kit supplies that a nanny manager should ensure is maintained? → One fully stocked kit accessible per care location with regular inventory checks
16. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), live-out nannies are generally entitled to: → Minimum wage and overtime pay at 1.5x for hours worked over 40 per week
17. A nanny manager is asked by a parent to discipline a child using a method that conflicts with the agency's ethical standards. The CNM should: → Explain the agency's guidelines and suggest an alternative approach
18. When a child refuses to follow a direction, an effective strategy to avoid a power struggle is to offer: → A limited choice between two acceptable options
19. A parent texts the nanny manager at 10 PM about a minor schedule adjustment for next week. What is the most professional response approach? → Acknowledge receipt and respond in full during business hours
20. A CNM is working with a child who uses hitting as a primary form of communication. The most developmentally appropriate intervention is to: → Teach verbal or gestural alternatives while setting firm limits
21. Which of the following is an example of proactive household management rather than reactive management? → Monitoring supply levels and reordering at a preset minimum threshold
22. Why is it important for nannies to be trained in CPR and first aid? → To respond effectively to emergencies and ensure the child’s safety
23. Why is attachment theory important in childcare? → It highlights the significance of secure caregiver-child bonds
24. Iron-fortified single-grain infant cereal is often recommended as an early first food primarily because: → Infants' iron stores from birth deplete around 6 months and dietary iron becomes critical
25. When supporting a family that has experienced a child safety incident, the nanny manager's communication priority is: → Ensure the family feels heard and supported while following mandatory reporting protocols
26. A nanny manager wants to improve family retention. Which communication strategy is MOST effective long-term? → Conducting regular proactive check-ins to assess satisfaction and address concerns early
27. A school-age child in the 'Industry vs. Inferiority' stage benefits most from: → Opportunities to complete tasks and receive recognition for competence
28. Why is it important for nannies to be aware of attachment theory? → To provide emotional support and security
29. Which behavior management technique involves identifying the antecedent, behavior, and consequence to understand why a behavior occurs? → A-B-C (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) analysis
30. Which of the following best describes authoritative parenting, the style associated with the most positive child outcomes? → High control, high warmth, clear rules with explanations and flexibility