Understanding literacy milestones and development strategies will help nannies deepen the influence they have on the development of the children in their care. A nanny can play an important role in supporting the development of a child’s literacy skills. They’re a vital part of the child’s overall development. Literacy skills are the pillar of doing well at school, socializing with peers and eventually becoming an independent adult. Before children can learn to read or write they need to develop the foundation for literacy.