- WHERE TO FIND A CAREGIVER: Accredited nanny agencies are a great resource – make sure they are licensed, bonded and remember to ask how they screen their candidates.
- REFERENCES, REFERENCES, REFERENCES: It is extremely important to make sure you know the work history of the candidate you hire. The agency you deal with should be speaking to at least 2 prior employers. If you want to speak directly with a reference don’t hesitate to make that request. If you are not utilizing an agency, references are still an extremely important step in the process. Speak to references directly and never accept only a written letter.
- BACKGROUND CHECKS: This is NOT just a simple Social Security check. A basic background check should be run by an accredited outside Agency. The background report should provide Social Security number verification, Address History, Driving History, State and Federal Prison Search, Homeland Security Check, National Sexual Offender Database Search, State and Federal Çriminal Database Search, and more if needed.
- CHILDCARE PHILOSOPHY: For example: How do they handle discipline, sibling rivalry, nutrition, education, etc.? Are their views consistent with your views?
- STAY AT HOME PARENT OR WORKING PARENT?: Some nannies are more comfortable depending on the type of home situation they work in. If you plan to stay at home it is important to relay this information to your caregiver at the beginning of the work relationship.
- PERSONALITY: Everyone is different and just because your friend “loved” a nanny doesn’t mean that it will be a good fit in your home. Be realistic about what type of personality you think will work best in your home.
- CAREGIVER’S SCHEDULE: When hiring a Nanny what will their daily/weekly schedule be? Weekdays? Weekends? Evenings? It is important to be realistic about the work schedule from the beginning. Your family’s needs should dictate the kind of candidate who can work with the schedule.
- LONGEVITY: How long a nanny has worked with their previous employer can tell a story about the candidate. Jumping around from job to job is a red flag.
- RED FLAGS: Disclosing personal information about previous employers, showing up late for an interview, looking untidy or messy, answering a phone call during an interview, discussing salary repeatedly during the interview, etc. Remember the first impression really makes a difference — how a candidate presents during your initial meeting is important.
- LIFESTYLE: It is important that your caregiver has a complimentary lifestyle to your family. For example: Will they need to know how to drive? Do they need to swim? If you have animals, does the potential caregiver have allergies? Do they believe in healthy eating and know how to prepare meals that fit those requests?