When you set out to find a nanny for your family, it can be a daunting task. With so many caregivers out there, how in the world do you begin to narrow them down and find the perfect one for your family? This is why we have created a list to go by when searching for the ideal nanny. Follow these crucial steps and you will be on the right path in no time!

Create Your Must Have List – Are you looking to find a nanny who can tutor your children as well as care for them? Do you want someone who will be a strong disciplinarian or someone who is more laid back? Does your nanny need to be CPR/First Aid certified? What other duties would you like for your nanny to handle such as transportation, laundry, cooking? These are all very important factors to think about before you begin searching for a nanny. Figure Out Your Budget – Will you pay them hourly, weekly or put them on a salary? Will you provide benefits for your nanny including sick/vacation time, paid holidays and pay when you do not need them? For more details on what to pay your nanny, refer to our “what to pay your nanny” post on our blog. Start Your Nanny Search – Sites such as TheCarePost.com allow you to search for nannies in your area based on the criteria that you provide such as location, age, experience or pay rate. As you scroll through nannies in your area, you are able to save the nannies you are interested in to your favorites. This allows you to get a good list of qualified candidates and compare their profiles. Contact Nannies of Interest and Set Up Interviews – It is best before you start setting up interviews to contact all of the nannies you are interested in and make sure that this is a position of interest for them and fits their availability. This will save you a lot of time in the forefront. You also should create a list of interview questions so that you will be prepared when meeting with your potential caregivers. Reference and Background Checks – Never hire a nanny without checking references and running a Background Check. Most nanny websites allow you to view reference information on the candidates you are interested in and request Background Checks for those Caregivers who do not have one on file. Those sites are usually very strict on which Caregivers are allowed on their site once a Background Check is processed. Extend an Offer - Once you have taken all of the steps above to ensure you have found the right nanny for your family, you are ready to extend an offer. It is best for all parties involved if you create an agreement that states all of the terms of the position. This should include pay rate and frequency, benefits, who will handle taxes, sick/vacation policies, reimbursement for expenses that the nanny might incur (gas, groceries, ect), and the duties and responsibilities of the nanny. Make sure the agreement is signed by both parties. Orientation – It is sometimes easier on both parties to have the nanny come for a designated time to have a “trial run” of the position. This will allow you to be able to show them where everything is, allow the kids to interact with them and let them ask any questions they might run across while at your home. Also make sure that you leave your nanny a list of important phone numbers and addresses of emergency contacts such as the doctor, dentist, hospital of preference, school phone numbers and teacher names, your work and cell numbers and contact information of a neighbor or close relative if you can’t be reached.

This article should help you get started in your quest in finding a nanny for your family.

By: Clint Hines

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