subject: How to Find the Perfect Nanny [print this page] How to Find the Perfect Nanny How to Find the Perfect Nanny
After the birth of your child it may be necessary financially for you to return to work. You find yourself in the position of trying to locate someone you can feel completely confident in to care for your child while you are away. You may have decided to hire a nanny to take over the childcare in your absence. There are many options available to you, and whether you want someone to live-in, or come to your home each day is up to you. Whatever you decide to do it is extremely important that you keep the safety and well being of your children uppermost in your mind.
Many families use the services of an online nanny agency to locate someone who fits their criteria. The people who are registered with the agency have submitted to background and reference checks when they signed up. While this is a good thing, it is important for you to do your own checking before allowing someone into your home. For a small fee you can hire a company that will do a very thorough background check on the person you are considering.
Make sure the company will be doing an in depth check of the person. Ask whether they include criminal record screenings and sexual offender listings. A Social Security Number (SSN) match to the name and address is crucial, as well as a search of any aliases that may have been used previously. Take all this information into consideration, and still implement your own methods of checking. Always call the people listed on a reference and speak with them personally. Although some people may be adverse to speaking about a past employee this is not normally the case.
Always make sure you give yourself plenty of time to search for the right person. This will allow you to be very thorough with your check into the background of this person, and give you the time you need to make sure you have not overlooked anything important. In fact, if you know that you will be needing this type of childcare it is a good idea to start your search even before your child is born. That way, you will have all the time you need to interview and check as many prospective employees as you wish.
Don't make the mistake of accepting any information at face value. If something about the person does not feel right, trust your instincts. When it comes to the safety and security of your children nothing is more important than keeping them from harm. If anyone objects to your questions or gives you an evasive answer show them the door immediately. This is not the person you want.
