subject: Hiring a Nanny? Be Sure to Perform a Background Check [print this page] Criminal background checks can be conducted to gain additional information about a particular person that you may need to learn more about, like someone you may be entrusting with valuable goods or the care of small children. Background checks are an important tool (of many) that help to keep the work and home environment safe. In fact, there are many reasons why one would want to perform a background check; when hiring a new employee, when hiring a teacher, when going on a blind date, to name just a few. However, it is very important you do a background check before you hire a nanny.
When hiring a nanny or a babysitter, it is very important to know the background of the individual who is going to take care of your child. With the potential for abuse, it is a wise decision to do a background check before you can come to a decision.
Once you decide to hire a nanny, make sure you interview the individual properly. Don't rush into the decision. It's not necessary that you should hire the very first person you interview. During the interview, ask the potential candidates to give at least 3 references of past work. Call these employers and ask them about his/her behavior and conduct. Take your time to assess the candidates until you and your kids are comfortable with someone. When you select a candidate, before appointing him/her, put them on a 1 week trial period. Make sure you are around to see how this person handles and treats your children.
Most importantly, tell the potential nanny that you are going to perform a background check on him/her. Prepare a document stating the same and get him/her to sign on it. It is their right to refuse to a background check, but that does mean that the person might be trying to hide something. Do you want your kids to be with such a person? In my opinion, always look for a person who is open for a background check and comes out clean.
Hiring a Nanny? Be Sure to Perform a Background Check
