5 Steps To Choose A Good Nanny

The various ways in which a child can be looked after at home are a parent, a relative like grandparents, a professional daycare center or a nanny. Understanding the concept of nannies, they are individuals that are employed to give one on one childcare at your home; they could be part time, full time and even live with you and your family. Some even work up to 40 hours a week unsupervised.

5 steps to choose a good nanny:

 
Assess your needs:

Once you have decided to hire a nanny, next consider your family needs and dynamics and decide to hire one that meets your specific requirements. This involves deciding the following before writing up a job description:

• Whether a live in or live out nanny would be best for you and your family.

• Upon the type of schedule you would want your household to run.

• Whether your children have any special needs.

• Other duties you expect the nanny to perform in addition to childcare.

• Whether you have pets that have to be cared for.

• Whether the nanny has to run errands and transport your children in a car.

• Think hard and then decide if you can afford it.

Finding a nanny:

 
The next step involves the finding of a nanny that you can trust; the easiest way is to place word of mouth to other families as well as asking them for references. You may get a few good leads.

You would also be smart to consult professional nanny placement agencies and training programs; they make matches between nannies and families easy by locating, screening and managing the hiring procedure for a fee. 

The Screening Process:

Next comes the process of screening; according to the International Nanny Association a nanny must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent and must be in good health with proof of immunizations.

It is important to conduct a background check; check work history, education records, driving record, criminal history, credit report and Social Security number. Also verify that your prospective nanny is eligible to work in the U.S. Keep in mind that this isn’t a secret process and your applicants can ask to see any screening you do.

Meet your match:

It is best to find a prospective nanny that clicks with your family; interviews give you and the nanny a chance for a face-to-face interaction. You could introduce the candidate to your children and see how they interact. Clearly state your expectations like duties, hours, wages, and vacations in a detailed manner and listen to how the candidate responds. 

Though it is not necessary for nannies to have any specialized training, licensing or degree, if you want you could insist on a professional nanny who is certified in first aid, CPR training and other courses in child development. The International Nanny Association offers a nanny credential exam. Most important of all trust your instincts.

Up Next

Hiring a nanny is more than a search; it also involves the work of being an employer and paying a salary, payroll taxes which include at least federal and state unemployment insurance tax and FICA. Also if you pay your nanny more than $1,500 a year, you're going to get hit with nanny tax.

Image Courtesy: Google