When deciding which childcare solutions are best for your family hiring a nanny is probably something you have considered. Our agency walks you through the process of finding reliable childcare from beginning to end. We are local nanny experts that can help you identify high-quality, compatible candidates. Hiring a nanny doesn’t have to be a stressful experience! “But what is involved in hiring a nanny?” you may be wondering. Whether you choose to use an agency or hire a nanny on your own, these are the most important steps to hire a nanny successfully.
1. Determine Your Needs
Start by making a job description for your potential candidates. Jot down all the tasks they will have to perform, the timings, the routine, and whatever you expect from them. This step will require a bit of patience, but it will save you a lot of time in the long run. What days and times will the nanny need to work? Will you guarantee hours? What pay rate will you be offering? Can you offer any other benefits for the right candidate? What duties would you like the nanny to perform while in your home? Does the nanny need to have any certifications or specific experience? What type of personality would fit best with your family? You will need to be very clear and concise about what you are looking for if you want the search to be successful. Then, write a compelling job ad that will attract the right candidates.
2. The Planning Process
When the applications start rolling in, be strategic and intentional in your approach to sorting through them. Decide ahead of time what your process will be and what your standards are. Think about in what order will you interview, do reference checks, background checks, etc. When you start feeling desperate, it’s easy to make allowances for things you wouldn’t ordinarily tolerate. Deciding ahead of time what your deal breakers or ideals are and writing them down will guide you through murky waters.
3. The Screening Process
Don’t just take anyone’s word when it comes to picking a caretaker for your child. Conduct background checks, make professional references mandatory, and verify them as well. You can even ask them to go through drug checks if need be. To get a better idea about what an extensive and effective screening process looks like, check out the requirements we have for our nannies. As a general rule of thumb, we encourage you to call at least three previous employers for references, conduct an in-person interview, and run the necessary background checks.
4. The Legal Procedures
Many families are not aware of the many legal and financial responsibilities of employment. Be sure to talk with your accountant to make sure you are staying in compliance with state and federal laws.
Final Words
Nannies are essential as they will not only be responsible for looking after your precious child, but they will also play a huge role in their development. If you are new to the nanny world and ready to hire your first household employee or you’re embarking on your second, third, or fourth nanny search and know how much work it can be, let us help! It’s only $250 to get the process started and have a consultation with our expert matchmaker. She will introduce your family to screened, hand-selected, compatible candidates. The summer is almost upon us. Let us help find you safe in-home childcare solutions.
