Nannies provide essential childcare services, ensuring that children are safe, well-fed, ,engaged in age-appropriate activities and are well taken care of. Having a great nanny can provide children with a sense of stability and consistency, which can be beneficial for their emotional and psychological development. You should start looking for a Nanny 3-6 months before you plan to hire one, as it might take you a while to find the perfect fit for your family.
When hiring a nanny, it's important to consider several factors, including:
- Experience and qualifications: Look for a nanny who has relevant experience and qualifications, such as a degree in early childhood education or a background in nanny work.
- Personality and compatibility: It's important to find a nanny whose personality and parenting style are compatible with your own.
- References and background check: Ask for references and consider conducting a background check to ensure the nanny has a clean history.
- Safety and first aid training: Look for a nanny who has safety and first aid training, so you can feel confident that your children are in good hands. You can also pay your nanny to undergo CPR and First Aid training. American Redcross offers variety of courses.
- Flexibility and availability: Consider the nanny's availability and flexibility to work with your schedule.
- Communication and rapport: It's important to have good communication and rapport with your nanny, so you can feel comfortable discussing your children's needs and progress.
Here are some suggested questions to ask when interviewing for a potential nanny,
- Do you have availability during the time period I am requesting support for (It will be a good idea to share the number of days and hrs of support you are requesting)
- What experience, relevant certificates or continuing education do you have?
- What formal nanny or childcare training have you completed? If you have not completed formal training, are you open to taking classes?
- Are you fluent in a second language such as sign language, Spanish, French, German, or Mandarin?
- Why did you choose to become a Nanny?
- How many parents have you supported?
- What was your typical daily routine at your last childcare position?
- What are your favorite ages to care for and why?
- What are your strengths as a nanny? What is an area you would like to improve as a nanny?
- Tell me about a time you taught a child a new behavior, skills, or provided an age-appropriate learning experience.
- What would you do if a toddler refused to nap and kept getting out of bed?
- Did you prepare dinner for children in a previous position? If so, what did you prepare? Did the children sit at the table to eat dinner?
- What services do you provide?
- How many hours of support can you provide? Do you have a minimum number of hours?
- What are your working days? Do you offer weekend support?
- What is your philosophy on baby care? How will you soothe my baby if s/he’s crying or inconsolable?
- What is your preferred method for getting a baby on a sleep schedule?
- Can you share an experience when you performed in a difficult or demanding situations
- Tell me about a time you had to handle an emergency
- Tell me about a time a child would not listen to you
- What type of activities would you do with the child(ren)? What activities would you do on a rainy day?
- What experiences do you have providing educational activities? Do you have experience helping with homework?
- What do you believe makes you a great nanny?
- Can you provide any backups in case you are unable to support us?
- Have you had a criminal background check?
- Are your vaccinations up to date?
- Do you have current infant/ adult CPR training?
- Would you consent to work in a home with cameras?
- Do you stay in touch with children that have been in your care?
- Would you consent to work in a home with the parents working from home?
- Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a felony and/or a misdemeanor? Have you ever been the subject of a substantiated complaint of child or sexual abuse?
- Are you comfortable completing a background check? What about a drug screen?
- Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?
- Do you have a driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and auto insurance? Have you ever had a moving or driving related violation or traffic accident (including tickets)?
- Do you have any food allergies?
- Do you have any pet allergies?
- Do you have any diet restrictions?
- Are you comfortable with the physical demands of the position?
- Do you have a checking account and are you open to direct deposit payments made by a payroll company?
- Do you have a second obligation such as a part time job, college, or another childcare commitment?
- What are your fees and refund policies?
- How do you like to be paid (Venmo, cash, check, etc.)?
- How often do you like to be paid (weekly, monthly, etc.)?
- Can you share two references I can talk to?
- Do you have a contract we can sign if we hire you as our nanny or would you like us to get the contract?
Remember, each nanny and family is unique and it is important to find the one who best meets your need, so you should not hesitate to ask questions and explain your requirements to the best of your capability.
Looking for questions to ask for reference check? Check out our blog - Questions to Ask the Nanny’s References
At Newmom.me, we’re here to transform the motherhood narrative and make this process of finding support so much easier on you. We have a carefully curated, easy-to-use, and customizable platform where you can search by the type of service you need, location, and availability. You can easily sign up to review profiles of Lactation Consultants, Doulas, Mother’s helpers, and other services. Let us help you embrace motherhood with a full heart.
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