If you’ve recently lost a great good nanny, you may have trouble believing that you could ever find another one like her. However, your child still needs to be cared for, so you’re left searching for a new nanny. Because you should never compromise your sense of security or your child’s well-being, make time to exercise all your search options.
Step 1
Jot down a list of qualities you’re looking for in a nanny. Ideal qualities may be as broad as “fun-loving and energetic” or as specific as “follows our religion and has a degree in early childhood education.” If you want a nanny who is a lot like your former nanny, keep her attributes in mind when you’re creating a list, but you may limit your chances of finding a wonderful nanny if your ideas are too narrow.
Step 2
Talk to co-workers, friends and relatives who know your family well, as you may be able to trust their judgment better than anyone else’s. Also, consider finding referrals through a local nanny-training program, contacting a nanny-placement agency, using nanny-search websites and advertising your position online or in the newspaper, suggests BabyCenter.com.
Step 3
Interview prospective nannies. Ask each candidate questions about work experience, life background, philosophies on child-rearing and personal habits, says BabyCenter.com. Each prospective nanny’s overall demeanor and level of connection with your child is crucial, according to DrSpock.com. Don’t hire a candidate if your baby seems unhappy with her, if your verbal child mentions disliking her or if you feel uncomfortable with the candidate.
Step 4
Check references once you have narrowed your selection to a few prospective nannies. Ask each contender’s former employers to talk about their former nanny’s strengths and weaknesses, and ask them why they are no longer working with her, suggests BabyCenter.com.
Step 5
Pay each top choice to participate in an observed trial run. According to BabyCenter.com, trial runs that last a few days should give your child time to warm up to each candidate and give you a sufficient opportunity to observe the way each candidate plays with and disciplines your child.
Step 6
Hire a nanny, and draw up and sign an agreement. The contract should include hours, expected duties, salary, vacation time and sick leave, according to the Nemours Foundation. The contract you sign should also include obligations on your end, such as how much notice you will give her if you would like her to stay longer one day. Nemours also suggests setting a review date for a few months down the line, at which point you and your nanny will discuss the arrangement and fine-tune any issues that have arisen.
