How to Find a Great Nanny

When you picture your ideal nanny, you probably don't envision someone who raids the fridge, screams at the children or spends whole days chatting on the phone. Whether you picture someone young and energetic, or someone with the patience of a saint, finding a great nanny requires a clear understanding of your family's needs. With time, perseverance and a little luck, you can find just the right person for the job.

How to Find a Great Nanny

Step 1

Make a list detailing your exact needs and expectations. Do you require live-in care for your children, or will the nanny live elsewhere? How many hours per week will your nanny work? What is your own child-care philosophy, and how important is it that your nanny shares your outlook on raising children? Knowing exactly what you want will make the nanny search easier.

Step 2

Decide what type of nanny you require. The International Nanny Association identifies three types of nannies: custodial care, coordinated care and surrogate care nannies.

A custodial care nanny cares for the physical needs of the child but does not make any decisions on behalf of the child. A coordinated care nanny works with the family as part of a team to meet the child's needs. A surrogate nanny provides total care in the absence of the parents and makes most childcare decisions. So ask yourself, what role will your nanny play in your family's life?

Step 3

Draw up a contract outlining the exact terms of employment for your prospective nanny.

This contract should include salary, vacation and health benefits, hours you expect the nanny to work, days off, sick leave benefits, a list of child-care and household duties and grounds for termination.

If you plan to offer your nanny use of a household car, you should include the terms of use in your contract.

Step 4

Ask your friends for referrals. A recommendation from a trusted friend is a great place to start your nanny hunt.

Step 5

Call a nanny agency. A good agency will provide you with pre-screened applicants suited to your specific needs and situation. If you do not have an agency in your area, look for a nanny school or post an advertisement at the local teaching college.

Step 6

Interview the prospective nanny. According to Kathleen Web, president of 4nannies.com, you should ask open-ended questions that require the candidate to reveal something of her thoughts and personality.

Ask about her background, her childcare philosophy, her training and how she likes to spend her free time. Listen carefully to how she answers your questions.

Step 7

Introduce your potential nanny to the children. Watch how your prospective nanny interacts with your children. Does she seem at-ease with your child? Does your child like her? Does she seem interested in your child?

Step 8

Check all references provided. If you are using a nanny agency, make sure that you know exactly what type of background check the agency conducts. You should have enough information to verify that your candidate is trustworthy, honest and emotionally and financially stable.

Step 9

Ask your top candidates to do a trial run at your home. Be home as much as possible during the trial run--this is your opportunity to observe your nanny in action.

Step 10

Sit down with your nanny candidate and go over the exact terms of employment. Be thorough and clearly explain your expectations. Take the time to hammer out the details--it is better to find out early on that this person is not a good fit then to wait until she is in your home.

Tips and Warnings

An au pair is not the same as a nanny. An au pair is a foreign national working as part of a cultural exchange program, usually for a period of one to two years.
Kathleen Web of 4nannies.com advises parents to avoid using email to interview prospective nanny candidates--conduct in-person or telephone interviews only. Do not skip the background check on your nanny. Even if the nanny comes highly recommended or your heart tells you she is a wonderful person. Remember--your child is worth the extra effort.

How to Find a Great Nanny