Family nannies can perform duties that range from caring for your children to completing household chores and errands. New York University notes that you can find nanny candidates through a childcare placement agency, referrals from friends and family members or advertisements posted online or in newspapers. Once you have a pool of possible caregivers, use a meticulous selection process to ensure you choose the right nanny to watch your children each day or provide full-time, in-home care.
Step 1
Write a wish list of the qualities and qualifications you want your family nanny to have and the duties you expect her to complete. This list will help you narrow the field of candidates, since some may not have the required experience or be willing to perform tasks, such as preparing meals or driving children to extracurricular activities. New York University also suggests considering the hours you want your caregiver to work, whether you want her to live with you and whether she'll entertain your children and provide homework assistance or simply offer basic care.
Step 2
Ensure the nanny candidate has the essential skills and credentials required to perform daily or emergency duties. "Parents" magazine suggests hiring a nanny trained in first aid and CPR. A nanny should have a valid driver's license if you expect him to drive your children to school and activities. You may also want a candidate with a high-school or college diploma or experience in childhood education.
Step 3
Research the background of your candidate by interviewing references to ensure all the references are legitimate and that former clients have no complaints. Although childcare placement agencies perform background checks, New York University advises conducting your own to uncover any criminal activity or fraudulent education and experience claims.
Step 4
Analyze whether the candidate's salary request is in line with the industry norm and what you expect to spend. According to the Effective Stress Management website created for NASA by Cope Online, the average nanny salary ranges from $175 to $350 per week. Because in-home nannies may be living with you without paying rent and utilities, you may expect her to perform additional household duties, such as cooking and laundry.
Step 5
Allow the potential nanny to meet your children to ensure they get along. "Parents" magazine recommends giving them time to interact and observing them from afar. It's a positive sign if your children enjoy spending time with the candidate and the nanny appears self-confident and engaged with your children.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your nanny comfortable to ensure she continues to provide excellent care for your family. Kids Health from Nemours suggests giving the nanny you hire sufficient days off and flexibility if she has a personal appointments or emergencies.
- Let your nanny go if she isn't performing her required duties or has put your children in danger. Kids Health from Nemours suggests investigating and ending the relationship if the caregiver steals from you, leaves your children unattended, lies about daily activities or if your children suddenly act fearful or withdrawn when you're about to leave them alone with the nanny.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pen
