Securing the best nanny for your family is a complex process but if you do these 3 things it will dramatically increase your chances of success!
Most of us have heard both wonderful tales and horror stories about other families’ nanny experiences. Have no fear, you can create a wonderful experience between the nanny you hire and your family. Finding a good nanny for your family is NOT a matter of luck, it’s a matter of the approach you take and the communication you can offer. This requires time, intention, and effort.
Step 1
Identify Your Budget and Priorities Before Starting Your Search
Why it’s a must: So you don’t waste your time during the search process, or worse, hire a nanny that’s not the right fit and find yourself searching for childcare again very soon.
Before you start your search, determine your budget and decide what you want. If you have a significant other, talk with them about what they envision the ideal candidate to look like.
- Is a nanny within your budget or should you consider more affordable childcare options?
- What compensation and benefits can you offer?
- Do you want someone with a certain level of experience, education, or qualities?
- What type of caregiver do you desire? One that focuses solely on caring for your child or will there be other household responsibilities they will need to manage?
Make a list. Use it to refer to when you construct your nanny job description to advertise the position and when you interview candidates.
You can then start with your search! Connect with nannies in your area FREE in local Facebook Groups like Via The Village Nanny Share & Care: Chicago. It boasts over 12,000 members!
Step 2
Properly Screen Candidates
Why it’s a must: You don’t want to leave your child in the hands of an incapable or unsafe person.
Nanny placement agencies will screen candidates for you but you’ll need to budget in a couple of thousand dollars for this service. If you choose to do it on your own, DO NOT CUT CORNERS ON THIS STEP.
- Conduct thorough interviews—asking the right questions can provide valuable insights.
- Check the candidates’ references. Collect contact information for the candidates’ employers for the last five years. Inquire about any gaps in employment and why the positions ended, especially if they’ve held numerous positions in a short period of time.
- Perform a background check. It’s astounding a parent would skip this step, but it happens. Be sure to perform adequate background checks. The skimpy ones that many childcare platforms run could provide a false sense of security.
- To a trial run. Ask the candidate finalists to come to your home for a few days’ trial run. Pay them for their time and observe how they interact with your child. There’s no better way to make a decision than to see for yourself how a nanny is on the job.
Step 3
Clearly Define Your Expectations and Put Them in Writing
Why it’s a must: Those who don’t have a nanny work agreement in place typically experience exponentially more issues than those who do.
Many skip this step and it leads to the average nanny turnover rate of only one year. Yikes! You don’t want to be going through this process again so soon. The caregiver doesn’t want to be looking for a new job. But skipping this step leads to misunderstandings. Misunderstandings lead to resentment. And resentment leads to one or both parties looking for a new arrangement.
At a minimum, the written nanny work agreement should include:
- The schedule requirements.
- Household rules, job expectations, and responsibilities.
- Compensation and benefits.
- Schedules for performance reviews and opportunities for raises.
The more detail you include in your work agreement, the less likely there is to be misunderstandings between you and your nanny. Ensure you cover the bases by talking with a coach or consultant.
Performing these three essential steps will help you create a wonderful experience and harmonious relationship with your nanny that provides your child a solid foundation. Good luck with your search!
