A nanny is often one of the most important people in a family’s life. She protects your children and provides them with quality child care when you are unable to do so, or when you want an extra pair of hands to help with the difficult tasks of child-rearing. Finding a reputable person with whom you entrust your children is an important aspect of your life. Finding the right person for the job can help you maintain a greater peace of mind when you are away. Try some of these options to find the best nanny for your family.

Ask Friends and Family

Many nannies stay within a larger family for many years because the best form of advertising in childcare is by word of mouth. Ask your family members, friends, and coworkers for recommendations. Even if they don’t know of anyone, they may be able to ask their own friends or family members for further recommendations. You may wind up getting lucky with a lead for a great person.

Check Organizations

Some brick and mortar companies provide referral services for nannies and other childcare providers. They often run background checks, check references for prospective clients and provide replacements if one nanny does not work out for your family. Finding the right person may take some time, but it is well worth the effort.

Check Websites

As technology continues to play an integral role in our lives, it can be used in more and more ways. Several websites provide a forum in which you can find childcare providers. They provide similar services to brick and mortar organizations, and they often charge a flat user rate so that you can interview as many prospective nannies as you want without incurring additional fees. You can also read feedback about nannies and other childcare providers that used the nanny’s services.

Make an Ad

Although some sites and brick and mortar organizations may give you a way of finding nannies, making your own advertisement is a great way to put the control of the hiring decision in your own hands. You can often use some of these other services, such as a nanny locator website service or a brick or mortar organization to list your ad. You can also place an online ad or newspaper ad to attract more potential hires.

Schedule Interviews

Schedule interviews with individuals whose resumes caught your attention. There are certain things that you may want to look for, based on your own values. Some examples include finding someone with extensive experience in the childcare field, someone who has an open availability to suit your needs, looking for someone who has a degree in education or a child-related field or looking for someone who has a religious background that is similar to your own. Schedule the interviews during a period when you have ample time to discuss the potential job with the prospective nannies.

Ask Specific Questions

A resume will give you critical information about an applicant’s history and background, but a personal interview will give you a chance to really get to know the person that may be working with your family in an intimate manner. Ask specific questions so that you can gauge the personality, values and experience of the applicant. Some suggested questions include:

– How many years of childcare experience do you have?
– What types of activities would you likely do with the children?
– What is your availability?
– Do you need room and board?
– Are you available on weekends or holidays?
– What types of meals can you prepare for the children?
– Do you have experience with infants?
– Do you have experience with special-needs children?
– What is your discipline policy?
– Can you assist with homework?
– What types of domestic help do you provide as part of your services?

A nanny is an important part of a family. Finding the right nanny depends on locating someone who can model the values and behaviors that you want around your children. With a bit of upfront work, you can find the perfect person who can spend years helping your children to develop into future adults.

 

Guest Post Author Bio

Grace Kelly writes for Zintro, a marketplace of experts in various fields that helps connect investors, lawyers, analysts, entrepreneurs, and more. Find an expert by discipline on zintro.com consultant directory.