Nanny Care

Family

Finding and Choosing Child Care General Parenting Support

Choosing the Right Nanny for Your Family

Nannies can be an invaluable resource for families with children and many times become a part of the family. If you’re looking to hire a nanny, here are some important must-knows before you start the hiring process.

What can a nanny do for me?

A nanny’s primary role is to oversee the well-being of your child while you are away. Nannies will generally prepare meals for your child(ren), maintain cleanliness in the home, change diapers, play and do activities or crafts with the child(ren), take them out for special events or outings, and more.

Specialized care

There are also nannies that specialize in specific social or intellectual development and could be hired to help with potty training, language development, or homework, in addition to their regular duties.

Choosing a Nanny

Follow these steps when searching for and hiring a nanny for your family…

Know your needs before you start the search.

Determine the hours and days you’ll need care, your budget and the going rate for nannies in your area. Additionally, determine the amount and kind of childcare experience you’d like required. Set realistic expectations about responsibilities and prioritize these—maybe you want your nanny to have CPR/First Aid certification, up-to-date vaccinations, a valid drivers license, a clean driving record, and pass a criminal background check or drug screen.

It is also important to note that nanny care in Indiana is not regulated by any governing body and that you would become the employer of a nanny in your home. For more information on what this means and what your responsibilities will be review this resource.

Create a thoughtful and informed hiring process.

Write up a job description using the schedule, responsibilities and requirements for employment. You can get out the word to friends, colleagues, mother’s groups and even sites online. Make sure you do a thorough screening of every candidate—review resumes for relevant child care experience, talk to at least three references and gather documents, like vaccinations or certifications.

Give it a test run.

Once you have interviewed your candidates and narrowed down your search, it is time to see how this person gets along with your child(ren). Consider a working interview or trial period before offering any candidate the position. If it feels like a good fit, you can draft and present a written contract that includes their schedule, responsibilities, compensation and benefit terms.

Create a collaborative working relationship.

You are working together to ensure your child gets the best care possible. Together, create a ‘Rules of the House’ policy so expectations are set from the start, including things like supervision, car rules, and house rules, use of technology, and being accessible via cell phone at all times. Look to them for ideas, opinions and advice and let them know you appreciate how they care for your child.

Above all, talk openly and respectfully about your working relationship, particularly the schedule, compensation and your child’s behavior.