1. Consider finding a candidate through a nanny agency that
has a solid reputation like KLINAPRO maid service. They are responsible for
doing background check on maids and reference check.
2. Interview candidates. Ask them questions that relate to
your family. Find out what their past job duties were and if they are willing
to do the tasks you are looking for help with. Talk about your parenting and
discipline styles, and find out if the prospective nanny will agree to follow
your lead.
3. Look on experience. Has this person actually been paid to
care for a child before? A prospective nanny should have at least 6 month of
cumulative prior experience as a paid childcare provider. Experience could be
as a teacher, daycare provider, camp counselor or babysitter/nanny.
4. Check education background and first aid usage. make sure
it fits with your family’s needs. Many agencies require at least an ssce but a
college degree or applicable professional certification is a plus. If it’s
important that your nanny take on a teacher-like role, then the educational
level of the person may be of consideration. How would the candidate respond in
an emergency? Find out if he/she knows how to use a first Aid kit.
5. Do a background check. A reputable agency will run a
background check for you.
6. Trust your instinct. If you don’t have a good feeling
about someone — regardless of how they appear — don’t hire him/her
7. Arrange a trial day. Some nanny agency give one day trial
before payment, it may be a good idea to set up a play date with the
prospective nanny or have him/her shadow you for a day before you offer a
position. It’s a good idea to see this person interact with your children to
see if he or she is a good fit with your family.
Note: This principle applies to house helps.
