| The decision regarding who will watch your children is | | | | and be prepared to take notes. Ask the nanny to |
| one never to be taken lightly. Finding the best nanny | | | | share some information about herself. She may be a |
| or sitter for your family entails a process that will | | | | little shy at first, so ask open ended questions, be |
| require both time and consideration, but the time and | | | | patient and listen. When taking notes, do not just |
| effort you invest up front in taking the proper steps | | | | write down what she says, but also write down your |
| in securing a nanny will help you hire a nanny who will | | | | thoughts and feelings during the interview. |
| best fit the needs of your family and give you peace | | | | This will help you with your decision later. Review |
| of mind in the long run. | | | | with the candidate your job description and needs. |
| There are many avenues where a family can find a | | | | After everything has been discussed, if you would |
| nanny. There are well established nanny referral | | | | like to move forward with this applicant, ask her for |
| agencies country, wide that will recruit, interview and | | | | work related references. Childcare references may |
| screen candidates for you to consider. Agencies do a | | | | include, but are not necessarily limited to past nanny |
| significant amount of tedious work for you, but do | | | | jobs, daycare or teaching positions, volunteer work in |
| so for a hefty fees. If you are looking to find a | | | | group settings (i.e. church or synagogue nurseries) |
| reputable nanny referral agency, the International | | | | and even temporary or on-going baby-sitting jobs. It |
| Nanny Association (nanny.org) can be a great | | | | is also recommended that you speak with a |
| resource. | | | | character reference as well as non-childcare job |
| Many families and nannies are turning to the internet, | | | | references. |
| looking for "do it yourself" sites. Websites like Find | | | | Keep your eyes and ears open for red flags. Red |
| the Best Nanny offer the families a pool of | | | | flags may be gaps in employment, job hopping, not |
| candidates in their area to choose from. Find the Best | | | | completing jobs or education, being let go from |
| Nanny is the only internet company founded by an | | | | previous positions and frequent moves. Red flags are |
| agency expert, Sharon Graff-Radell. Sharon is not | | | | also physical signs like avoiding eye contact, being late |
| only currently the Vice President of the International | | | | for an interview, crossing arms or not interacting with |
| Nanny Association, but also has been consulting in the | | | | your children. |
| nanny agency industry for over 20 years. | | | | After the first interview it is time to call the |
| Consider the following steps for a productive search. | | | | references. You should call all the references in order |
| First, you need to determine what kind of care you | | | | to get a clear picture of the candidate. If you are |
| need. If you are in need of someone more than 30 | | | | happy with the outcome of your conversations, call |
| hours a week you are looking at full time care, and a | | | | the candidate for a second interview. |
| full time nanny. If you need less than 30 hours, but | | | | The second interview is the perfect chance to see |
| have set days and times, then you are seeking a | | | | how she interacts with your children. Watch and see |
| permanent part time nanny. The last option is | | | | how she plays with your kids and how they respond |
| babysitting. Babysitting is just as important as the | | | | to her. See if they warm up to her, if they seem |
| other options but not necessarily permanent. | | | | calm around her. These are important signs. Most |
| Whatever the need, the importance of finding the | | | | importantly, trust your parental instincts. You will |
| right caregiver is paramount. | | | | know which caregiver fits in best with your family. |
| After determining the amount of childcare needed sit | | | | When you have completed the interviewing process |
| down and write a job description. The job description | | | | and you feel you have found the best nanny for |
| should include days of the week, hours, job | | | | your family, make her an offer. Write up a contract |
| responsibilities, compensation, as well as candidate | | | | and have both parties sign the final draft. |
| qualifications and experience. You should also describe | | | | Find the Best Nanny recommends that families |
| your family dynamics, your childrens needs and | | | | complete a background check on the provider they |
| individual personalities. | | | | hire. This can be done through companies like US |
| Find the Best Nanny provides professional agency | | | | Information Search. You may also contact your |
| forms to all of its registered users. Using forms for | | | | county police department and ask about a police |
| reference checking, interview questions and | | | | check and child abuse and neglect screening. |
| employment contracts will ensure a safe hiring | | | | Congratulations, you have found a great caregiver! In |
| decision. | | | | order to keep the relationship positive, check in often |
| More than likely you will do initial screening of the | | | | with your nanny or sitter. Keeping the lines of |
| candidates on the phone. The first interview is crucial | | | | communication open is the best way to ensure a |
| and will help narrow down your pool of candidates | | | | successful employment relationship. |
| for second interviews. Have paper and pen ready | | | | |