Parenting Pointers: Steps to Hiring a Nanny

Hiring a nanny can be a daunting process and, for many, the idea of bringing someone new into their home and leaving their kids in the sole care of someone they don't know can be scary. It's very important to identify each step needed to carefully navigate this search, the end result of which yields comfort and peace of mind.

 

• Determine your needs: map out the criteria most important to you, from personality to special skills, hours and schedule, salary/package, age experience, education, training, childcare and discipline philosophy, responsibilities, etc.
• Write a job description: put your thoughts down on paper and spell them out in a one page summary that you can share with an agency and/or potential candidates.
• Register with an agency or post your job:
• Screen applicants/conduct phone interviews:
• In-person interview: arrange for promising candidates to come to your home to meet with you and get a preview of the potential future work environment.
• Trial time/working interview: observing someone while working will give you the best indicator of future performance. Trial time is typically 3-5 days for local non live-in candidates. .
• Reference/background checks: when deciding between two great candidates, a reference check can be the tie breaker.
• Job offer/employment agreement: an extensive written agreement is the key to a long-term relationship where expectations are clear and misunderstandings minimized.

STORY LINK: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/secure-attachment/choosing-the-best-nanny.htm

 

Florence Ann Romano, The Windy City Nanny (www.WindyCityNanny.com), is a dedicated philanthropist and former nanny who has always had a special place in her heart for children. Romano worked for over 15 years as a nanny, beginning as a 'Mommy's helper' at the age of 11. She shares her experiences in Nanny and Me (Mascot Books, May 2015), her beautifully illustrated debut book for children making the transition from being cared for solely by their parents to having a nanny in their home.

 

Born and raised just outside Chicago, Romano earned a degree in performance theatre at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. She is the owner of Trinity, LLC - a 100% woman owned and new family company that runs the Original Six Media production company and the online publication TheSixThirty.com. Romano also serves as President and Founder of a junior board for young professionals that supports Autism awareness for children and adults.