What to Look for in a Nanny
Now that you’ve decided that you want to hire a live-in nanny, or live-out nanny, you need to begin the search process. With so many options in Calgary, how can you decide which path is best for you to find the right nanny?
The most important thing to remember is that you want a nanny you can trust. To find someone like this, you should go through an agency, or rely on the personal recommendation of someone you trust.
Agencies: When you go through an agency, make sure to read the fine-print of the agency you choose. This means making sure that they don’t charge exhorbitant fees, and that they have a thorough screening process. A thorough screening process includes requiring the following from their nanny candidates:
- References, with phone numbers
- A resume with past work experience
- A Criminal Background Check
When you go through an agency, you can ask to call the references yourself, since there is nothing like hearing information firsthand.
NannyServices.ca is an example of a service that helps nannies and employers find each other in Calgary. They offer profiles of nannies in Calgay that come along with recomendations and background checks, the ability for employers to post available jobs - and it won't break the bank!
Personal Recommendation: If someone you trust recommends a great nanny, you should still ask for additional references. This is because three people saying a nanny is great holds a lot more weight than one person saying it. And you need to take the utmost precautions when choosing who you let into your home.
Once you decide on your method of how to find a nanny, and you’ve received stellar recommendations from the nanny’s references, here are some things to look out for during an interview:
- Experience: What is the nanny’s experience? Does she have experience with ages of children that you have?
- Professionalism: Does she come on time to the interview, is she dressed appropriately?
- Attitude: Does she have a positive attitude? Will she be able to deal with difficult or emergency situations, and the regular craziness that caring for children entails?
- Interaction with children: How is she with your kids?Does she smile at them, know how to talk with them, etc.?