728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Child Care › Nanny Hunt

Nanny Hunt

Finding the Perfect Nanny

By Kendeyl Johansen

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Nannies work from 40 to 60 hours per week, while au pairs are limited to 45. Nanny duties encompass all tasks related to child care, including cleaning play areas, but their first responsibility remains child care. Doretta from Canada says, "I heard a lot of nanny complaints because a group of [nannies] hung out at my house. They hated being expected to put tidiness before the children." Keep in mind that assigning additional household tasks should include additional pay.

Another "must" before interviewing is defining a job description. Be sure to include job responsibilities, hours, time off, salary and benefits. Is she expected to prepare lunch? Will she be able to use the family car? Will she have every second Tuesday off?

Nanny Agency or Self-Search?
If you can afford it, agencies can simplify the nanny search and save you time. Their fees often range from $1,200 and $1,800. Childcrest's Bowthorpe says, "We weed out potential problems through interviews. For example, if a girl seems really upset about a boyfriend she's going to miss, we can save a family from hiring her, then watching her return home, heartsick, after a month or two."

Utah's Nanny Connection pre-screens nannies by phone and then has them fill out extensive paperwork. Candidates undergo a series of interviews and a psychological evaluation. The evaluation helps the agency learn about relationships, co-dependence, coping skills, depession and more. Copies of driver's licenses and driving records are obtained, and they check out school transcripts and a doctor's health release. A criminal background check is also performed. Finally, references are asked between 40 to 50 questions. Successful nanny candidates attend a training program which covers commitment, discipline, CPR, first aid and other relevant things that will help them perform their jobs better.


Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Want to see more?

Comments

Found 4 comments
Displaying all 4 comments below

Re: Wanted: Nanny by Karen on 01/13/2010 12:40PM

Since 2004 I have help over hundred families to find a solution to their childcare needs through hosting an au pair. I love my job and am passionate about the au pair program. http://krelstab.aupairnews.com

Re: Wanted: Nanny by relstabks@aol.com on 01/13/2010 12:38PM

I help families find childcare solutions. Over the past six years I have help hundreds of families find childcare by hosting an au pair. I am passionate about my job and love what I do. Karen

Re: Wanted: Nanny by anonymous on 11/23/2009 02:14PM

http://www.nannygps.com is a great site for finding nannies and au pairs.

Re: Wanted: Nanny by anonymous on 10/14/2009 10:08AM

I've had lots of au pairs and all have worked out really well for my family. I find them myself on the Internet to avoid paying agency fees. A good nanny au pair finding site is http://www.search-aupair-family.info

add a comment.

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.