How to Do a Background Check on Your Nanny

Hiring the right individual to care for your children while you work is perhaps one of the toughest and most important decisions you may have to make as a parent. Before you entrust someone with your little loved ones, it is crucial that you do a thorough background check to make sure that he or she is the honest, qualified, and caring individual they claim to be. This article will offer you some helpful advice on how to do a successful background check on potential nanny candidates so that you can find the best fit for your family.

Utilize Legitimate Employment Applications

Before you can do a background check, you will need to have some specific information including a full legal name, current address, phone number, driver’s license number, social security number, educational background, employment history, personal and professional references, and known previous addresses (for the last five to seven years). A standard employment application will ask for all of this information and in addition it will ask if the applicant has ever been convicted of a crime. A pre-printed application is a professional and comfortable way to get all of the information you need to do background checks on possible candidates.

Ask Permission to Run a Background Check

Always ask for permission to do a background check, and have applicants sign a consent form. When you get it in writing, a potential nanny will know you are going to do your homework, and he or she probably won’t agree to it if there’s something to hide. If an applicant refuses to sign a consent form for you to run a background check, it’s definitely a red flag–thank them for their time, and move on to the next candidate.

Do Your Own Preliminary Background Check Online

Using the information on the employment application, you can begin to do some of your own research online for free. Although it is definitely recommended that you do a professional background check, you can probably eliminate some applicants right away with a simple online search. You can use search engines such as www.google.com to find out some basic information such as previous names or addresses, and you can often times search capital court sites by state to find out possible criminal history including civil lawsuits, traffic violations, or convictions. With the growing popularity of online social networks, you can easily find out personal information about potential candidates that will further influence your decision as to whether or not they are still in the running for employment with you as a nanny.

Check Personal and Professional References

Before you begin calling references, write down a list of questions you want to ask. Have applications in front of you so that you can verify dates of employment and make notations of anything that doesn’t add up. Always contact each and every reference given by a potential employee– if you are unable to make contact with references, ask for additional ones. Don’t assume that just because one checked out, they all will.  

Conduct a Professional Background Check

There are many professional background check services offered online, and more often than not the search results are available instantly. Professional background checks may seem expensive, but your peace of mind and the safety of your children are worth the cost. Professional online checks will search a number of databases including the DMV and capital court systems (each state is separate, so multiple state searches may need to be done depending on previous residences). You will find out any criminal history as well as educational background, employment history, and records of any lawsuits linked to the applicant. If you would prefer to work one on one with a professional in background searches, you may want to consider hiring a reputable private investigator.

Go With Your Gut

If something seems off, it probably is. First impressions are very important, and if someone makes you uncomfortable right off the bat, move on to other applicants. That being said, even if a nanny candidate makes a wonderful first impression–you still need to do a background check. Some individuals are very good at hiding a checkered past. If you think you’ve found someone that fits the bill, have them spend some time with your children with you present. Ask your children what they think and make sure they feel comfortable and safe with the person you’ve selected to watch over them. A nanny may be more than qualified for the job, but not have a compatible personality or demeanor with you or your children. Trust your instincts!

Finding the right nanny to take care of your children is something you shouldn’t take lightly. It’s necessary to do a complete background check on anyone you’re considering for a nanny position. By taking the time to properly screen each candidate, you’ll be assured that your children will be safe and sound with the person you’ve selected to watch over them while you’re away.