Monday Mailbag:Hiring Your First Nanny
Q: We have made the decision to hire a nanny to work in our home. We are new to this process, and have never had a nanny before. What suggestions to you have for first time nanny employers?
A. Welcome to the world of nannies! Having a nanny is convenient form of childcare. There is no bundling up the children on cold winter days or remembering to remember to bring the extra something to "school". You won't be rushed in the morning, trying to get everyone ready, plus yourself and deal with the emergency crisis in the morning, which could be a last minute dirty diaper or a strong willed preschooler who insists on wearing that outfit, even it may not be weather appropriate,
The first suggestion I have about hiring a nanny, is sitting down and having a discussion about the type of nanny you want. Springboard nanny (young adult who enters the nanny profession with no intent of staying in the profession, or a college graduate working as a nanny to pass the time. May accept your offer only to resign a few months later for a different job or a job in their field of study), professional nanny (nanny with five years of experience) or a career nanny (those with more than five years of experience), and last but not least a specialist (those with a degree in early childhood education, education or specialized training). What kind of background are you looking for? Many nannies, like myself, start working in childcare centers to obtain the experience needed to be a nanny. Some families are fine with a childcare center background, others require that nanny candidates have only specific nanny experience. Be open and honest about your discussion, and put thought into it. Not knowing what kind of nanny you want can make your hiring process harder.
The second part is to write a job description indicating what the job will entail, This is self explanatory, yet also a crucial piece of the hiring process, Writing a complete job description will provide the candidate with clear expectations of the position itself, along with the requirements. For example if there is a specific special need or food allergy that requires the candidate to have specific training in, write it down. If the candidate needs to have a vehicle for school and/or activity drop off, put that down. Pets are an in important part of the family, and if pet care is required, mention it, The more specific you are in a job description, the better your chances are of having a smooth hiring process.
Ask candidates open ended questions to determine their background and experience. These are best prepared ahead of time, and there are some great resources to find interview questions. I once had an interview where a family hiring their first nanny asked me the following questions during the interview: if I was currently working, where I was working, how much I wanted to make per hour and when I could start. I wasn't sure I had an interview, because they didn't ask me anything. I wasn't sure anything had happened until they emailed me told me they filled the position. I was puzzled as to how they could hire someone without asking any questions. Keep in mind the non-discriminatory questions about sexual orientation, marriage, children, and religion. etc. checking with your state about discrimination laws.
Finally, consider using a placement agency. The hiring process can be stressful and time consuming. Nanny agencies take the stress and time away from families by finding the nanny for families for a small fee. Agencies are often run by former nannies and educators like myself, Use caution when working with agencies: agencies make their money with the finder's fee (the fee you pay when you hire their nannies) and some will shove any nanny down your throat to collect the fees. This is what I call "making and taking money". If a problem arises with the nanny after placement, the agency may tell you it's not their fault, that you hired the nanny, so it's your problem now. I know of a nanny agency who practices such tactics and was stunned when I met a family who experienced horrible customer service from that agency,
Finding childcare, whether you choosing a center based program or a nanny, can be a challenge. The more prepared you are for the process, the less challenging it can be.
Got a question? Email creativenannysolutions9@gmail.com
A. Welcome to the world of nannies! Having a nanny is convenient form of childcare. There is no bundling up the children on cold winter days or remembering to remember to bring the extra something to "school". You won't be rushed in the morning, trying to get everyone ready, plus yourself and deal with the emergency crisis in the morning, which could be a last minute dirty diaper or a strong willed preschooler who insists on wearing that outfit, even it may not be weather appropriate,
The first suggestion I have about hiring a nanny, is sitting down and having a discussion about the type of nanny you want. Springboard nanny (young adult who enters the nanny profession with no intent of staying in the profession, or a college graduate working as a nanny to pass the time. May accept your offer only to resign a few months later for a different job or a job in their field of study), professional nanny (nanny with five years of experience) or a career nanny (those with more than five years of experience), and last but not least a specialist (those with a degree in early childhood education, education or specialized training). What kind of background are you looking for? Many nannies, like myself, start working in childcare centers to obtain the experience needed to be a nanny. Some families are fine with a childcare center background, others require that nanny candidates have only specific nanny experience. Be open and honest about your discussion, and put thought into it. Not knowing what kind of nanny you want can make your hiring process harder.
The second part is to write a job description indicating what the job will entail, This is self explanatory, yet also a crucial piece of the hiring process, Writing a complete job description will provide the candidate with clear expectations of the position itself, along with the requirements. For example if there is a specific special need or food allergy that requires the candidate to have specific training in, write it down. If the candidate needs to have a vehicle for school and/or activity drop off, put that down. Pets are an in important part of the family, and if pet care is required, mention it, The more specific you are in a job description, the better your chances are of having a smooth hiring process.
Ask candidates open ended questions to determine their background and experience. These are best prepared ahead of time, and there are some great resources to find interview questions. I once had an interview where a family hiring their first nanny asked me the following questions during the interview: if I was currently working, where I was working, how much I wanted to make per hour and when I could start. I wasn't sure I had an interview, because they didn't ask me anything. I wasn't sure anything had happened until they emailed me told me they filled the position. I was puzzled as to how they could hire someone without asking any questions. Keep in mind the non-discriminatory questions about sexual orientation, marriage, children, and religion. etc. checking with your state about discrimination laws.
Finally, consider using a placement agency. The hiring process can be stressful and time consuming. Nanny agencies take the stress and time away from families by finding the nanny for families for a small fee. Agencies are often run by former nannies and educators like myself, Use caution when working with agencies: agencies make their money with the finder's fee (the fee you pay when you hire their nannies) and some will shove any nanny down your throat to collect the fees. This is what I call "making and taking money". If a problem arises with the nanny after placement, the agency may tell you it's not their fault, that you hired the nanny, so it's your problem now. I know of a nanny agency who practices such tactics and was stunned when I met a family who experienced horrible customer service from that agency,
Finding childcare, whether you choosing a center based program or a nanny, can be a challenge. The more prepared you are for the process, the less challenging it can be.
Got a question? Email creativenannysolutions9@gmail.com
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