A significant benefit of in-home care is a parent’s ability to set the standards for their child’s care. The drawback – you must think of everything. A loving, nurturing and safe environment is a "given" but your specific requirements must be clearly defined if you are to get what you expect. In Search of Nanny suggests that you develop a written job description BEFORE you begin to interview applicants. That way, you will have defined your job in your own mind, so that you can clearly present your expectations to potential candidates. The Agency In-Home Childcare Kit, a Parent’s Guide for Successfully Employing (and Keeping) a Professional Nanny, and the Agency Screening Services will reduce the anxiety involved in hiring a stranger to care for your children. Both are available to parent’s nationwide.
A Nanny is not a mind reader. The priorities you set for your children such as active play, routine, self help and independence, socialization and outside play should be discussed and defined in advance.
Some suggested interviewing questions include:
Why do you want to be a nanny?
Do you see childcare as a career? For how long?
Please tell me about your recent nanny position? Why did you leave?
Please tell me about previous positions. What did you like/not like about them?
Have you ever worked in a nanny position that did not meet your expectations?
What kinds of activities do you like to do with children that are my children’s ages?
What is your greatest strength caring for children?
What characteristic do you fell is your greatest weakness? Why?
Are you willing to work extra hours for extra pay? Are you willing to work occasional overnights with notice?
Are you a licensed driver? For how long? How many moving violations have you had in the past four years? Are you willing to have us check your driving record?
Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
Tell me about your own family. Any siblings? Any children?
Do you have any hobbies?
Do you like to read? What is the last book you read?
Do you have any special dietary habits?
What do you see yourself doing 5 years from now?
In Search of Nanny, Inc 30 Rantoul Street, Suite 2, Beverly, MA 01915
Phone 978-921-1735 Fax 978-921-5049
© In Search of Nanny, Inc 1996