How to Conduct a Nanny Background Check

February 1, 2023

Choosing a nanny isn’t a small decision — your child care provider becomes an extension of your family and special part of your kids’ lives. While an interview helps you evaluate your potential nanny or babysitter, you shouldn’t hire a candidate on the spot. Conducting a background check before you extend an official offer ensures that you are bringing a trustworthy caretaker into your home. Here are some things you should check and the reasons why it’s important to carry out nanny background screening.

Why does my nanny need a background check?

Even the most promising interviews can't uncover everything. A background check confirms the details provided by your potential nannies and reveals any hidden aspects of their past. This step is crucial for the safety and security of your home and family, ensuring your potential nanny hasn't omitted or falsified their history.

What checks do our background services include?

  1. International Search (or Adverse Media Search): Look for any international records or media mentions that could indicate potential risks.
  2. Global Watchlist Search: Similar to the USA package, this search checks international watchlists for any matches.

Note: You can only run a background check for a Canadian candidate on CanadianNanny.ca

How do I initiate a background check?

To initiate a background check, follow these steps:

  1. Log into your account and navigate to the Settings section.
  2. Select Subscriptions and Payments.
  3. Scroll down to find the Background Checks' section.
  4. Click on Run A Check. A new window will appear.
  5. In the new window, enter the candidate's country, state/province, and email address.
  6. Before proceeding, ensure to check the box under the candidate's information to confirm the statement: “We intend to hire this candidate, dependent on the results of the background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities.”
  7. Click Next to continue to the payment page.
  8. Complete your request by finishing the payment process.

After submitting your request, we will contact the candidate to request additional information needed for the background check. Please allow 3-5 business days for the background check process to complete.

Should I still check references?

Absolutely. Even with a background check, checking references is very important. It provides insights into the nanny's reliability, interaction with children, and overall attitude. Contact at least two or three families the nanny has previously worked for to get a well-rounded view of their work ethic and compatibility with your needs.

Ask the references about the candidate’s
  • Punctuality and ability to follow through on commitments
  • Interactions with children
  • General attitude
  • Willingness to complete all requested duties
  • Tendency to follow household rules

Find out if the references would be willing to hire the nanny again.

What else should I verify?

After the basic checks and reference calls, consider verifying additional qualifications, especially if they are crucial for your family's needs. Our service can assist with verifying:

  • First aid/CPR certification
  • Swimming level certification (if applicable)
  • Driving record
  • Education and training in child development or related fields
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Although we may be a self-serve nanny service, we are still very much devoted to helping families and caregivers succeed in their search for a match through our site. Our customer support team is always here and happy to offer any advice to our potential and existing customers.

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