A Nanny Match Blog

Entrusting someone to care for your children is one of the most significant decisions a parent can make. Ensuring the safety and well-being of your family starts with knowing who you are inviting into your home. 

Background checks for nannies are not just a precaution; they are an essential step in the hiring process. 

This blog post will explore the importance of thorough background checks, what they should include, and how they can provide peace of mind for parents seeking the right nanny for their family.

Why Background Checks are Important:

Background checks are critical to ensuring the safety and security of children when hiring a nanny. They are tools that provide parents and agencies with insights into a nanny’s history and character. By examining a candidate’s past employment, criminal records, and personal references, background checks reveal important information that might indicate potential risks.

This thorough vetting process allows parents and agencies to proactively address any concerns, ensuring that only the most trustworthy and capable individuals are chosen to care for children. Effective background checks build a foundation of trust and confidence essential for a successful nanny-family relationship.

What Information is Included:

A comprehensive background check typically includes various components to assess a nanny's suitability for childcare responsibilities. These may include:

1. Criminal History: Background checks often include a review of a nanny's criminal record, including any convictions or pending charges. This helps to identify any criminal activity that may pose a risk to children.

2. Education and Certification Verification: Ensuring that a nanny possesses the necessary education and certifications, such as CPR or First Aid training, is crucial for providing quality childcare.

3. Motor Vehicle & Driving Records: Reviewing a nanny's driving record helps assess their ability to safely transport children if driving responsibilities are part of the job requirements.

FAQs About Background Checks for Nannies:

Q: Why do agencies and parents request background checks for nannies?

Background checks are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of children under a nanny's care. 

Q: How long does a background check take?

The timeframe for a background check can vary depending on the complexity of the search and the resources available to conduct it. Typically, background checks can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks to complete.

Q: Can I request a copy of my background check?

Yes, in most cases, employees have the right to request a copy of their background check report. It's important to review the report for accuracy and address any discrepancies or inaccuracies with the agency or employer conducting the background check.

Q: What if I have a criminal record?

While having a criminal record may not automatically disqualify you from working as a nanny, it's essential to be transparent about any past convictions during the hiring process. Agencies and parents appreciate honesty and may still consider candidates with a criminal record depending on the nature of the offense and its relevance to the childcare role.

FAQs About Background Checks for Parents:

Q: How can working with a nanny agency help me with running a background check?

Nanny agencies play a crucial role in facilitating comprehensive background checks for caregivers. Agencies often have access to professional screening services and resources that enable them to conduct thorough background checks efficiently and effectively. 

By partnering with a reputable agency like A Nanny Match, parents can benefit from the agency's expertise in vetting candidates, ensuring that the background check process is conducted meticulously and in accordance with industry standards. 

Additionally, agencies offer guidance and support, alleviating the burden and uncertainty for parents navigating the background check process.

Q: How far back do background checks typically go?

Background checks often vary in terms of the time frame they cover. However, it's common for these checks to span at least the past seven years. This duration allows for a comprehensive review of an individual's recent history, including employment, criminal records, and driving history. 

Some background checks may also include searches beyond the seven-year mark for certain types of records or offenses.

Q: At what stage of the hiring process is a background check performed?

According to federal labor laws and guidelines, background checks can only be performed on a candidate once an offer of employment has been made. 

Here at A Nanny Match, many of our nannies have already been background checked, but we perform new, updated, comprehensive background checks once an offer has been accepted for a new position. If an employer decides to revoke the offer based on the results, they can do so with no out-of-pocket cost to the client.  

Q: Are all nannies placed through A Nanny Match subject to a background check?

Yes, all nannies placed through A Nanny Match undergo a comprehensive background check before beginning their new role. This is a standard practice to ensure the safety and well-being of the children under their care and to uphold the high standards of care that A Nanny Match is known for.

Q: How can I perform a background check on my nanny?

While conducting a background check can be approached in various ways, one effective option is leveraging the expertise of a trusted nanny agency such as A Nanny Match. Our agency is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of your family through thorough background checks. 

Additionally, we offer á la carte services for families who want assistance conducting background checks while hiring a nanny independently. 

These services include reference checks, in-depth screenings, comprehensive background checks, and assistance drafting working agreements, providing families with the flexibility and support they need throughout the hiring process. 

At A Nanny Match, your family's safety is our utmost priority, and our extensive vetting process includes:

• Phone screenings and virtual interviews with qualified candidates

• Transcribed or documented phone conversations for reference verification

• Google and social media checks on candidates and references

• 7-point background and MVR checks

• Continuous behavioral and professionalism evaluations 

By conducting thorough background checks and adhering to stringent screening protocols, we ensure that every nanny we place is capable, reliable, and committed to providing exceptional care for your children.

Seeking peace of mind in your search for a nanny? Let A Nanny Match manage your background check needs. Contact us today to get started.