First, I am going to suggest that you visit
BabyCenter and read through some of their material and articles on employing a Nanny in your home and some of the IRS requirements that you should be concerned with. Also, there is a TON of info on the signs of a good/bad Nanny, how to set ground rules in your home, how to keep communication open and how to ensure that your child is getting the best care possible.
Even though this woman is coming to you on a recommendation, do not take this lightly! Make sure you ask as many questions as possible, but most of all, you need to OBSERVE her caring for your child while you are around and before you return to work. You need to see how Julianne reacts and relates to this woman.
Nannies are not required by law to be licensed, but you might want to hire someone that knows infant CPR and first aid. Also, consider drawing up a Nanny contract that outlines some important parameters of the Nanny's employment with you:
- Work hours
- Benefits (will you pay her for a holiday off, insurance, etc.)
- Wages and pay schedule
- Duties (in addition to caring for the baby, will you require her to do a load of laundry, or dust the furniture?)
- Special considerations (ie, if you get stuck at work, how will you compensate her?)
- Emergency plans
Here's a sample Nanny interview sheet that you might find helpful today, during your interview. Good luck, I hope it works out for you!
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Nanny Interview Sheet
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Phone number:_____________________________________________________
Experience: Look for a nanny who has taken care of children before — you don't want your kids to be her guinea pigs. She doesn't necessarily have to have many years of experience, but she should know what she's doing.
Why are you a nanny?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
How long have you been a nanny?_______________________________
How old were the other children you cared for?________________
Do you have any formal early childhood development or childcare training?
______________________________________________________________________
Do you have CPR and first-aid training?
CPR: Yes / No
First-aid: Yes / No
What would you do if my child is sick or has had an accident?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Philosophy / Approach: It's important to find out a nanny's philosophy on childrearing so you know how she'll care for your child. Make sure her beliefs are in line with yours so that the arrangement will be successful. Ask each candidate why she's a nanny and what she likes about the job — you need to know that she's in the field for all the right reasons, and that she enjoys children and finds being a nanny a challenge she'll gladly take on.
What do you like about being a nanny?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
What about being a nanny could you do without?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
What are your beliefs about childrearing?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
How do you discipline children?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
How do you comfort children?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
What will my child be doing on any given day? (Click here for our daily log sheet.)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Logistics: Find out if the nanny is available to work when you need her. If you meet someone you like and are flexible on the start date, let her know.
Why are you looking for a new job?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
What are some of the rules you've followed in other households that you think work well?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Which rules don't work for you?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Describe your ideal family / employer:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Do you have any pet peeves about parents / children?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Do you want a live-in arrangement? Yes / No
Are you willing to do any light chores while our baby is sleeping? Which ones?
______________________________________________________________________
When can you start working?__________________________________
Will you ever be available to work evenings or weekends?
______________________________________________________________________
Will you be available to travel with our family for weekends / vacations?
______________________________________________________________________
Salary: Nannies usually charge somewhere between $300 and $700 per week (or about $7 an hour), depending on where you live and how many hours she works.
What is your salary range?___________________________________
Additional considerations: While she's in your home, give each candidate a chance to spend some time with your child. Does she seem attentive? How does your child interact with her? Your observations matter a great deal when you finally make your choice. It may help to take a moment to ask yourself the following questions.
Does she seem comfortable holding or speaking to your child?
______________________________________________________________________
Was she pleasant? Yes / No
While you're at work, will you feel at ease knowing your child is at home with her? Yes / No
References: Ask each nanny you're considering for a list of past and present references, and call them. Ask specific questions (don't ask whether they liked the nanny; ask what exactly they liked about her and what they didn't).
Could you recommend families I can call for references?
Name_____________________________ Phone#_____________________________
Name_____________________________ Phone#_____________________________
