April 2007 Expecting Club

Wondering if anyone has any good tips... My husband and I are adjusting our work schedules so that we'll only need to find care for DD for about 3 hours/day, so I figured we might be able to afford a nanny rather than put her in daycare. But I really don't know where to start.

Any advice from BTDT moms on finding a good nanny? What questions should I make sure to ask when interviewing them? And what kind of compensation should I expect to offer per hour? TIA, this is all new to me!

I am writing this to you as someone who has worked in childcare for over 6 years, and who is currently working as a nanny so that I am able to stay home with my own children. If you go the route of putting an add in the paper, be prepared to have a ton of calls. Just by doing a quick interview over the phone though, you should be able to weed out the ones that you would never consider. I would first ask the question of what type of experience they have with newborns, and if they are CPR and first aid certified. Both of which you would want. Also, ask if they have any formal training with children. Just make quick notes when you are talking to them, and then go back later on decide from the list that you made if you would like to talk to someone more. Set up an interview and when they arrive, you can ask them more questions regarding not only there work with children, but also with themselves. Ask about there work history, how they feel about being on time, and have them bring a list of references. One other thing that I feel is really important is introducing anyone that you would really consider hiring to your baby. A lot of times you can tell by looking at them and the way they handle your baby if its just a job to them, or if they really do love children. Also, I would run a back ground check on anyone that might be thinking about hiring, and also make them go to there local Department of Human Services and get a clearance letter from them that states that they have not been convicted of child abuse or neglect. I know in Michigan you can use the internet to look them up to see if they have any other criminal backgrounds, but I'm not sure how that works where you are. Having a valid drivers license is also important, especially if there is ever an emergency and they need to drive the baby some where.

As for how much to pay a nanny, I think that it varies by where you live. I am currently making $10 an hour, and paying someone that would equal about what you would pay for daycare, or pretty close. Good luck and I hope that helps.

Angie
Jenna 12/29/04
Erika 3/5/07