The ABC's of Hiring A Nanny               by Frances Anne Hernan   BACKGROUND CHECK: Checking references is not an afterthought. No matter how impressed you are with the applicant - don't skip this step. References are very important. How far you feel you need to go in checking out your applicant must be decided before the interview. Disclosure and reference forms are on the companion disk. Will you hire a service for a fee investigator?  There are many things in an applicant's history that are as important as the absence of a criminal record. An applicant can have a clean driving record, and no criminal record but possess many qualities that could prevent her from providing a safe, stable environment for your children. Talking to personal references can give you information about her character and personality. If you get a bad or mixed reactions from personal references, don't proceed with a hired background check to verify bad information. In the event you get information she had a criminal record, report that information to the authorities and to the placement agency. Add questions that serve your special needs. * How many references did you check? * Do you recall any of the names of people you spoke to? * Did you have written verification of phone references? * Did you obtain phone verification of written references? * Did the reference's assessment of the applicant live up to your  expectations? * Is there anything you learned after the hire that was not consistent with the information provided by references? * Would this information have prevented you from hiring her? * Did she get phone calls late at night? * Does her long distance bill reflect long calls during duty time? * Was she clean and well groomed? * Has she performed her duties in such a way she can train or leave  helpful information to a new hire? * How much time did you spend with her for orientation purposes? * Did she adjust to your routine quickly? * How long was it before she established herself and expanded her role? * Are you confident she carried out your instructions? * Did you have a written contract? * Did you have a firm job description? * Were there any difficulties with the nanny's personal use of the car? * Did you have a curfew? * Did she show respect for your personal property in her use? * Was she always alert and ready for a new work week on Monday morning? * If she was an agency hire, is her replacement coming from the same agency? * Does this impact the reference you are giving to protect your interest in securing a new nanny? * Did she respect your privacy? * Did homesickness play a major role in her demeanor? Listen carefully to the responses of the reference, if the reference gives you an opening jump on it. Once you have made a decision to hire an applicant, create an employee file folder with the following: * Applications (your application and the agency application) * W-4 Form * I-9 Form and copies of verification documents * Copy of Social Security Card * Reference information, letters and notes of calls * Certifications * Disclosure forms, completed, signed and dated * Copy of driver's license and motor vehicle report * Payroll sheet * Contract/work agreement * Job description * Home of record information include emergency notification names, addresses and phone numbers _________________________________________________________ About the Author: Frances Anne Hernan is a former Nanny of 10 years. Her writing experience includes copy writing, grant writing, speech writing, developing workshops, editing and contributing to newsletters and designing brochures for organizations and political candidates. White it may not seem glamorous to the aspiring novelist, this experience gave Frances the credibility to create this handbook. Order the Book Parents           Nannies         Agency Owners   Home  | Classifieds  | About our Classifieds  | Agency Locator  | Nanny Gift Shop Helpful Tools  | Ask the Experts  | Book Store  | Library  | Links  | About Us Free Newsletter  | Help and Information Contact Us  | Add A Link  | Site Map | Search This Site Proud members of The International Nanny Association Disclaimer:  WE DO NOT PERFORM CRIMINAL HISTORY OR REFERENCE CHECKS ON THE CHILDCARE PROVIDERS OR EMPLOYERS WHO ADVERTISE OR RESPOND TO ADS THROUGH THIS WEBSITE. The childcare providers listed on this website are not interviewed by the staff of this website nor are they guaranteed in any way.  Be sure to ask for and check references and criminal histories before hiring.  The advice given through this website should not be substituted for independent legal or professional counsel.  The advice provided by this website is intended as a guide for parents, nannies and agencies to aid them in determining if they require the assistance of independent legal or professional counsel.  Reproduction of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited.  Please read the terms of use regarding material presented on this site.© Copyright 1999-2007 ParentsWithNannies, Inc., All Rights Reserved.  Please review our Privacy Policy.  Contact us for information on Advertising on 4EverythingNanny.com. Copyright ©1999-2007 [Parents With Nannies, Inc.]. All rights reserved. Revised: June 27, 2007.