For parents who wish to be in charge of their nanny search, finding a nanny online can be a suitable option. Using the Internet, parents are able to search for a nanny anytime, anywhere without having to use a middle man to broker the employment deal.
One of the most popular ways of finding a nanny online is by using a nanny recruiting website. Popular nanny sites, like enannysource.com, allow parents to browse the profiles of nannies and search for nannies who can meet their family’s care needs using proprietary search tools. Since most reputable sites offer free trial memberships, parents don’t have to upgrade to paying memberships unless they wish to contact a caregiver.
There are also other free sites, like Craigslist, that parents can use to recruit nannies. However, unlike sites specifically geared towards nannies and nanny employers, background screening tools aren’t easy to access and resources that educate parents on how to thoroughly screen a childcare provider aren’t available on these sites.
For parents who wish to leverage technology while still receiving personal recommendations for a care provider, using social media can be a viable option to recruit nannies. By simply updating a Facebook status to reflect a need for a nanny, parents can generate leads with personally recommended nannies from those within their social network.
While some parents are skeptical about finding a nanny online, it’s important to remember that however a parent finds a nanny, it is still their responsibility to thoroughly screen potential caregivers. Parents must conduct interviews both by telephone and in person, check references, and verify education and social security numbers. Parents must also check motor vehicle records, criminal and civil court records, and sex offender registry records. Some may also wish to check a potential nanny’s credit and run personality and risk assessment testing.
Parents should be cautioned, however, that even the best background screening doesn’t provide a guarantee that a nanny has never committed a crime or won’t commit one in the future. Parents must be vigilant about continually monitoring their nannies. Conducting weekly check-in meetings, fostering open lines of communication, performing periodic reviews, coming home unannounced, updating background checks, and paying close attention to changes in a nanny’s mood or behavior can help parents identify any red flags that could indicate caregiver problems.
10 Ways to Find a Nanny Online
If you are looking for a nanny for your child, the Internet can be an exceptional resource. The Internet can be used to find nanny placement agencies, recruit nanny candidates, and advertise that you’re seeking a nanny. Regardless of how parents learn about nanny candidates, they must properly vet a nanny to determine if she’s qualified to provide care.
- Use a search engine. Many nanny agencies will work hard to get listed in search engine results. You can use search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing to find nanny agencies in your area.
- Visit professional association websites. The International Nanny Association and Association of Premier Nanny Agencies maintain a list of member agencies that have agreed to abide by the organization’s professional standards.
- Use social media. Use social networking websites to look for nannies in your area. By simply updating your Facebook status to “Help, we need a nanny!” you’ll likely get lots of viable leads.
- E-mail peers. Ask your trustworthy relatives, colleagues and friends if they know of any nannies seeking work.
- Browse nanny profiles. Many online nanny recruiting sites allow parents to browse nanny profiles for free. For a fee you can obtain contact information, and even create a profile of your own.
- Connect with a nanny group. There are nanny groups located all over the United States, and most can be found online. Contact the group leader and ask if you can advertise your position to the group. Most will be happy to oblige.
- Check out the classifieds. Sites like nannyclassifieds.com are dedicated to helping families find nannies. Peruse listings from nannies in your area at your convenience or post an ad of your own.
- Post on message boards. Many parenting, nanny and mom message boards exist that encourage parents and nannies to connect.
- Submit a help wanted ad. Create and submit a help wanted ad to your local parenting paper or local newspaper. Consider purchasing advertisements for both online and print publications.
- Join a local moms group or forum. Moms are in the know when it comes to finding good, local childcare. Get connected with other moms and you’ll likely receive several recommendations for nannies. Meetup.com is one such site that connects local moms.
Whether you are hiring through an agency or on an individual basis, you should always do your research. Do not be afraid to ask for an interview or to have a thorough background check performed. Most experienced nannies expect to be thoroughly vetted, and when they aren’t, it can serve as a red flag.
