Tips for looking for a nanny with experience with older kids

[Anonymous]

We have been looking for a nanny for our 5 year old and 1 year old who has experience with older kids as well as babies. Everyone we have talked to seems good with babies but doesn't have experience with older kids (setting up play dates, thinking of projects at home when needed, engaging and appropriately disciplining them). Our daughter is home 15 hours a week that she isn't in school. If you've had success finding someone with older kid experience, where did you find them?

[Anonymous]

It usually isn't difficult to find a nanny with experience with younger and older children.
You can find them on Sittercity and Care.com. Asking friends or neighbors for recommendations is always a good idea.
I'm interested in where you've found your candidates so far.
Generally, more experienced nannies have more experience caring for children of all ages.
Usually it is the newer nanny who only has experience with a child of one age. Could it be that the pay you are offering is too low to attract a nanny with more experience.
What pay are you offering? Benefits?

[Anonymous]

Can you afford a professional nanny?

[Anonymous]

Op back. We have posted here, on care.com and sitter city. We are offering a good package (about $18/hr base plus 5 hours overtime, 3 weeks vacation, sick time, etc). We haven't made any offers so I don't think the problem is our salary. There seem to not be a lot of candidates who have experience with kids over the age of 5 and up. I'm wondering if there are other sources we should be looking at.

[Anonymous]

Employment agencies have good nanny candidates (although it will cost you more). I'm a nanny who has been an elementary school teacher as well as a preschool teacher and I always go through agencies.

[Anonymous]

Is there any agency in particular that you would recommend?

[Anonymous]

Agree about using agencies - it's an added cost but I, too, am a former teacher and always go through an agency when looking for a new position. (Unfortunately I'm outside your area so can't recommend a specific one in DC - sorry!)

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I live outside your area as well. My advice would be to sign up with a few agencies (you do not have to pay until your nanny is found).

[Anonymous]

Many career nannies prefer to stick with one job for a longer time, so you may be having trouble since people are assuming your job will end in the next year or so as DC starts Kindergarten.