Checking nanny's degree?

[Anonymous]

I'm happy to show my degree, anyone who isn't is obviously hiding something. Many nannies on here will say you SHOULD just take their word for it. Nope. If that's the case then everyone in the childcare field would be making it up to look good.

[Anonymous]

You are going to go through a lot of na.nies, OP. You have some serious issies with trust.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand why some of you are so bothered about having to show proof that you got a degree.

What would be the difference in asking to see your degree and calling all of your references and asking you to verify your employment dates?

Why should I "trust" that you'll write me a paycheck at the end of the week? How about a bit of proof that you're financially responsible?

MB here and I agree with your general sentiment. How many bosses would willingly allow a potential nanny to contact their former nannies/babysitters for references as well as do a background check, including credit score, on their bosses? Or would you automatically place any nanny who requests this in the "pass" pile. There are plenty of stories of bosses treating their nannies horribly and they should be able to research potential bosses to the same extent they are researched.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've had to give proof of my education to several different agencies and families. I just have a notorized copy of my degrees that I provide them. I've had to supply it so many times it seems normal to me now.

In 10 years I have never been asked to provide proof of my degree.
I think you are in the minority.

I may be in the minority, but it probably has something to do with the different agencies I've worked with. I'm also not sure why someone would be offended if asked? I've also had to provide proof of my degree for my professional job as a mental health counselor in more than one setting. The reality is that people lie on their resumes about their education and their experience. I know nannies personally who have lied about graduating college and/or having a certain degree. Then there are nanny employers who really value education and want their nanny to have a degree because that's what they think is important for their children. In addition, a college degree usually (not always) commands a higher salary for a nanny, so I can understand why people would want proof.

Which agencies ask for that?

To name a few-

Mahler Private Staffing
Educated Nannies
The Nanny League
British American Household Staffing Agency
Westside Nannies
Celebrity Staffing Services
Beacon Hill Nannies
Pavillion
Imperial Nannies

[Anonymous]

If the degree is important to you and you are paying a higher rate for someone who has a degree than you should absolutely verify that the nanny does have a degree. A legitimate nanny with a degree will be happy to have it verified. A nanny who is lying will take offense and try to make you feel like you shouldn't be asking. The ones on this thread are perfect examples of scammers. The classic 'well if you don't trust me' is a sure fire sign of a lying nanny.

Its a shame for the educated nannies but the uneducated ones know that a degree makes them more marketable and they do lie because its easy to do. They want the extra $$ but don't want to put in the time and money to get the degree. Nannies without degrees are also VERY resentful towards nannies with degrees so I'm sure this drives the lying on the resume even more.

I suggest letting every candidate know that they'll need to agree to a background, driving, and educational verification check along with produce the proper identification required to be hired legally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the degree is important to you and you are paying a higher rate for someone who has a degree than you should absolutely verify that the nanny does have a degree. A legitimate nanny with a degree will be happy to have it verified. A nanny who is lying will take offense and try to make you feel like you shouldn't be asking. The ones on this thread are perfect examples of scammers. The classic 'well if you don't trust me' is a sure fire sign of a lying nanny.

Its a shame for the educated nannies but the uneducated ones know that a degree makes them more marketable and they do lie because its easy to do. They want the extra $$ but don't want to put in the time and money to get the degree. Nannies without degrees are also VERY resentful towards nannies with degrees so I'm sure this drives the lying on the resume even more.

I suggest letting every candidate know that they'll need to agree to a background, driving, and educational verification check along with produce the proper identification required to be hired legally.

+1. It's not personal - If I'm an MB asking for proof of the ways in which you are qualified for the position and the salary rate, that doesn't mean I don't trust YOU. It means I am verifying all the requirements of every candidate. I don't get why anyone would take that personally or take it as an indication that an employer would be overbearing or tracking your every move. If I am an MB looking only for candidates with degrees or am offering a higher salary based on a degree, why would it be out of the ordinary to ask for proof?

OP, if you require it for your job, ask for proof. If anyone is put off, accuses you of "not trusting them," or says they can't find their degree, then pass over the candidate.

[Anonymous]

You could ask her for her college transcripts.

I have a college degree and would not be offended if someone asked me for proof. I have nothing to hide. It is a legitimate question because now a days people can just purchase online degrees for a fee and scam others.

If a nanny seems taken a back OP, then let that be a red flag.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here who didn't go to college. I've always wondered about the pay difference. What is the hourly rate for a educated nanny? I am paid $15-20/hour and I have 5 years experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nanny here who didn't go to college. I've always wondered about the pay difference. What is the hourly rate for a educated nanny? I am paid $15-20/hour and I have 5 years experience.

meant to write 'an educated nanny' i.e. college degree in early childhood education

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nanny here who didn't go to college. I've always wondered about the pay difference. What is the hourly rate for a educated nanny? I am paid $15-20/hour and I have 5 years experience.

meant to write 'an educated nanny' i.e. college degree in early childhood education

Honestly, I think it depends on the family. Personally, I would pay more for your previous experience than your education but other families may feel differently.

[Anonymous]

I'm a nanny with a 20 year old associates degree in child care an development and always provide my transcripts with references and resume. Yes they are old, but they show I've taken 17 early childhood classes, along with my experience and keeping my CPR current it's enough to make me a stand out against other nannies. Preschools, daycares, and Agencies also require proof of all your child related classes. If i was the parent I'd be uncomfortable just taking someone's word in this situation.

[Anonymous]

Why do you need proof of her degree? Will she be doing your taxes?

[Anonymous]

I ask all my nanny candidates to bring proof of their certifications/degree(s), either with a diploma or a copy of the transcript with the degree recorded. They all have readily complied because they are professionals and are well-organized. Do not settle for less.

[Anonymous]

I've never been asked to prove my degree for a nanny position and would be uncomfortable giving my FULL transcripts to a family (?!) rather than an agency. And I don't think any of my agencies verified my degree either, although I suppose my previous work experience as a teacher confirmed it in a sideways kind of way?

That said, I don't think it's an unreasonable request, but I'm not entirely sure how you'd go about proving it. A notarized letter from my college stating I graduated with xyz degree takes 7-10 days to arrive and costs $15+ (it's been a while since I had to order one), so I guess if the family were comfortable waiting/paying I'd do that. As for my degree itself, it's absolutely massive and buried in a box somewhere in my parents' attic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've never been asked to prove my degree for a nanny position and would be uncomfortable giving my FULL transcripts to a family (?!) rather than an agency. And I don't think any of my agencies verified my degree either, although I suppose my previous work experience as a teacher confirmed it in a sideways kind of way?

That said, I don't think it's an unreasonable request, but I'm not entirely sure how you'd go about proving it. A notarized letter from my college stating I graduated with xyz degree takes 7-10 days to arrive and costs $15+ (it's been a while since I had to order one), so I guess if the family were comfortable waiting/paying I'd do that. As for my degree itself, it's absolutely massive and buried in a box somewhere in my parents' attic.

+1 Wouldn't have a problem showing proof as I don't see the issue but wouldnt know how.