Background check?

[Anonymous]

Did you do one before hiring? What about checking driving record?

[Anonymous]

First, verify identity (that the nanny is who she says she is) with a photo ID and then run a comprehensive criminal background check. Also ask to see verification of all vaccinations and certificates they claim to have (CPR, Infant Care).

And I am a nanny who has overheard other nannies talk about how they lied about being vaccinated and getting CPR training.

[Anonymous]

I didn't do either of those things, but we did verify citizenship and current license and insurance.

But the nanny we hired had been with a neighbor off an on for almost 15 years and knew half of the neighborhood so we felt ok not crossing every t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First, verify identity (that the nanny is who she says she is) with a photo ID and then run a comprehensive criminal background check. Also ask to see verification of all vaccinations and certificates they claim to have (CPR, Infant Care).

And I am a nanny who has overheard other nannies talk about how they lied about being vaccinated and getting CPR training.

Excellent advice. What is the point of running a background check on care.com or another site based on a SS# that may or may not belong to the applicant? Also good advice to verify what is being claimed in terms of vaccinations and certifications.

[Anonymous]

I am a nanny who has been getting position for the past three years by word of mouth.

People are referring me to their friends so usually they do not background check me, but I give them a copy of my drivers license and social security card just for their peace of mind.

I also let them know my change of address if needed and provide a copy/receipt of any certifications I renew and any flu shots I get.

[Anonymous]

First, verify identity (that the nanny is who she says she is) with a photo ID and then run a comprehensive criminal background check. Also ask to see verification of all vaccinations and certificates they claim to have (CPR, Infant Care).

And I am a nanny who has overheard other nannies talk about how they lied about being vaccinated and getting CPR training.

This is what we do. We don't do a credit check because that feels overly invasive and not pertinent to the job.

[Anonymous]

we do background plus google searches plus driving record -

[Anonymous]

We did a background check that included her driving record. In the case of our nanny, the agency did that for us. For our mother's helper, we did it ourselves.

I have never run a credit check, and would probably only do that if I was hiring someone who was handling a lot of family money, or who would be able to sign checks (like a household manager rather than a nanny).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We did a background check that included her driving record. In the case of our nanny, the agency did that for us. For our mother's helper, we did it ourselves.

I have never run a credit check, and would probably only do that if I was hiring someone who was handling a lot of family money, or who would be able to sign checks (like a household manager rather than a nanny).

This is sensible. As a nanny, I'd agree to a credit check only if they agreed for me to have theirs. Or as pp said, if I was handling their finances.

[Anonymous]

Nannies should know how dependable you are with paying your debts. They want their paycheck on time, every time.

[Anonymous]

Nannies should know how dependable you are with paying your debts. They want their paycheck on time, every time.

No, the nanny is not entitled to know anything about my personal financial situation. There is no way I would share such private information with a nanny, or anyone else, except my employer and the government.

However, they are absolutely entitled to their paychecks on time and should include, in the work agreement, a financial penalty if the NF is ever late with a payment. Problem solved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Nannies should know how dependable you are with paying your debts. They want their paycheck on time, every time.

No, the nanny is not entitled to know anything about my personal financial situation. There is no way I would share such private information with a nanny, or anyone else, except my employer and the government.

However, they are absolutely entitled to their paychecks on time and should include, in the work agreement, a financial penalty if the NF is ever late with a payment. Problem solved.

Agreed. You're not entitled to her personal finances either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Nannies should know how dependable you are with paying your debts. They want their paycheck on time, every time.


No, the nanny is not entitled to know anything about my personal financial situation. There is no way I would share such private information with a nanny, or anyone else, except my employer and the government.

However, they are absolutely entitled to their paychecks on time and should include, in the work agreement, a financial penalty if the NF is ever late with a payment. Problem solved.

Agreed. You're not entitled to her personal finances either.

Exactly. I'm the poster who said I would never credit check a nanny because it is invasive and not pertinent to the job. So, I completely agree with you.