When to start looking for a nanny?

[Anonymous]

My husband and I are relocating back to DC in early August, looking for a nanny to start in early September. I am subscribed to a local listserve, and I'm seeing a lot of posts now about great nannies that will be available once their current child starts school. Would you recommend interviewing nannies and trying to get a contract in place now? Or do you think we'll still be able to find a good candidate if we wait until early August? In our current area people NEVER search more than a month in advance for a nanny, but I'm not sure if DC works the same way. TIA for offering your opinion!

[Anonymous]

Nanny here. I’d start searching middle of next month!

[Anonymous]

Yes, start looking now.

[Anonymous]

As PP says. It's great to start next month. No with too much in advance and no so close to the start date. Finding the right Family and the right Nanny always take time for each other.

[Anonymous]

Don’t wait for last minute, start posting now.

[Anonymous]

I think if you begin your Nanny search now, it should be okay.

Ideally it would be nice to find someone whose position is ending about when the Fall school session will begin.

You may have to pay her a retention fee though if this is not the case.

Even if you wait until mid-July - I think that still will allow sufficient time to select/screen/hire a good Nanny.

Anytime after that would be a little too late though in my opinion.
Wishing you the best!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My husband and I are relocating back to DC in early August, looking for a nanny to start in early September. I am subscribed to a local listserve, and I'm seeing a lot of posts now about great nannies that will be available once their current child starts school. Would you recommend interviewing nannies and trying to get a contract in place now? Or do you think we'll still be able to find a good candidate if we wait until early August? In our current area people NEVER search more than a month in advance for a nanny, but I'm not sure if DC works the same way. TIA for offering your opinion!

I'd recommend starting now. Nannies know by now whether they'll have a job after the summer.