Finding a Babysitter or Nanny
The process of finding, screening, and hiring a babysitter or nanny can seem overwhelming. It doesn't have to be: Just follow these steps.
1. Identify your priorities.
Before beginning your search, write up a brief description of what you are looking for in a babysitter or nanny. Cover such things as work schedule, job responsibilities, living with you or not, experience and training, salary and benefits, legal status, fluency in English, valid driver’s license, and other requirements. Be prepared to compromise on less important issues.
2. Get the word out.
Ask friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations on prospective child care providers.
3. Use the want ads.
Look at babysitter- and nanny-related ads in community papers and on Internet bulletin boards. Post your own child care wanted ad in a local paper or on a community message board.
4. Prescreen over the phone.
Call prospective candidates and discuss your expectations and their experience and qualifications to see if they meet your needs and are worth an in-person interview.
5. Call references.
Contact each qualified candidate's references to verify prior experience and ask about his or her qualifications, strengths, and weaknesses.
6. Interview the best candidates.
Arrange in-person interviews with potential babysitters or nannies who pass your prescreening.
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