How to Run a Background Check Before Hiring a Nanny

While nanny horror stories are mostly the fodder of thrillers rather than a common real-life scenario, we all want to make sure our children are in good hands. Yes, you can trust your instincts and look for a care provider for your child on Craigslist, but running a background check is a better approach. Here's how to run a background check before hiring a nanny to care for your loved ones in your absence. 

About Criminal Background Checks

Abuse and theft crimes do occur in the world of childcare, and putting your child's health at risk is the last thing any parent wants to do. When some parents find a nanny they like, they are hesitant to ask her to undergo a check or think one is not necessary. What you may not know is that child care background checks have become standard in this sector. If you hire a nanny through an agency, they might have run one already. However, there's no way to be 100% sure. 

Run a Free Check 

There's no reason not to run one yourself on a site like checkpeople.com. The free check will include identity confirmation, criminal records, and driving records. The process starts with identity because you need to confirm it to conduct a thorough check. You need her name, driver's license, address, and social security number. Get them either directly from her or from the agency if you're using one. For non-citizens, you need a work permit and passport number. 

Keep in mind you need her permission to run a background check. To verify the information, you can use arrest records, which are freely available online. Unwillingness to give consent to a check is a red flag. 

It's advisable to get a seven-year address history to help you figure out whether you need to run a national, state, or county background check. This check will include information about incarceration records, warrants, arrests, court records, and felony convictions. You could try checking a foreign country's criminal records if she is a foreigner or has lived abroad, but international background checks are not easy to do. 

Driving Record 

You can probably expect your child to spend time in the car with the nanny. After all, most nannies drive children to activities and doctor's appointments. You need to check her driving record. You need to ask the DMV in each state where she's lived for this information. In most states, records include collisions, violations, no-shows in court, convictions, and license suspensions. 

References

The references provided by your candidate should also be subjected to a background check. Family and friends are not solid references. Don't hire someone who cannot provide references for her past work. Contact any references that she provides and ask them whether she gets along with kids or how she handles stressful situations. 

Ask them if she arrived on time and whether she got along with the parent or parents. Did they ever have any disagreements? How were they resolved? Is there anything else you need to know? The nanny should be able to provide at least two references. Talk to them both. 

Qualifications

Quite a few agencies require nannies to pass a swim test and have CPR training. Ideally, she will have CPR and First Aid training even if you don't use an agency, particularly if she'll be taking your kids swimming. Ask for a card certifying her qualifications.

Benefits of Using an Agency

Nanny agencies make sure their professionals have the right training and meet certain qualifications. While you still need to run a background check, an agency will connect you with a truly skilled nanny. If you look on your own, you might get one who barely meets your requirements. An agency can match a family with a professional they can rely on long-term. It's not a good idea to change nannies often - your children should develop a relationship of trust with a sensitive and loving carer, which will be hard if you don't find one for the long haul.