With so many things that need to be done to get all the members of your family comfortable in their new environment, nannies can provide the extra help you need to keep things running smoothly while everyone adjusts. As many people relocate to big cities, higher crime rates can make having strangers in new your home a frightening prospect. Macleans listed Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Vancouver as some of the top ten highest crime cities in Canada—all also top moving destinations in Canada. However, whether your move was facilitated by Vancouver moving companies or otherwise, a little strategizing can make acquiring a new nanny not only safe but enjoyable. Not only are there great resources available to help you find nannies, but with some planning, your own judgement and concern over this important issue can easily guide you to the nanny of your dreams.
Before you start looking for a nanny, you need to do a basic assessment of your needs. Are you looking for part-time, full-time, or live-in services? What fees can you afford?
As many of us learned from Mrs. Doubtfire, accepting cold calls for potential nannies isn’t always the most dependable option. What are the options available?
Agencies. While using an agency doesn’t guarantee a suitable nanny, it will prove less time consuming than the do-it-yourself approach of advertising locally. The upshot of this, however, is that an agency can charge up to five times a nanny’s salary in fees, so be sure to shop around and compare various agencies and the services they offer.
Local advertising. If you are prepared to do all the ground work yourself—and wouldn’t find skipping out on agency fees—advertising in local directories may be your route of choice.
Students looking for summer work. Many qualified college or university students would be happy to opt for one-on-one work with a family during the summer months when they are not in class.
Word of mouth. Using advice from other parents can be a very effective method of finding a nanny, but keep in mind that your friends and you may differ in your standards.
Childcare information services. There are many resources available to provide practical data on care available in your area. Check out local community centers, their bulletin boards, and even the internet to get an idea of what others are recommending. Be sure to verify such information with references.
Of course, no matter how much positive affirmation you may hear from external sources, the only person who can make an informed decision about which caregiver is most appropriate for your children is you. The interviewing process will make or break successful acquisition of a nanny best suited to your needs. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when interviewing potential nannies:
- Have a general discussion on methods of disciplines. Do you and your caregiving candidate have similar views?
- What is the candidate’s experience with preparing food for children? What are their views on nutrition and health? Ask for examples of snacks or meals they would make.
- Nannies will be spending a lot of time with your children, at a time when their developmental capacities are in their prime. How will he or she be spending this time with your child? Ask how each potential candidate would organize his or her day.
- If you have not opted to go through an agency, don’t be shy to ask for proof of a criminal background check.
- What first aid procedures are your caregiving candidates familiar with? What are they certified to perform, and is this certification up to date?
- Contact references whose children have been in the care of your potential nanny. Check more than one reference, and ask direct questions that will stifle temptations to be polite. Ask for their opinion on the worst and best qualities of the nanny in question.
- Ask prospective nannies what their interests are; what they do for fun. You may not only find a nanny that is wholly reliable and qualified, but who also happens to share common interests with your child(ren).
Finally, never conduct interviews alone or with solely you and your children in the house. Ask someone you trust to keep your children company while the interview proceeds. Also, have every applicant complete a written application. This may seem excessive, but it will protect you should he or she come back years later claiming, for instance, that you failed to pay minimum wage. Include hire date, rate of pay, schedule, days and hours required, as well as expectations regarding child care and any additional duties. Not only is this the responsible measure to take, it shows your prospective employees that you are a serious employer who means business and is to be respected. This isn’t to say that interviewing should be a cold and sombre process. In fact, the more candidates for the position loosen up and relax, the more willing they will be to offer up useful information about themselves. Lightly test the humour/fun factor in your potential nannies, as little worthwhile care can be provided for a young child who isn’t enjoying themselves!
