How to Run a Background Check on a Nanny: A Guide for Families in Denver and San Diego
How to Run a Background Check on a Nanny: A Guide for Families in Denver and San Diego
One of the most important parts of the nanny hiring process is running a thorough background check. In cities like Denver and San Diego, where many families are busy professionals, having the assurance of a trustworthy caregiver is critical. Here’s how to complete a background check safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Consider Working with a Professional Nanny Agency
One of the best ways to hire a nanny is to work with a professional agency that specializes in nanny placements. Agencies understand the latest guidelines and we have reliable background check procedures to ensure your piece of mind. We look for nannies that are professional, reliable, and experienced.
Step 2: Pre-Screening During Interviews
Before diving into a background check with your chosen candidate, start with a basic pre-screening process during your interviews:
Verify Identity: Ask to see a government-issued ID to confirm who they are! We can’t stress doing this enough!
Request References: Speak directly with ALL past employers. This should give you a good sense of the candidates reliability and experience.
Social Media Scan: Always make sure to review social media profiles. They might look great on paper but do the photos say something else?
Step 3: Running a Background Check
Once you’ve identified a strong candidate, it’s time to conduct an official background check. Here’s how to approach this step in both San Diego and Denver.
California: Use The TrustLine Registry To Hire Nannies In San Diego
In California, TrustLine is the only state-authorized screening service for in-home childcare providers, such as nannies. Established by the California Department of Social Services, TrustLine offers:
Fingerprint-Based Screening: TrustLine uses fingerprints to verify that the caregiver has no criminal record.
Access to State and Federal Databases: It’s cross-checked against California and FBI criminal databases, making it a comprehensive screening method.
Super Reliable: It is a requirement for agencies to vet their nannies through Trustline. It’s comprehensive and the best way to screen your nanny.
Families in San Diego can request that their nanny candidates either register with TrustLine or confirm their registration status, which you can verify both through the TrustLine website. Our nanny agency is happy to help your family through this process.
Background Check For Your Nanny In Denver: The Best Way To Screen Your Nanny
For families in Denver, where a registry like TrustLine isn’t available, there are still ways to conduct a thorough background check. Working with an agency can help, but if you’re handling the process yourself, look for companies that specialize in nanny background checks and offer:
National and State Criminal Checks: Make sure you find a company that does a comprehensive check across national, state, and local criminal databases. Pay the extra fee for 7 county rather than a single county search.
Driving Records: Ensure that your nanny has a good driving record. You wouldn’t want someone caring for your children that has had 5 speeding tickets in the past year. Always check this!
Social Security and Identity Verification: Are they who they say they are? Verify their social through the background check company to help detect any aliases or address history.
Agencies that offer these services know how to structure checks to cover childcare-specific concerns and adhere to local and federal guidelines.
Step 4: Review Results Carefully
Be attentive to any red flags! If anything minor pops up, discuss these with your candidate. A trustworthy nanny should be open to addressing your concerns and explaining any discrepancies. If you are still unsure then move on to a new candidate.
Step 5: Set Clear Expectations in a Contract
Once you hire a nanny, make sure to establish a written contract outlining their responsibilities, safety guidelines, and household rules. This transparency creates a positive working relationship which increases longevity in the relationship.
Final Thoughts
Running a background check on a nanny can seem overwhelming, but a nanny agency can help alleviate this stress. If you choose to work on your own then ensure you are working with reputable background check company to screen your nanny. Be thorough and if the nanny isn’t up for the screening then they aren’t the right fit for your family. It’s simply not worth the risk! Feel free to reach out to our team at The Natural Nanny Collective. We are happy to help with the nanny screening and hiring process!
