Outrageous Nanny Behavior Could Have Been Avoided

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 19, 2008 -
RALEIGH, N.C. – As the shocking behavior of a Cary, N.C. nanny hired off of an online posting makes national headlines, childcare referral professionals in the Triangle insist there are steps families can take to ensure their children’s safety.

Rita Wallace, owner of Nancy’s Nannies of Raleigh, felt saddened and motivated to educate others when the Cary nanny story came to light.  “This nanny debacle has reminded us all how important it is to find trustworthy childcare professionals,” said Wallace.

Nancy’s Nannies offers the following tips for parents seeking responsible caregivers for their kids.

•   Nanny placement agencies are your safest bet.  While you could pay more for this service, an agency is best qualified to screen candidates.  Agencies perform thorough background checks including driving record, criminal record both in and out of state, sex offender registry and previous work references.  Nancy’s Nannies takes pride in meeting face-to-face with candidates and families. Nancy’s Nannies may place the candidate in several short-term jobs before a long-term nanny position to ensure the nanny is indeed qualified to care for your little ones.  Agencies should do their research in identifying what the family needs in order to match what the nanny has to offer.  Although a nanny’s resume may look appealing, quite often if the chemistry between family and nanny does not exist, neither should the work relationship.

•   Finding a nanny on your own is risky.  Although this may be the less expensive solution, choosing a nanny on your own can be a long, time-consuming process and may not yield the results you want.  Background checks are rarely performed by families who take nanny placement into their own hands.

•   If you must find a nanny on your own, opt for your personal network.  Trust word-of-mouth referrals from your family, friends, co-workers and church.  Classified ads such as those on Craigslist are convenient but unreliable and provide no guarantee for your children’s safety.

•   Alert your nanny that you may videotape her.  Disclosing your intention to videotape happenings within your home will cause your nanny to be on her best behavior.  If your nanny is not okay with the idea, perhaps she is not the ideal nanny for you.

•   Outline the work agreement.  Remember a nanny is a household employee and the family is the nanny’s employer.  Give a clear description of expected responsibilities on paper.  Review the agreement with your nanny, allow her to ask questions and then sign.  This will benefit you both.  Although what is expected of the nanny may be discussed during the interview, often times it is forgotten.  Start the work relationship off on the right foot.