For families with young kids, getting a daycare or childcare center might be as scarce as getting an admission into an Ivy League College. As a matter of fact, in many urban towns, the availability of openings, especially for toddlers and infants, may not meet demand. For others, caregivers are not an option when they resume work. What they do is hire a nanny.
Although most professionals agree that nannies may provide loving care for kids, the fact is that the nanny market is unregulated and unlicensed. Unlike an individual working in a family daycare or preschool, no government office ensures nannies meet basic requirements for criminal background checks, experience, safety, and health. However, as a parent, you will need to do diligence and consider the following:
- Write a Good Job Description
Before you start reaching out to fellow parents for referrals or hop on any nanny search engine, think about the requirements of your family.
Writing a job description outlining the times and days you need, the ideal qualifications, characteristics, and expected responsibility of the position you may need your nanny to have.
- Consider an Agency
Using a center such as the Milwaukee nanny agency can be a perfect way to get the right individual for the job. The best agencies usually preview candidates and check their certificates before placing them in someone’s home.
The best thing about using a good agency is that you will have a chance to meet potential nannies, interview some of them, and get a perfect fit.
- Know the Primary Role of Nannies
The key role of nannies is to oversee the well-being of kids while their parents are away. Nannies may as well prepare meals for kids, change diapers, and do crafts or activities with them.
Some nannies also specialize in intellectual or social development, and you can hire them to help your kids with homework, potty training, and language development.
- Check their Training and Education
Although not that important, it is convenient if your nanny has a background in education, childcare, or psychology. This kind of academic background might support nannies in their daily work and prove to you that they are professionally committed.
Babysitting or nanny training is also convenient for candidates who don’t have a degree in a particular field. Other training, such as First Aid and CPR, are also important. While no parent hopes that their nannies will have to use the skills, your mind would be at peace knowing the one you hire is prepared for everything.
- Look at the First Interaction with Your Child
It would be best to keep your child in a similar room while the interaction happens. This may ensure you check how she responds, talks, and interacts with the child.
You may also check whether the candidate seems patient, caring, and attentive to your child. You must make her spend some time and play with your kid for a few hours so as to determine this.
Final Thoughts!
Whether you work part-time or full-time, sooner or later, you may need childcare for your kids. Before you start getting nervous about leaving your kids in someone else’s hands, know that many other parents are in the same situation.
Making this decision is not a simple thing, but if you can use some of the above tips, you will be able to get the best nanny.