Be Clear on What Your Needs Are

If you are returning to work, you will be more focused on someone who will be stimulating, creative, and attentive to the needs of your child. If you are a "stay at home mom," and will be the primary caretaker of your child, you will be more interested in a person who can accommodate other needs of the household in addition to child care.

12 Key Questions to Ask in an Interview

1. What is your previous nanny experience?
2. What kinds of activities do you enjoy doing with children?
3. What would you do in case of an emergency?
4. What is your philosophy on disciplining a child?
5. What skills do you have that make you a better childcare provider (i.e.,
   music, sports, and arts)?
6. How long of a commitment are you willing to make? What are your plans
   for the future?
7. What made you decide to become a nanny?
8. When something is bothering you on the job, how do you communicate
   problems with your employer?
9. What memories do you have of your own childhood?
10. What are your expectations of the position?
11. Are you generally helpful in the home?
12. Are you aware of nutritional needs for children? Are you willing to
    prepare healthy meals for the children?

Second Interviews & Trial Days – A Must!

If you have met more than one candidate that you are interested in, have each of them come back for a second interview. Give yourself an opportunity to ask additional questions and learn more about her.

Trial Days – Have your potential nanny spend some time with your child, whether a few hours, or a day or two. Observe the interaction.

CHECKING REFERENCES
What is Important for You to Know

1. How was she with your child?
2. Was she prompt and reliable?
3. How was her relationship with the family?
4. Did she communicate?
5. Did she show good judgment?
6. Did she take initiative?
7. What kinds of activities did they do together?
8. Was she responsible for driving the children?
9. Were there any personal problems affecting her work?
10. Would you hire her again?

OFFERING THE JOB
Don't delay! Good nannies are hard to find!

• Be clear on hours, salary and duties.
• What are your expectations? If you are planning on writing it all down, be prepared to be flexible.
• Discuss holidays, vacations, sick days and overtime pay.
• If the nanny will be using her car on the job, discuss reimbursements for gas, car insurance and mileage.
• If you are going through an Agency, the Agency director will be able to negotiate the offer and express any concerns you or the nanny may have.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• How will your nanny be paid?
  - Hourly?
  - Weekly?
  - Bimonthly?
• How many hours will she work and for what salary?
• Will you be paying taxes?

Once you and your nanny agree on the terms of employment, get off to a good start. The more information you can offer on how you like things done, the better equipped your nanny will be to meet your expectations. Have a weekly discussion to determine any areas that need to be clarified. Keep the lines of communication open.