Define your childcare needs: schedule, duties, experience, and budget
Decide whether you want a full-time, part-time, live-in, or occasional nanny
Ask friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers for referrals
Use trusted nanny websites, agencies, and local parenting groups
Review candidates’ resumes, references, and childcare experience
Conduct phone or video screenings before in-person interviews
Ask about child safety, discipline, routines, and emergency handling
Check references from previous families
Run background checks and verify identity, certifications, and driving record if needed
Meet candidates in person and observe how they interact with your child
Offer a trial period before making a final decision
Set clear expectations in a written contract
Discuss pay, hours, duties, vacation, sick days, and house rules
Stay in regular communication after hiring
Reassess fit and performance over time