Child care guide
Hiring someone to care for your children is a major decision. This practical guide takes you from defining the role and comparing candidates to references, a paid trial visit, a written agreement, and a confident first day.
A clear path from search to hire
Each chapter includes practical questions, decisions, and preparation tips for a confident hiring process.
Create a clear role, schedule, budget, and priority list before you begin comparing nanny or babysitter candidates.
Use your role description to search, compare, and shortlist local nanny or babysitter candidates.
Use a short call or video interview to confirm the essentials before inviting a nanny or babysitter candidate to meet.
Speak directly with recent work references and ask consistent questions about reliability, duties, and performance.
Meet the candidate, discuss real situations, and confirm that expectations, communication, and practical details align.
Use a short, paid trial visit to observe communication, judgement, and comfort with the real routine.
Put the schedule, duties, pay, time off, boundaries, and review process in a written agreement.
Prepare the home, routines, contacts, access, and emergency information for a confident first day.
Discuss the appropriate police record check for the role, verify the document carefully, and treat personal information securely.
Plan a nanny share with clear expectations for schedule, location, costs, communication, and each family’s responsibilities.
Ready for the next step?
Browse local profiles and connect directly with care providers who fit your needs.
