Questions to Ask a Nanny Before Hiring
Finding the best nanny for your child in the San Francisco area can be an intimidating task. That’s why conducting nanny interviews is such a critical part of the hiring process, and knowing the right questions to ask a nanny can help ensure that you are making a great choice for your family. Here are some of the most important questions to ask a prospective nanny before making the decision to hire.
Work Experience and Background
Some of the most crucial information to learn about a nanny is their past experience in working with children. This is your chance to learn all about their professional background, including how many years they’ve worked in the childcare industry, other nanny jobs they’ve had, and more. At SF Nannies, we understand the importance of experience, which is why all of our in-home nannies come with a minimum of 3 years’ experience.
Some good questions to ask a nanny regarding work experience include:
How many years of experience do you have as a nanny?
Can you describe some of your past nanny jobs?
What was your longest nanny job?
Childcare Philosophy
Another significant aspect of choosing the right nanny is understanding their childcare philosophy. Be sure to ask questions related to their approach to nurturing child development, how they view the role of discipline, their stance on screen time, and other similar topics. Possible questions to ask a nanny during the interviewing process are:
Can you share your philosophy on early childhood development?
How do you build trust with children?
What is your approach to discipline and behavior management?
How do you balance screen time and hands-on activities with kids?
Compensation
Practical matters like wage expectations should absolutely be discussed with your potential nanny. Ensuring both parties are on the same page with regard to compensation is key to establishing a strong professional relationship with your nanny. At SF Nannies, hourly rates for our nannies begin at $30/hour, with more experienced childcare professionals charging more per hour. Some questions to ask your prospective nanny include:
What is your expected hourly rate?
What benefits are you looking for in a nanny position?
Schedules and Logistics
Whether you choose a full-time or part-time nanny, it’s critical to find a professional whose personal schedule will work with yours. Let them know which days and hours you expect them to work each week, and if there are any logistical factors to be aware of. For example, if you require transportation services, such as school or sport pickups, be sure to establish that expectation during the nanny interview. Good questions to ask your nanny include:
How flexible is your schedule?
Do you have a reliable mode of transportation?
Are you open to occasional overtime or weekends?
Daily Routines
Lastly, the interviewing process offers a great opportunity to learn more about how your prospective nanny typically spends the day with children. Inquire about activities they like to do with kids, their approach to helping with homework, and how they keep children engaged throughout the day. Important questions related to daily routines are:
Can you outline a typical day or routine when caring for children?
Are you comfortable assisting with homework or educational activities?
How do you keep an overactive child engaged with the task at hand?
Meet Your Child’s Favorite Nanny with SF Nannies
If you’re looking for the right nanny who will support your child’s development, open their eyes to new experiences, and provide gentle help when they need it, contact our professionals at SF Nannies. We understand the hiring process in the Bay Area can be a stressful one, and we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Plus, all full-time and part-time nannies at SF Nannies are background-checked, saving you the trouble of performing that extra step when evaluating prospective nannies. Reach out today!