What to Look For in a Nanny
Finding the right nanny in the Bay Area goes beyond asking about certifications and availability - it’s also about hiring a trusted partner who you trust and genuinely connects with your children. A great nanny can become an indispensable part of your childrens’ lives and offers not just care but also education and friendship. By knowing the characteristics and qualifications to look for in a nanny, you can make an informed decision that helps you find a wonderful in-home childcare professional for your family.
Characteristics to Look For in a Nanny
Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness is arguably the most important quality a nanny can have because it forms the foundation for every aspect of the caregiving relationship. Parents must have total confidence in leaving their children in a nanny’s care, and trust is a key component of this relationship. A trustworthy nanny handles their role with complete integrity, respects the family’s privacy, and consistently makes the best decisions for the children in their care.
Dependability
Dependability is a critical quality to look for in a nanny, and is essential for both parents and children. When a nanny is dependable, parents can feel confident in the routine and trust that their children's daily needs are being met. A dependable full-time or part-time nanny is one who adheres to the family’s schedule, follows through on commitments, and is prepared to handle the unexpected. A dependable nanny also communicates proactively about changes that may affect scheduling so that parents are not left empty-handed at the last minute.
Communication Skills
A nanny’s ability to effectively communicate is vital to ensure that both they and the parents are clearly aligned on overall expectations, changes in schedule, important information about the childrens’ well-being, and so on. A nanny with strong communication skills will convey their own information accurately and also listen attentively to both children and their parents. This two-way communication helps children feel they are understood and lends parents a stronger peace of mind that their in-home childcare professional has it handled.
Patience
Patience is an invaluable characteristic in a nanny, especially when dealing with unpredictable or the occasionally challenging behavior of children as they grow and undergo emotional and physical changes. A patient nanny remains calm and controlled even when the children in their care test boundaries or have trouble facing new obstacles. Having patience also means that the childcare professional is willing to repeatedly address the same questions or soothe the same fears over time.
Qualifications to Look For in a Nanny
Past Childcare Experience
A nanny's past childcare experience gives a helpful insight into their ability to care for children everyday and adapt to the unique needs of each family. Multiple years of experience as a childcare professional demonstrates a nanny’s skills in managing daily routines, handling issues as they arise, and shows an overall commitment to their profession. At SF Nannies, all our nannies in the Bay Area are required to have at least 3 years of childcare experience before they can join our placement agency.
Background & Reference Checks
Both background checks and reference checks are critical steps to take when looking for the right nanny. In general, these checks help confirm the nanny’s reliability, integrity, and trustworthiness for working with children. Speaking with references can also offer a window into the nanny’s past experiences in caring for children and highlight things that may not have been apparent during the interview process. Our childcare professionals at SF Nannies are all vigorously background- and reference-checked.
Find a Highly Qualified Nanny with SF Nannies
At SF Nannies, we take the guesswork out of choosing the right nanny for your children by offering a wide array of highly qualified nannies in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. To find your perfect match, get in touch with our team today.
