How to Run a Nanny Background Check

How to Run a Nanny Background Check

When it comes to entrusting someone with the care of our children, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that the individual is trustworthy and reliable. With such a weighty matter, one can never be too thorough when vetting candidates; this is where a background check comes in. The background check process entails collecting personal information and investigating criminal records, driving records, and educational qualifications to evaluate a potential nanny.

Additionally, it’s important to note which questions employers must steer clear of to maintain a respectful, professional level of politeness. Simply put, a nanny background check is necessary for the peace of mind of all parties involved.

How to Run a Nanny Background Check

How do you screen a nanny?

It is a matter of the utmost gravity to ensure the welfare of the young ones in our care. A rigorous investigation is needed, one that starts with ascertaining the nanny’s full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Investigate any criminal records, the person’s presence on a sex offender list, and a driving record using the internet or government resources. We should ask for the nanny’s accreditations and qualifications and call on her personal and professional references.

Also, please do everything you can to confirm her employment history and obtain a background check from her previous employer. Finally, ensure that the nanny is content with the whole process, answer whatever questions she may have; and always keep in mind that the safety of the children rests on our shoulders.

How can I run a quick nanny background check?

Calling for a criminal record check on your potential nanny? There’s only one “must-do” to ensure you find the truth. Dig deep into those public records databases. Check the National Sex Offender Registry, the FBI’s National Crime Information Center, and the state department’s International Visitor Information and Database for your essential background check. To access these databases, all you need is the name of the person you’re looking up and the name of the database itself.

Once you have access, delve deep into the background details! From criminal records and driving licenses to employment histories and educational qualifications, take the time to review the fine print. It’s crucial to check court records, credit reports, and a valid Child Abuse Central Index clearance if the nanny worked in childcare previously.

How can you do a background check on someone?

So you have decided to get a babysitter. But you are still uneasy. Maybe they have a shady past. To be clear, you must do a background check on the babysitter. But how? Here are the steps:

Know your state laws.

Before running your background check, ensure you know the laws that affect you. Every state has its own rules on employee screening, so it is crucial for business owners to abide by these regulations. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employers to conduct background checks with accuracy and transparency while still being fair to the individual they are investigating.

Get approval.

Rather than obtaining written permission from a prospective candidate before initiating a background check, ShareAble for Hires provides an automated solution to the task. The platform enables employers to quickly receive express consent from applicants for necessary screenings with minimal effort. A document outlining the background check details can be signed electronically by candidates, streamlining the process.

By using ShareAble for Hires, applicants can maintain control over how their data is handled. They can grant affirmative authorization for screening and get the same reports you obtain.

Obtain personal data

Collect the necessary information. This may include the person’s full name, date of birth, social security number, and other information you feel is necessary for a thorough background check. Also, remember to obtain a copy of the person’s driver’s license or state ID.

Proceed with the background check.

Rather than outsourcing their background checks, some employers opt to do their own. With so much of the world’s collective knowledge now available at their fingertips, people searching databases offer companies a means of collecting employee data. However, the accuracy and legality of this information may need to be improved when used for making employment decisions.

TransUnion’s ShareAble for Hires should be your top choice to ensure you are acquiring a compliant background check report. With this service, you can access credit, criminal, and ID checks in just minutes, allowing you the convenience of hiring candidates immediately. Thus, one of the most effective ways to ensure a thorough review is completed quickly before employing any individual is by using ShareAble for Hires.

Examine the results.

Examining the results is all about monitoring the red flags. They are as follows:

  • Having a recent criminal history
  • Violations of federal or state laws
  • Having a shady job history
  • Falsifying educational or work experience

Why should you run a background check on a nanny?

Taking on the responsibility of providing care for a child requires due diligence, and a thorough background check is a must. Don’t just hire any nanny; ensure you are getting someone trustworthy, reliable, and safe to look after your little ones. Investing the time to run a background check on your nanny candidates could prove invaluable and avoid any potential problems in the future. Essential reasons to run a background check on a nanny include the following:

  • To ensure the safety of your children: A background check can help you determine if the nanny has any criminal convictions or has been accused of child abuse or neglect.
  • To ensure the nanny is who they say they are: A background check can help you verify the nanny’s identity and ensure they are not using a false name or identity.
  • To check the nanny’s references: A background check can help you contact the nanny’s previous employers and get an idea of their work history and performance.

 

  • To determine if the nanny has the necessary qualifications: A background check can help you check the qualifications and ensure that they have the training and experience required to care for your children.

Which information should be included in the nanny background check?

The thought of entrusting a nanny with our children’s well-being is a weighty matter. As such, you need to know how to do a background check on the nanny and what information to anticipate. The background check can highlight any issues that may lend the family caution. Below are the particulars of what a potential nanny background check should include:

  1. Criminal Record: investigate any convictions of a criminal or felonious nature, with confirmations from the FBI database and state police if necessary.
  2. Education: Check on any college degrees earned and professional training taken to broaden the nanny’s knowledge and qualifications.
  3. Driving Record: Verify that the nanny holds a valid driver’s license and investigate any evidence of reckless driving or neglected obligations to pay traffic fines.
  4. Health: Check that the nanny has an up-to-date health certificate to confirm their physical health.
  5. Reference checks: interview references to get a sense of their past work and character.
  6. Background and credit checks: ensure that there are no untoward financial or other issues in the nanny’s past.

These six points may be unremarkable but are essential for the peace of mind of any family engaging a nanny. Additionally, it is a worthwhile investment to ensure that the chosen nanny is well-equipped to handle the care of the family’s most precious assets.

Questions you cannot legally ask a potential nanny

When seeking a nanny, there are many questions you, of necessity, must put forth. But, if you wish to maintain a professional level of politeness and courtesy, some questions should remain unasked in the interview process. As such, here are a few hints for questions to avoid when vetting a potential nanny:

  • Do you have children of your own?
  • What is your marital status?
  • What is your religious affiliation?
  • How much do you weigh?
  • Are you a member of any organizations?
  • What is your country of origin?
  • What is your medical history?
  • Do you drink alcohol or use drugs?
  • What are your political views?
  • Have you had any criminal charges or convictions?
  • What is your sexual orientation?

Consider hiring a private investigator to do a background check on a babysitter.

If you’re considering hiring a babysitter, don’t risk relying on a standard background check; private investigators can reveal the truth! Discover criminal records, drug use, driving infractions, and more with a comprehensive background check from a private investigator. Make sure you can trust your babysitter. Trust our professionals to get the job done—call 1-800-577-1080 for the best background check for nannies.

FAQs

What is a background check for a babysitter?

A background check is a review of a nanny’s past employment, education, and criminal history to determine if the individual has any red flags that would make them unsuitable to be employed by you.

How much does a background check for a babysitter cost?

The cost of a nanny background check varies by company. Some charge per call or page, and others charge for each report.

Can I send my nanny’s or housekeeper’s social security number?

No, but it is required that you have their full name and date of birth on file with your agency for us to run their background check. If your nanny or housekeeper has been working at your home for less than six months, they will not need to provide their social security number at this time. They will need to provide this information once they have worked with you for six months or more.

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