Why a Thorough Nanny Screening Process Isn’t Just Necessary—It’s Essential

Recently, a nanny applicant voiced frustration with our agency’s screening process, describing it as too thorough and unnecessarily invasive. In fact, the candidate expressed concern that we were actually running a scam! She questioned why we required such comprehensive background checks, reference verifications, and multiple assessments before presenting her to a family. She wondered why a moving violation on her driving record would be questioned and why we’d inquire if she was affiliated with a company that was listed in her social media footprint, but not on her application. While we always appreciate candid feedback, it’s worth taking a moment to explain why this level of screening isn’t just justified—it’s absolutely essential.

Nanny Care Is Not Like Any Other Job

Unlike other jobs where someone may be responsible for children in a daycare or group setting alongside multiple caregivers, a nanny is entrusted with the care of a child—in a family’s private home, often alone and without direct supervision. This role requires not only trust and reliability but also sound judgment, emotional maturity, and at least a basic understanding of child development and safety. There are no state standards that dictate how to handle most any situation when providing care in the private home- or a ladder of supervisors to hold caregivers accountable when things go wrong. A nanny is entrusted with the daily responsibility of ensuring the child’s safety and care throughout the day.

When parents hire a nanny, they’re not just hiring a babysitter. Nannies invest in the ongoing physical, developmental, social and intellectual growth and development of the children in their care. They are often spending more waking hours with the child then the child’s own parents. Parents are selecting someone who will shape their child’s daily experience, provide emotional security, and often become an extension of their family. That decision cannot—and should not—be made lightly.

What We Screen For—and Why

In addition to an application and personal interview, our screening process includes:

• Comprehensive criminal background checks (national, state, county, and sex offender registry)

• Driving history reports

• Reference checks with previous employers

• Verification of identity and work eligibility

• Social security trace

• Employment history review

• A childcare and safety assessment

• A personality questionnaire

• A review any other public information available, including a candidate’s social media footprint.

These steps aren’t designed to create hurdles for candidates; they’re designed to ensure we present families with caregivers who are not only experienced and skilled but also have a track record for ensuring child safety, responsible decision making, and aligning with the parenting values of the families they have previously worked for.

Informed Parents Make Safer Choices

Parents cannot—and should not—have to rely on gut instinct alone. They deserve to know as much as legally and ethically possible about the person they are entrusting with their children. Our job as a referral agency is to equip parents with factual, verified information so they can make a confident, informed and educated hiring decision.

When screening is rushed or superficial, it opens the door for risks—some of which may not surface until it’s too late. And unfortunately, the cost of a wrong hire in childcare can be devastating. That’s why we commit to this process, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.

A Professional Standard, Not a Personal Judgment

We understand that not every nanny will be comfortable with this level of scrutiny. That’s okay. Our goal isn’t to question anyone’s character—or even to determine if the candidate is a great nanny. Our goal is to ensure that those who are represented by our agency meet the minimum criteria we have established and the professional standards that our families expect and their children deserve. As a member of the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies, we voluntarily commit to industry standards that elevate our agency by following the gold standards set forth by the association for the household staffing industry.

If you’re a nanny who takes pride in your career, this process is an opportunity—not an obstacle. It’s your chance to show your professionalism, experience, and commitment to quality care. Families notice the difference, and so do we.

Final Thoughts

Thorough screening is not about mistrust—it’s about responsibility. It’s about trusting and verifying. In nanny care, there is no room for shortcuts, assumptions, or guesswork. We gather as much information as legally possible so parents don’t have to wonder. Because when it comes to the safety and well-being of a child, “good enough” simply isn’t good enough.

Michelle LaRowe is the executive director of Morningside Nannies. She has invested over 30 years in the nanny industry, providing education, resources and empowerment to nannies and advocating for high-quality care for children cared for by nannies.

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