You want someone wonderful. A nanny with significant childcare experience and solid common sense who comes highly recommended. Someone who will nurture your child much like you would. Someone who will foster a relationship with your family in the seamless way only an excellent nanny can. But you’re at a loss. If the search for a wonderful nanny were easy, you’d have found them already! So how does one find a nanny in Indianapolis?
Word of Mouth
The absolute best way to find a great nanny is to let it be known. Tell your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers that you are actively looking for a nanny. Ask around, post on social media, and tell everyone that you are in the market for a nanny. You never know who may know a super nanny near you.
In fact, the most sought-after nannies are oftentimes available solely by word of mouth. Nannies with experience tend to rely on the recommendations of their former employers, babysitting connections, and other nannies. These nannies don’t always have profiles on common online platforms. And if they do, they almost certainly don’t have long gaps in employment. As soon as one job ends, great nannies are usually able to find new employment quickly. So put it out there! Mention to everyone you know that you’re seeking a nanny for your family. Start early and ask often.
Hire a Sitter
One way to find a nanny with ample experience is to start small. Find a sitter you trust with your child. Ideally, choose a sitter who is seeking regular hours from the beginning. Check their references first, of course, and ask them to stay with your child while you enjoy an evening out. Observe them interacting with your child. Build a relationship with them by asking them to provide care regularly. When you feel comfortable, ask if they are interested in working as your nanny. If you’re lucky, they’ll say yes or possibly refer you to someone they know who is right for the job. Consider this approach to be a trial-run or extended interview. This approach to find a nanny works best if you have ample time to spare, and feel comfortable vetting sitters thoroughly.
Online Services
One of the most popular options for finding a nanny in Indianapolis is through an online job site. Platforms specific to childcare, such as Care.com and SitterCity.com, are easily found through a quick Google search. There are advantages and disadvantages to using an online job site to find a nanny.
On the plus side, the cost to sign up is cheap. Posting an ad is as easy as 1-2-3 and can be done in mere minutes. Create a compelling ad by writing a detailed job description. Include the number of children, schedule needed, pay rate offered, and other important details about the position. Let candidates know that you are interested in serious inquiries only. There are many caregivers to choose from online, so your likelihood of finding a candidate fit to your specifications is higher.
On the down side, finding a nanny online can take a lot of time and energy. It can also be unsafe. The fact is, there are absolutely no barriers of entry for caregivers signing up for online job sites. Signing up is free for caregivers and does not require experience with children or a clean criminal record. Once you post your ad, get ready to weed through loads of messages from candidates who didn’t actually read your job description, aren’t qualified to watch children, or never write you back. If you do decide to go this route, we encourage you to be vigilant! Screen candidates carefully, ask the right questions, call each of their references, and run a background check on individuals before inviting them to work in your home.
Use an Agency
Another way to find a great nanny is through a referral or placement agency. Using a placement agency may be right for you if you don’t know where to start, are short on time, or are not interested in weeding through potential candidates. Placement agencies will provide you with thoroughly vetted nanny candidates to interview for a fee. Ask other families what agency they used to find their nanny and about their experience with that specific agency. Call the agencies near you and ask about their services and compare notes. Most agencies charge an initial deposit and a separate placement fee when you choose a nanny provided through their service.
Professional career nannies tend to use agencies because they provide a trusted source for jobs with families who are seeking a mutual relationship. A good agency will ensure that local nannies can earn a living wage, provide a work agreement, give trusted advice based on years of experience, and look out for the best interest of both the nanny and the family that hires them.
Indy Nanny Connect is an excellent example of an agency that works closely with experienced nannies in Indianapolis. To learn more about our placement service, visit our FAQ for Families or start your search here!