Types of information collected in a nanny background check
Nanny background checks give you a wealth of information so you can be certain that your children are in safe hands. One of the most important things you’ll see is identity confirmation. By running a background check on someone you’ll know if that person is really who they say they are and find out any previous names or aliases they’ve used.
Every background check service looks at a person’s criminal background. These are sourced from court records and criminal databases at local, national, federal, and state levels. Checks will also be run to find out if they appear on any sex offender registries.
If your nanny is going to be driving your kids around you want to be certain that they have a clean driving record. Nanny background check services will be able to find out information on a person’s driver’s license like issue date and expiry date, whether it’s valid or expired, and any past suspensions, violations, and points. But those are just some of the things that nanny background checks cover, some go so far as to check social media profiles – even hidden ones.
How to conduct a background check on your babysitter
The very first step you need to take before running a background check on a nanny is getting their permission. This is a legal requirement for the vast majority of nanny background check services and many of them will give you printable forms that the caregiver can sign. It’s also important to get their basic information so you can verify it when your report arrives. If you need your nanny to drive your kids around, ask them about their driving history and whether they have insurance.
It’s a good idea to conduct an interview with the nanny in person, so you can get to know them properly. Ask them questions about their previous employment, their past experiences as a nanny, and go into more detail about how they are with kids. Of course, tailor these questions to your children’s needs. For instance, if they have particular dietary requirements then it’s a good idea to see if your nanny knows how to deal with these during your interview.
You’ll also want to get references from your caregiver. Even though any good agency or background check service looks into references, it can be reassuring to do it yourself.
You also need to think about what kind of information you need to collect. While virtually every nanny background check service will cover the basics, like verifying a person’s identity and checking their criminal history, there are those that go the extra mile. Some will check references for you, but if you’d rather do this yourself for your own peace of mind then you might be able to save money by not including it in your report. Your background check service can also look into credit reports, driving records, and education history – so you’ll know if your nanny is fully qualified.
Perhaps the most important thing of all is that the background check service is reliable and uses the most up-to-date information available for its reports. So, we always recommend reading expert reviews to make sure you’re getting the best service around.
Richard C.
