Anyone have suggestions for finding a nanny?

[Minnie824]

We're looking for a nanny in the Chicago suburbs, and it is really getting difficult! Its been a month now since I've been searching, and just can't find anyone. I don't know if its because we need someone part time, or what. And its not just that we're being picky...people just don't respond. Its really getting discouraging, and we need to find someone soon. Anyone have any suggestions? I've talked to an agency, which is almost useless, then I found a good website that I'm going off of. I really would rather not put an add in the paper, but I'm running out of options. If you have any suggestions, thanks!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Hello!

I'm a professional nanny. I'll see if I can come up with some suggestions for you.

Have you tried calling more than one agency? I know there are at least a dozen around here, some FAR more useful than others. The nice thing about an agency is that they do a lot of screening and SHOULD only refer candidates to you that fit your specifications. Check their websites to see which ones offer part time placements. Since you are looking for someone part time I think you are going to have a more difficult search. I am full time and work 45-50 hours. The same is true for the vast majority of my friends.

Have you thought about trying to find another mom with hours opposite of yours so you could share a nanny? Or see if someone's full time nanny would look after your baby in addition to their full-time charges? The newspaper tends to bring out all sorts of applicants (not in a good way) so I can understand not wanting to go that route. Have you tried putting up little fliers at places where nannies go? I got a previous job from an ad on the bulletin board at the Y. If you attend church you might ask in the church nursery or call a local college with a child development program.

It is possible that you could find a temp nanny to help out while you continue the search. Some of my friends have been unemployed for several months looking for full time work, but they did temp work in the interim.

Good luck!

 

[suzannen]

When I was looking, it was suggested to me to start going to my neighborhood park either mid-morning or early afternoon. That's where all the nannies take the kids between their naps and lunch. Then, I just started conversations with them asking if they knew of anyone who was looking for a job. The turnover rates among nannies is apparently huge since kids grow up so fast and most only stay between 2-4 years with one family. Within 3 days, I had 25 people who contacted me about the job and from them, I hired a wonderful nanny who was stayed with us for 5 years.

Good luck - it's so hard finding someone you feel comfortable with.

 

[SteeleTig]

I'm a professional nanny in NYC. I have found jobs both through an agency and through online forums. I would suggest trying Craig's List, it's free. The Chicago Craig's list address is http://chicago.craigslist.org
Good luck!

 

[bekkiz]

Another place to check, esp. if you're looking part time, is at a local college/junior college that offer early-childhood education classes.

Those are students working for degrees in ece, and usually have a lot of expeiance with little ones, but might have too diffucult of a schedule to be full time somewhere. They also usually have to do some sort of superivised service, which menas they need to be TB tester/finger printed etc.

 

[clutter]

Is Student-Sitters.com in your area? I've gotten some wonderful sitters from there. A friend swears by 4nannies. com. I think I've also heard of something like citysitters.com. Seems like finding the right website to advertise on is key these days....

 

[Cindyluwho]

Just one note: Please, please, please ask for references and CHECK THEM!! Check each and every reference they give you. You won't believe how many people don't do this and it's the most important thing to do! You can also ask for the info to do a background check. Check out Gavin DeBecker's book, "Protecting the Gift". It will give you a list of things to go over in an interview with a caregiver. Good luck to you, I know you'll find the perfect nanny!

 

[KrnB]

We actually have an in-home consultation with an agency tomorrow to find a nanny for our boys. Our plan is to have the nanny help me out while I'm still on leave and then watch them while I'm at work.

DH found the agency via a referral by a coworker's sister, who is a nanny. We too heard that some agencies are far better than others, so we started with the recommendation of the agency rather than an individual.

Good luck!

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

I'm also a nanny, and I got my start in college doing part-time care for a prof's kids. I agree that you should check the local universities for college students, and REALLY check their references. Make sure that you get references from employers and professors, not just from family and friends. Have a list of questions ready when you call the references, and make sure you get all your questions answered before you hang up. There are also ways you can do a criminal record background check on anyone you hire, so look into that as well. It can be expensive, but it's worth it.

The big issue you'll run into with college students is that they may want to take off for spring break, winter break, etc. and they may not be able to commit to more than one academic year. Still, it can be a great "filler" while you're looking for someone more long-term, and you might find someone who is local and willing to be available all year. When I was in college, I nannied part time for the same family for 3 years - it was a great experience, and it helped me pay for college and got me started in early childhood education.

Good luck in your search!