CARROLL GARDENS — Finding a good nanny in the city can be challenging. From interviews to background checks, the process is not as simple as parents often imagine.
“People underestimate the amount of effort it requires,” said Gregory Solometo, CEO of Nannies of New York, a nanny placement agency.
Every month, the New York-based agency conducts "How to Hire a Nanny," an education seminar for parents looking to hire or replace their nannies, Solometo said. Workshops are held across the city, including at Carroll Gardens baby boutique and maternity store Madison Rose at 313 Court St.
Last year, an Upper West Side nanny was charged with stabbing to death two children in her care. The horrifying incident left parents with a higher level of scrutiny in finding the perfect caregiver for their children, Solometo said.
The workshop also highlights the difference between nannies and babysitters, positions that several parents still mix up, said Solometo, who described a babysitter as part-time help, while a nanny is a full-time career.
In their presentation, Nannies of New York goes over the process of hiring an effective nanny, an eight-step course that requires time, energy and patience.
► Start out by writing a job description for the potential nanny. “It’s really helpful [for parents] to sit down.. and detail what they’re looking for,” Solometo said.
► The next step is finding candidates for the position, a task that can be conducted through advertisements, mommyblogs, word-of-mouth or agencies.
► Once you have applicants for the job, review their resumes and work history to compile a short-list of potential nannies.
► Ask essential and thorough questions during the interview, Solometo said. At the workshop, Nannies of New York talks to parents about key questions they should be asking.
► Parents should then whittle down their list to their top two choices.
► Rigorous background checks can provide “very valuable information,” Solometo said. Agencies like Nannies of New York hires a private investigator to conduct these checks and parents often use the services to determine their nanny’s past experiences, Solometo said.
► Once you choose a candidate, Solometo recommends a trial period for the nanny to see how they relate to the family and home.
► Finally, contracts should be drawn up and signed by both parties. Nannies should be treated as full-time employees and have the official formalities that go along with the job.
For future dates of "How to Hire a Nanny" workshops, visit the Nannies of New York Facebook Page.