So, you’ve met a candidate you absolutely love. They clicked with your kids, their resume looks great, and the vibes are just right. Now, you’re thinking about the next step: the background check. It’s a term we hear all the time, but what does it actually mean?

Many people think a "background check" is a single, all-encompassing report. But in reality, a standard criminal background check is just one piece of the puzzle. What you're likely seeking is a full vetting process—a comprehensive look into a candidate's history and qualifications that ensures you have the complete picture.

No matter how much you’ve connected with someone during your interviews, a thorough vetting process is an absolute must-have in your hiring journey. Let’s break down what that really involves.

Beyond the Basics: The Components of a Full Vetting Process

Think of a comprehensive nanny screening as your complete detective toolkit, helping you build a 360-degree view of any potential employee. While a criminal history report is essential, it's only the beginning. Here are the key components of a truly thorough vetting process:

• Criminal Background Checks: These checks delve into local, state, and federal records to reveal any criminal history. It's like having a superpower to see if there are any red flags you should be aware of.
• Driving Record Checks: If your nanny will be behind the wheel with your children, you'll want to make sure their driving record is squeaky clean. This check will uncover any driving violations, like speeding tickets, failures to signal, driving without a license or insurance, or DWIs / DUIs.
• Social Security Number Verification: This quick check helps confirm the nanny's identity and prevents any surprises down the road.
• Education Verification: Did your potential nanny graduate from the school they said they did? This check confirms their education credentials, so you know they have the knowledge and skills they claim to have.
• Employment Verification: It's always a good idea to check in with previous employers to get a feel for their experience and work ethic, especially in such an unregulated industry where employment verification can’t be run by simple Google searches or reviews of LinkedIn profiles. This helps you confirm the nanny's work history and see if there are any gaps or inconsistencies.
• Reference Checks: References can provide valuable insights into a nanny's personality, work style, and how they interact with children. Be sure to ask thoughtful questions, including the ones that matter the most to your particular family dynamic and priorities, and listen carefully to the responses.
• Online Presence Checks: In today's digital age, it's worth taking a peek at a nanny's online presence. This can help you get a sense of their character and values.
• Resume Audit: Our team of expert recruiters can help you carefully review a nanny's resume, looking for inconsistencies, gaps, and any other red flags that might pop up.

How to Conduct a Nanny Background Check

Ready to put on your detective hat? Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a Reputable Background Check Provider: This is your foundational step. Not all background check services are created equal. Look for providers that specialize in domestic employment or have extensive experience with childcare professionals. Research their accreditations, read reviews from other families, and ensure they offer the depth of checks you need, including criminal history, driving records, and perhaps even civil court records. Avoid free or low-cost online services that may not provide accurate or comprehensive results. A quality provider will be transparent about their process and what each check entails.
2. Gather Necessary Information and Consent: Before you can run any checks, you'll need essential information from your prospective nanny. This typically includes their full legal name, date of birth, current and previous addresses, Social Security Number, and possibly a driver's license number. It's crucial to obtain explicit, written consent from the nanny to conduct these checks. This is not only a professional courtesy but also a legal requirement in many areas. Provide them with a clear explanation of what checks will be performed and why.
3. Interpret the Results: Once the background checks are complete, it's time to meticulously review the findings. Don't just skim! Look for any "red flags" – these could be inconsistencies in their provided information (like a different birthdate or address history), any criminal convictions (especially those related to violence, theft, or offenses against children), or a poor driving record if transportation is a part of the role. Understand that some minor infractions (like an old parking ticket) might not be deal-breakers, but patterns of concerning behavior or serious offenses should be taken very seriously. If anything seems unclear or raises a question, make a note to follow up.
4. Follow Up and Seek Clarification: This is where your personal detective work continues. If the background check reveals any discrepancies or concerning information, address it directly with the nanny. Give them an opportunity to explain. There might be a perfectly reasonable explanation for an inconsistency (e.g., a different maiden name, a minor traffic incident from years ago). For more serious findings, you'll need to weigh the information carefully against your comfort level and the safety of your children. This follow-up process also extends critically to your reference checks. When you speak with past employers or personal references, pay close attention to not just what they say, but how they say it. If responses are vague, hesitant, or if there's a lack of enthusiasm, delve deeper with follow-up questions. For instance, if a reference only provides dates of employment but offers little about performance, you might ask, "Can you tell me about a time [Nanny's Name] truly excelled?" or "Were there any areas where [Nanny's Name] needed more support?"  
   Note: many states have clear adverse action laws and specific steps with what types of searches or checks may be run at different points in the hiring process, as well as appropriate steps to take following the results of any background check, credit check, drug screening, or other type of check. We always recommend families confer with their legal teams before running any checks on potential or current employees.

These deeper dives are precisely why, at Adventure Nannies, our team conducts all reference checks internally via direct phone calls, allowing us to pick up on nuances and ask those crucial follow-up questions that digital forms often miss. A thorough follow-up ensures you have the fullest picture possible before making your final decision.

Red Flags in the Vetting Process

We’ve reviewed a LOT of candidate materials over the years and we’ve seen it all. Here’s a few of the most common red flags we see pop up that prompt us to dig deeper and question if this candidate is aligned with our standards. 

• Criminal History: Any past convictions, particularly those involving violence, theft, or especially crimes against children, are immediate and serious concerns that should disqualify a candidate.
• Driving Violations: A pattern of serious driving infractions, such as DUIs, reckless driving charges, or multiple speeding tickets, is a significant red flag if the nanny will be transporting your children. It indicates a potential disregard for safety.
• Inconsistent Employment History: Unexplained gaps in employment, discrepancies between what's listed on the resume and what previous employers confirm, or a history of very short-term positions without clear reasons can indicate instability or an attempt to conceal past issues.
• Negative References: If previous employers or families give lukewarm, hesitant, or overtly negative feedback about a nanny's reliability, professionalism, or caregiving abilities, it's a strong warning sign. Pay attention to what isn't said as much as what is.
• Inappropriate Online Behavior: A quick review of a nanny's public online presence (social media, forums, etc.) might reveal posts, comments, or images that are unprofessional, reflect poor judgment, or contradict the persona they present during interviews.
• Communication: Beyond basic grammar and spelling errors, watch for communication that reveals unprofessionalism, such as an overly demanding or needy tone in emails, unrealistic expectations regarding your availability for simple requests, or a general lack of clarity that could lead to misunderstandings in a critical role.

‍

What Sets Adventure Nannies Apart: The Power of Personal Connection

‍

At Adventure Nannies, we go above and beyond to ensure the highest quality candidates. Unlike other agencies that rely on third-party companies or digital forms, our team conducts all reference checks internally through personal phone calls. We believe that real conversations allow us to truly understand a candidate's strengths, experience, and overall fit for your family.

By the Numbers: Our Commitment to Thoroughness

1. 13,267: That's the number of job applications we received in 2024. It's a testament to the passion and dedication of individuals seeking to become Adventure Nannies.
2. 260: Out of those thousands of applicants, we conducted 260 interviews. We take the time to get to know each candidate personally, ensuring they align with our values and commitment to excellence.
3. 703: We believe in the power of personal connection, which is why we conducted 703 in-depth reference calls last year. This allows us to gain valuable insights into a candidate's experience, work ethic, and overall fit for your family.
4. 162: And finally, the crème de la crème. Last year, only 162 candidates made it through our rigorous selection process and joined our exclusive roster of Adventure Nannies. These are the nannies who have demonstrated their dedication, professionalism, and ability to follow through. They are the nannies who have shown us that they are not only safe and nurturing but also possess the interpersonal skills and ability to follow directions from an employer.

‍

Conclusion

We know that finding safe and reliable household support can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.But with a little patience, a lot of love, and a thorough background check, you can find the perfect fit for your family. This journey is so much more than a business transaction—it’s about building a relationship founded on trust. 

The dedication you're showing by doing your research is what builds the foundation of clarity and confidence. It's a testament to the love and care you have for your kids, and that's the kind of purposeful decision-making that matters most. Taking this step is a powerful act of love, and it's what sets the stage for a truly amazing match.

‍