Nanny in Canada

What to ask when you are looking for a quality nanny agency

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 23:00:00 +0000

In the last decade, many nanny agencies came to life like mushrooms after the rain. Only a few of those are still around but new ones keep coming and vanishing at an alarming rate. Some of these agencies owners came to Canada as nanny and later decided to put their "own shingle" and bring other nannies into Canada. Usually they operate out of their own basement, no professionalism, no license, no labor code. In some cases they offer their service free of charge to anyone willing to select their candidates. That should make you wonder: Where does their money is coming from? This fact alone should set the alarm bells ringing and the red lights blinking.

A few rules of thumb to remember when you are looking for a nanny agency:

1. How long have they been operating? Are they operating from their own home? Are they members of Better Business Bureau?

2. How do they find their candidates, locally and overseas? What is their screening process? What requirements the nannies must meet? For instance: in person interviews, childcare experience, first aid, CPR, etc.

3. Do they have complete files of their applicants? What training / work experience they have?

4. What if the selected nanny doesn’t work out?

5. Who takes care of all documents and procedures?

6. Does the service include support after the nanny starts working?

7. Is there a contract / agreement between client and agency?

8. Is there any obligation on the client side if no candidate is selected?

For the majority of employers who hired a nanny before, these questions are not new. For the new ones, all these questions are very relevant. It’s best if you follow one simple rule before you start your search:

"Investigate before you invest!"

Points to consider before hiring a nanny

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:42:00 +0000

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Hiring a nanny can be a difficult process if you are not clear on what you are looking for and what you expect from your nanny.

Therefore, before you start looking for a nanny, it is recommended to evaluate your own situation. Depending on your budget and your needs you may want a live-in nanny or a live-out nanny, a full time nanny or part time nanny.

Now think of your scheduling needs, write a job description with duties, salary, working days and hours including overtime. Write skills required of your ideal nanny. Do you want a nanny who drives? Do you expect the nanny to travel with your family? Do you want a nanny who has First Aid and CPR? Do you expect her to be a good swimmer? Do you have any expectations regarding the meals preparation?

In order to find the right nanny you need to find the right agency. The more details you give to the nanny placement agency, the better are the chances to find the right nanny.

A good, reputable nanny agency should be able to provide you with references from other clients. Ask for how long they have been in business and check with the Better Business Bureau. Inquire about the fee and if there are any guarantees. If you are not pleased with the candidates presented, find out if there is any fee applicable.

A respectable nanny agency, with many years of experience, should carefully screen the nannies, provide you with a guaranteed replacement and will not charge you if the presented applicants do not meet your requirements.

Once the agency offered you a list of suitable nannies it’s your turn to evaluate the candidates. Ask the agency to schedule the nannies for a personal interview. You can meet the nanny either in your home (preferable) or in a neutral location.

Find out if the nanny has the skills required, what she is looking for in a job. Ask about her training, general health status, how she likes to spend her free time, what were her primary responsibilities in the job, how does she handle an emergency, etc. During the interview ask her about her previous job and why she left it.

Discuss with the nanny her duties (childcare, housekeeping, meal preparations) and find out if she is comfortable to handle the job.

Have a written agreement including responsibilities, duties, benefits, terms and conditions of employment, nanny schedule, and days off.

It is very important to maintain an open line of communication with your nanny on regular basis. Praise her work when it’s due and discuss matters you are not satisfied with.

Remember, if your nanny is happy, your kids will be happy and you will be happy.

Nanny in Canada: Nanny Childcare Services

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 21:07:00 +0000

Finding quality childcare. Where do you start?

Hints and questions for interviewing applicants for nanny position

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 06:39:00 +0000

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Hiring a Nanny

Both the employer and caregiver should have a clear picture of expectations, duties, and work schedule to be performed within the authorized number of hours. This is a guideline to help both sides to develop an understanding of all requirements in the position available.

The following is a list of suggested items that might be included in the interview:

Discuss the work schedule that includes start time, lunch, breaks, and finish time
Give information about:

• Employer’s age, physical / mental status, daily routine and general information

• Home responsibilities: housekeeping, laundry, meal preparations, etc.

• Salary, benefits (BC medical coverage), accommodation (if live-in position)

• Personal care, special diet, medication, transportation to doctor appointments

Now that the applicant is aware of the requirements, it's time for her to provide answers to some very relevant and important questions:

· Personal information, educational background and work experience and training

· Medical emergency: "How would you deal with an emergency situation?”

· Previous experience in similar jobs (details)

Closing questions:
- Can you handle the job?
- Are you interested to work for us?
- Do you have any questions for us?

Once the interview is concluded it's time to make a general assessment and write your notes, BEFORE the next interview:

General impression: appearance, personality, ability to handle the job
Strengths and weaknesses: language skills, interaction with the employer
Salary and workload issues

After a careful consideration of all applicants, you can make your decision who is the best suitable candidate to care for you and your home.

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