The Nanny Search

There are numerous resources available to assist parents in the search for a nanny. Many organizations can direct couples to qualified agencies or candidates, while others provide written material to help conduct a more thorough search.

For information on finding and hiring a nanny:

The American Council of Nanny Schools in University Center, Mich., a nonprofit coalition of accredited nanny schools, offers listings of graduates from 500 agencies and training programs around the country and can refer families to one of its schools. (517) 686-9417.

Call Child Care Aware for the location and phone number of the closest Child Care Resource and Referral Network--there are 71 in the state, funded by the California Department of Education. The agencies provide free child-care referrals and have sample nanny contracts. (800) 424-2246.

The Child Care Action Campaign offers a free booklet titled “Finding and Hiring a Qualified In-Home Caregiver.” To obtain a copy, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Child Care Action Campaign, 330 7th Ave., 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001-5010 and request guide No. 20.

Child Care Inc., a nonprofit New York agency, publishes a detailed guide on how to interview potential caregivers called “In-Home Care.” $10. Call (212) 929-4999.

For guides on your obligations as an employer:

The Internal Revenue Service can answer questions about withholding taxes and provide forms to taxpayers, and has several publications for household employers and employees--classified as publication Nos. 17, 503 and 907. (800) 829-3676.

The Immigration and Naturalization Service provides the “Handbook for Employers,” a guide that explains the verification process, gives samples of documents employers should look for and has two copies of the I-9 form. Call (800) 870-3676 and request document No. M274. For other questions, call the INS district office at (213) 526-7647.

Newsletters discussing child-care issues and how to interact with your nanny:

The Growing Child newsletter is a resource for parents wishing to learn about child care. $15 a year. (800) 388-2624.

The Knowledge Source offers Nanny News, a free bimonthly newsletter for parents and nannies. Back issues include checklists for evaluating nanny agencies. A one-year subscription is $23.95. Knowledge Source also compiles child-care resource guides and yellow pages that list nanny agencies; both can be customized to where subscribers live. (800) 634-6266.

To hire someone to conduct a background check:

The Child Care Registry in Danville, Calif., hires private investigators to search court records and verify a candidate’s employment history and references, Social Security number, former addresses, driving records and educational degrees. The service costs $140. (510) 248-4100.