Tips for Selecting a Caretaker for Your Child

Choosing the right childcare for your family can be a challenge. The stress of finding the right person to take care of your littles can feel ominous at best, and with the stress of COVID-19 it can feel even more stressful to bring someone into your families home. Today we’re talking to Sarah Davis, owner and founder of Olive.You.Nanny - a unique nanny agency that helps great nannies connect with great families. Read on to hear Sarah’s tips for going through the hiring process and loving your decision.

Can you share a bit of background on yourself and your experience?

I have been in the nanny industry for over 20 years. I started Olive.You.Nanny 17 years ago and prior to starting the company I was a nanny myself. Olive.You.Nanny was started in Chicago and has since expanded to several other cities and keeps growing! I have the most amazing team!

When to know you and your baby are ready for childcare?

This is a very personal decision. Some parents are ready for a nanny the moment their baby is born, others have some flexibility depending on their circumstances. I personally think it's great to have a nanny for the first few years of your child's life and then if you're looking into daycare options for socialization, toddler age is great.

What are some important questions to ask a potential childcare provider?

Experience is by far the most important topic to discuss. It's very important to make sure your nanny has experience with your child's age group. I would follow that up with references. Calling references will give you specific information on the person you are hiring. Ask lots of open ended questions. The more feedback the better!

What are a few things to look for in a nanny?

Again, experience but I find it to be incredibly important to have a good connection. This person will be with your child often and you want to be able to talk with them at the end of the day to check in and share how the day went. Making sure you are a match on parenting philosophies, discipline etc is something you want to align with as well.

Once you’ve made the hire, what should you do next?

A background check is always something you want to have done. And putting together an agreement will be very beneficial. Making sure everyone is clear on terms.

What can you expect the first few days of transitioning to childcare?

I always recommend a few days of overlap so you and your nanny feel 100% when you go back to work. It will put the parents' minds at ease to know your nanny is all set and all questions are answered. 7. What are a few things parents can do to make the transition process easier? Strong communication! Your nanny will be more than happy to have you check in and get a few updates, especially in the beginning or if you are a new parent.

Any other tips to share with parents embarking on a childcare search?

Do your research. If you are going the nanny route make sure you ask an agency lots of questions. Have them walk through the process and schedule a consultation. If you are going the daycare route, I'd talk to other parents of kids who are in that particular daycare. Take a tour and make sure it feels right to you. Referrals from friends is the best way to make sure you're headed in the right direction!

Have more questions? Reach out to Sarah and her team by clicking HERE, call 773.208.3370 or visit www.oliveyounanny.com.

And for those of you looking at daycare centers, here at CNMG, we recommend the same sort of due diligence. Be sure you understand what certifications each provider at the center has, take a look at their online reviews and talk to other parents of children at the center. Get a clear understanding of their in-center safety practices, from baby-proofing to food safety procedures to COVID-19 precautions. Finally make sure they have all licenses and accreditations that qualify them to even be in business. Low-employee turn-over and low child-to-caregiver ratios (more hands on deck!) are always signs of a great center as well.

And finally, when you do a tour or visit, take a look at how caregivers interact with the children, their fellow staff and you. Are they communicative? Are they showing patience and care towards the littles ones? Take the time to observe the environment to really get a sense of whether this is a place your child (and you) will be comfortable.