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Step 1
Have your potential nanny complete an employment application. This application should have fields for the nanny's social security number, date of birth, driver’s license number, former addresses and authorization to run a background check. You must ask your potential nanny for a signed release giving you consent to conduct a pre-employment background screening. Although state laws differ, the United States Fair Credit Report Act requires a potential employee to give permission for a background check.
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Step 2
Ask your nanny for references. Call each reference provided. Ask open-ended questions, such as "What did you like best about this nanny?" and "What can you tell me about this nanny?"
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Step 3
Outsource your background check to an agency that specializes in doing background checks on nannies. These businesses know the ins and outs of background screening and can most likely provide the most thorough check available. The International Nanny Association lists members that conduct nanny background checks.
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Step 4
Ask for a detailed employment history. Call all former employers and confirm that the potential nanny was employed during the dates he provided. Also ask former employers if they would rehire him.
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Step 5
Ask your potential nanny for her email address. Look her up on social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. Her profile may give you a feel for her character. You'll also want to perform a generalized Internet search with her name.
