5 Background Checks Every Family Should Run Before Hiring a Nanny

Hiring a nanny is one of the most important decisions parents make — and background checks are essential for ensuring safety and trust. At Cherry Creek Nanny Agency, we recommend that every family complete the following five checks before making a hire:

1. National Criminal Database Search

This broad search scans multiple state and county court records to flag any criminal history, including felonies and misdemeanors. It’s a key step in ensuring you have a full picture of a candidate’s background.

2. Sex Offender Registry Check

Safety comes first. A check of the national sex offender registry helps confirm your candidate has no history of offenses that would endanger children or violate trust.

3. Driving Record Check

If your nanny will be driving your children, it’s crucial to review their motor vehicle history. This report highlights traffic violations, DUIs, and accident history to ensure safe and reliable transportation.

4. Identity & Social Security Verification

Verifying identity and Social Security information helps confirm your nanny is who they claim to be and ensures they are legally eligible to work. This step prevents fraud and adds peace of mind.

5. Employment & Education Verification

Resumes don’t always tell the whole story. Verifying past work and education credentials ensures your candidate’s experience is accurate and consistent with what they’ve shared.

Each of these checks offers a unique piece of the puzzle. Together, they give families a well-rounded view of the person they’re trusting with their children — and help avoid costly mistakes or safety risks.

That’s why we created Confident Nanny Hiring: The Complete Parent’s Guide Bundle — a set of DIY resources packed with tools, sample questions, and practical checklists. This bundle walks you through the entire process step by step so you can confidently manage your own nanny search while protecting what matters most.

📖 Learn more about our guides and how they can simplify your nanny search.

WHAT'S INSIDE THE BUNDLE?

Guide 1: A 10-Step Guide to Hiring Your Dream Nanny

A complete roadmap that walks you from “Where do I start?” to “We found our nanny!” with confidence, clarity, and ease.

Guide 2: The Nanny–Family Handbook Template

A ready-to-customize handbook that covers your household values, communication norms, rules, and expectations—keeping everyone on the same page.

Guide 3: The Family Guide to Legal Nanny Hiring

Demystifies payroll, taxes, workers’ compensation, and insurance. Includes referrals and resources so you can stay compliant, avoid penalties, and protect both your family and your nanny. Includes a real “story time” case where workers’ comp saved a family from major financial loss.

Guide 4: Drafting Job Descriptions, Interviews & Trials

Step-by-step guidance for writing clear job ads, conducting interviews with confidence, and running structured trial days that set everyone up for success.

Guide 5: Nanny Pay, Raises & Incentives

Understand industry standards for pay, overtime, and bonuses. Learn creative incentive strategies that keep your nanny motivated, happy, and long-term committed.

Guide 6: The Complete Nanny–Family Work Agreement

Covers everything from hours to holidays, overtime to house rules. Includes a fillable template so you and your nanny start with clarity and mutual accountability.

Guide 7: The Nanny Hiring Toolkit

Your all-in-one toolkit with customizable job description templates, proven interview questions, red flag checklists, and evaluation scorecards—so you can simplify the hiring process and make smart, informed decisions.

Guide 8: Evaluating Fit, Navigating Challenges, and Planning for Longevity

Learn how to assess the right nanny for your family, anticipate common challenges before they become problems, and create a relationship built to last.

THE ULTIMATE NANNY & BABYSITTER INTERVIEW TOOLKIT

Not sure where to start? We’ve also created a Free Nanny Interview Toolkit to help parents kick off the hiring process with clarity. Inside, you’ll find:

• Must-ask questions to reveal a nanny’s true experience

• Red flags to listen for during interviews

• Tips for comparing candidates fairly and confidently

  
  

This toolkit is designed to help you make smarter decisions from the very first conversation with a potential nanny.

📖 Download your free toolkit today and take the first step toward a smoother, safer hiring process.