The nanny trial is the third and final step in the interview process. It’s essentially a working interview that offers a great opportunity to see a nanny in action. It’s beneficial for both the nanny and the family to see if this is the right fit. During the trial, the nanny will be compensated at the same hourly rate offered for the position. Length of trials vary, it’s at the discretion of the family to decide what makes sense for them. A trial could be a few hours, a day, a few days or even a full week. I recommend a trial of at least one full day to allow perspective into what a typical day would look like. If that day goes well, it would be ideal to schedule a trial for a full week, if possible.
Tip: BEFORE moving forward with the Nanny Trial, it’s important to verify the nanny is who they say they are. It’s important to screen anyone that is coming into your home and interacting with your children, even if you plan to remain present. Identity verification can be as simple as asking to see a government-issued photo identification card. This can be a driver’s license, passport or state ID card.
A formal background and reference check would be completed after the trial and before extending an offer of employment.