Interview the nanny candidate in your home. Be sure that your child is with you during the interview. Watch closely how the nanny acts with both you and with your child. Spend at least an hour with the nanny. Give her chances to pay attention to your child. About halfway through the interview, find some opportunity to leave the nanny alone with your child. Observe how both the nanny and your child react to this. BE SURE TO CAREFULLY CHECK THE NANNY'S REFERENCES. Direct personal contact with past employers is highly recommended.

Do you have a good feeling about her as a person? In other words, do you like her?

Can she tell you what children of your child's age need in the way of attention, supervision, activity, rest, nutrition?

Does she begin interacting with your child at his/her own pace (versus shying away or "coming on too strong")?

Does her manner with your child show respect for and interest in him/her?

Does she have any other people readily available to support and advise her when she needs it?

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