Tips for a Successful Nanny Trial

You’ve had a successful interview with a potential care provider and you’d like to see them in action. While long term fit will most likely be determined after a few months, nanny trials can give you a sense how well the care provider fits with your family. We highly recommend setting up a 3-5 day trial, either part or full days. Below are some tips for success!

Tour your space:

Set aside some time to show the care provider around the house (child’s room or nursery, laundry room, kitchen, bathrooms, playroom, etc.), where to store their belongings, where to store their meals, etc. If you do hire this provider, be sure to take them through a detailed tour and show them any systems you have in place.

Share important contact information:

Trials are the perfect time to share emergency contact information (print our emergency checklist template or copy/paste this template) and go over health & safety protocols. We recommend including a neighbor’s contact information as well.

Prepare a schedule:

Share your child’s daily routine. We recommend writing the routine and schedule down for reference. If the care provider will be taking the children to extracurricular activities, it’s important to write down the location and activity and contact information as well. 

Gauge the connection:

It’s important to allow the care provider to have time to connect with the child(ren). This is also a good time to talk about your parenting style, which boundaries you’d like the provider to reinforce and the unique needs of each child. Discuss overall feedback as a family. 

Talk pay, benefits, duties:

It’s best to be upfront about compensation and benefits. regarding pay, payroll, and benefits. Feel free to use our care provider contract as a template. All parties should sign the contract at the end of the trial (if all goes well), or on their first official day. 

Additionally, make sure your expectations are agreed upon and align with the care provider. List the duties expected of the provider in the contract (run a load of laundry, prepare a healthy meal, walk the child to the park, etc.) Include any boundaries around things like driving, screen time, diet, etc.

Note: Nanny Trials should be paid the same rate as discussed for the position. Families typically pay at the end of each working day. Remember, it’s a trial for you, and for the care provider. At the end of the trial, check in with them and hear their thoughts about moving forward. 

If you have questions or need further support, please reach out to your Core Care Consultant, we’re happy to support you!