How to Run a Nanny or Babysitter Background Check

Placing your child in the care of someone else can be a stressful experience and understandably so. Trusting anyone you are unfamiliar with comes with its fair share of anxiety. But running a background check helps settle your nerves.

While interviews and reference checks are valuable, they don’t always give you the full picture. That’s where a professional background check can be useful. Apart from helping parents feel more confident and comfortable with a nanny, a background check can help you verify a nanny’s records, identity and even uncover information that may be left off their resume.

In this guide, you’ll find out why background checks matter, the information you’ll need to do one, steps you should take when running a background check and any costs involved.

Why a Background Check Matters

Caregivers like nannies and babysitters spend hours caring for children and sometimes it's the entire day without parents present. And as helpful as reference checks and resumes can be, that doesn’t always leave you feeling completely comfortable leaving your child in the care of someone else.

A background check can give you a deeper look into who the caregiver is, the past experiences and information they may try to hide from employers. And although no screening process can guarantee someone’s behaviour and it is only one part of your hiring process, a professional background check can give information needed to evaluate whether a caregiver is qualified for the role.

A background check can help you:

• Verify a caregiver's identity
• Review criminal records
• Check driving history if they'll transport your child
• Confirm previous employment
• Verify childcare certifications
• Identify inconsistencies before hiring

Before You Start: Information You'll Need

Now before you get the ball rolling on a professional background check on a prospective nanny, there are a few things you would need to know. This includes getting the nanny’s permission.

Getting written consent from the nanny you are looking into is important. This is your first step before running the background check. And it is a legal requirement under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FRCA). A federal law that helps protect consumers by regulating how background reports are collected and used.

Information Required to Run a Background Check

To insure you get the most accurate background check results, professional screening companies may require the following information:

How to Run a Nanny or Babysitter Background Check

While you can run a background check on your own, a professional company can give you access to information you may not be able to find on your own. And while it is a relatively easy process, there are a few simple steps that can help you choose the right screening company before making a final decision.

Step 1: Choose an FCRA-Compliant Background Check Provider

When searching for background check screening services you will notice that there are a lot. However, this doesn’t mean that the information they provide is at the same level. Some providers may rely on outdated and incomplete public information which will only set you back.

Instead go with a company that complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Companies that comply with the FCRA typically offer more comprehensive searches, verify identity information and follow the standards needed for handling sensitive personal data. Additionally, choosing a reputable provider ensures that you are on the right side of the law.

Here’s what to look for in a screening provider:

• Comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
• Verify the caregiver's identity
• Search criminal records across multiple jurisdictions
• Offer driving record checks when needed
• Protect personal information using secure systems

Step 2: Decide Which Background Checks You Need

A background check can be as indepth as you need it to be. And sometimes you only need information that corresponds with the caregiver’s responsibilities. Knowing what type of screening and or information you need checked can save you on time and money.

Here are a few examples of common types of background checks parents do and why:

Step 3: Review the Results Carefully

Once you receive the results for the background check, review them carefully. While the background check will likely give you the answers you need, reviewing them can help give you a bigger picture instead of focusing on one specific thing. It may also help you discuss your findings with the prospective nanny, especially if you feel that a concern may need future context.

Step 4: Contact References

While a background check can verify information, references can give you vital information too. This includes insight into a nanny’s professionalism and interactions with children. Both of which are important when bringing someone into your child’s life. Speaking to previous families can also give you a picture into what it would be like to have a nanny working in your home.

Here are a few questions, you can ask when speaking to references:

• How long did they work for your family?
• What were their primary responsibilities?
• How did they interact with your children?
• Were they dependable and punctual?
• How did they handle unexpected situations or emergencies?
• Would you hire them again?

Pay attention to how confidently references answer your questions. Hesitation, vague responses, or inconsistencies may indicate it's worth asking additional questions before moving forward.

Can You Run a Background Check Yourself?

Yes, parents can complete several parts of a background check. With a couple of searches on the internet you can gain access to some information. However, personal information such as identity verification isn’t public. This is why hiring a professional screening company can be useful.

Instead of doing the entire background check by yourself, you can break the job up into parts that you can do, and what a professional company can do. This way you can save on costs and give the most accurate information.

How Much Does a Nanny Background Check Cost?

The cost of a background check varies on how deep of a check you want done. On average it costs between $75 and $150. The costs of a background check also depend on the company you choose and the rates they offer.

A basic check which can include information like identity verification can be less expensive than a comprehensive check. A comprehensive check can include information on drug and credit screening.

Before Hiring a Nanny or Babysitter

Before making a hiring decision, take time to complete these important steps:

• Interview the caregiver.
• Contact and verify references.
• Run a professional background check.
• Verify CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Discuss expectations, responsibilities, and house rules.

Completing each step can help you make a more informed decision and choose a caregiver who's the right fit for your family.

Hiring a Nanny Starts With the Right Background Check

Running a background check is one of the final steps before hiring a babysitter. But it works best alongside interviews, reference checks and certification verifications. With that said, there is great value in running a background check like ensuring the safety of your family.

When considering childcare costs, knowing how much to pay a nanny in 2026 can be helpful. Be prepared for the interview portion of your hiring process, by taking a look at these interview questions to ask a nanny.