It is recommended for nannies to undergo a national background check on themselves if they want to be taken seriously by the family. This simple process lets the family know that the nanny understands the importance of having a clear record when working with children and shows a sense of preparedness. Think of it this way – in most occasions, it is a $50-$100 investment that will benefit you and help you in your profession. Most families will want to run a social security search, a National Criminal Database search, in-house county criminal searches in the main cities you’ve lived in for the past 7 years, a sex offender search and a Department of Motor Vehicles search. If you already have this done, the family will be very impressed. It is the same with CPR/First Aid certification. When you have these things, the family sees you as a professional, cautious nanny ready to start work. It is also a fact that over 80% of nannies who already have a background check and CPR and First Aid will be contacted more-so than a nanny without these qualifications. Some nannies may wait for the family to hire them and then let the family pay for the checks, but in a competitive nanny job market, you are taking your chances by assuming that a family will disregard a lack of these basic qualifications. Make sure you also have a resume (if you don’t have one it’s a good idea to make one), at least 3 excellent references and 2 personal references and a copy of your driver’s license and social security card. Present this to the family in a folder or binder with your background check and CPR/First Aid card, and you will impress the family.

If you are looking to take a refresh course or update your CPR and First Aid, we recommend using our affiliate company ProTrainings.com In most states, online CPR and First Aid is accepted for employment. By partnering with ProTrainings.com we are able to offer you a great price on online courses.