12 Things to Give Your New Nanny

Giving your new nanny all the information she needs to do her job well will start her off on a path to success. While talking to your nanny about household and childcare related items is essential, giving your new nanny all the information she needs at once can be overwhelming. Instead of leaving notes on the fridge or simply writing things down in a notebook as you remember them, consider creating a nanny/family binder. A nanny/family binder can serve as a household guidebook, holding all the essential information about your children and home in one place.

As you orient your new nanny to your family and home, create a nanny/family binder. Be sure to include:

1. Emergency Contact Information. In addition to both parents’ work and personal contact information, include contact information for a neighbor or two, your children’s pediatrician and dentist, the grandparents, a close friend, your children’s school, and any other individuals whom your nanny may need to notify or reach out to if an emergency arises.
2. Household Information. Be sure to include directions on how to operate the house alarm or the pool filter. Leave a list of home service providers so your nanny knows who to call should there be a water leak or an electrical issue.
3. Family Calendar. Print out weekly and monthly calendars for both you and your nanny to update. You’ll also want to include a copy of your child’s school calendar and any scheduled vacations, as well as the start and end dates of any of your child’s activities.
4. List of Local Attractions/Activities. Provide your nanny with a list of local places that the children enjoy. Include information on your local library, museums, farms, playgrounds, and indoor play areas.
5. Directions to Important Places. Leave a set of directions to your office, the pediatrician’s office, the school, and any other places that your nanny will need to drive your children regularly.
6. A Contact List. Include a list of your children’s friends and their parents’ contact information so that your nanny can arrange play dates. Introducing your nanny to your children’s friends’ parents should also be on your priority list.
7. House Rules. If you want your nanny to follow your house rules, be sure to provide her with them. From bedtimes to rules governing screen time to having guests over, be sure to give your nanny a detailed list of your expectations.
8. Authorization to Treat. Should your child need medical attention and you are unable to be reached, an authorization to treat form will allow your child to receive the necessary care. It’s also a good idea to place a copy on file at your child’s pediatrician’s office.
9. Copy of Your Children’s Insurance Cards. Often medical care facilities will require proof of insurance at the time medical treatment is rendered. Having an updated copy of your children’s insurance card available to your nanny can ensure that any medical costs are billed and processed properly the first time.
10. Authorization Letters. Having extra copies of letters on hand that authorize your nanny to pick your child up from school or that allow your child’s doctor to discuss medical information with your nanny can ensure that your nanny has the proper forms on hand should she need them.
11. Car Insurance Information. If your nanny drives your car, you’ll want to be sure she has proof of insurance available to her. She’ll need this information should she get into an accident or need to contact the insurance agency.
12. Copy of Work Agreement. Keeping a copy of your nanny/employer work agreement in a family binder will make it easy to review the agreement should questions about vacation days, holidays, or other issues arise.

Help your new nanny manage all the information she needs to do her job well. While gathering all the information you wish to include may take a little time, once you do it, maintaining and updating the nanny and family binder is easy.

Taken From Hire a Nanny