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May 14, 2008 9:18 pm US/Eastern
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Blog Turns Public Spotlight On Nannies
Web site allows parents to learn what their babysitters are doing outside the home
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Rob Lowe isn't the only one who has had to hire a nanny to help care for his children. Today, many parents rely on an employee to help inside the home.
But when that person is not creating the best environment for your child, would you know? As
CBS4 I-team reporter Laurie Stein explains, many parents have chosen to install "nanny cams" in their homes to create a sense of security and comfort.
Now there's a new web site that acts as a "nanny cam" out in public. Is your child's babysitter ignoring your child while she chats on the cell phone? Is she screaming or being abusive? How do you know whether or not she is buckling him into the car seat or driving safely? Employing a person to care for your child is probably the most important hiring decision a person will ever make. Parents want to be sure the babysitter is careful, attentive and reliable.
The "I saw your nanny" blogspot allows anyone to describe any questionable incidents using details like clothing descriptions and first names. Privacy is of the utmost importance; no photos or full names are used and even the webmaster calls herself "Jane Doe" and refuses to share her identity with the web site visitors or the media.
Recent posts include the following: a babysitter walking the hot, sunny streets of Miami Beach with a baby in a stroller completely unprotected from the sun, while the babysitter protected only herself with an umbrella. Another post describes a nanny who was being verbally abusive in a neighborhood park.
Babysitters are also also encouraged to write in with suggestions and comments on previous posts. There are also comments on caretakers who are seen taking terrific care of children.
If you are looking for someone to watch your child, Jennifer Medwin and Debbie Finkel from Class Act Nannies in Miami offer some helpful interviewing and hiring tips. According to Finkel, "We interview about 15-20 candidates a day and weed through the candidates so the clients don't have to." She says it is necessary for clients to check 2-3 references and prepare a list of questions before the interview.
Here are a few suggestions: Do you have any licenses or certifications? Are you willing to follow a schedule? Is there anything that you have done at a job that you would do differently? Why did you leave your last position? What are your future goals?
Finkel warns parents that in rare cases, potential employees will use friends or relatives as references who give false information about the candidates qualifications. Finkel says, "ask for the names and ages of the children in the home and then compare that information with the children's parents" to be sure you are getting an accurate portrayal of the actual work experience.
Medwin also says it is important for parents to hire legal employees. There are the obvious ethical and legal implications but she adds that "with a legal resident you will get a social security number. That's important because the social security number is what allows you to do a background check on the person. Having a clear record offers parents a sense of relief."
And for those who are thinking of trying to get a deal and paying below the going rate, Medwin cautions, "the thing about getting a deal is that employees know the going rate and they compare salaries. If you are not paying the appropriate amount or creating too many work hours, the employee will not be happy and leave. That puts your family and your children at risk for a revolving door of caretakers."
With careful planning and attention to detail, Medwin says parents can be assured they are finding a warm and nurturing person to help their family.
If you are interested in classes to help educate you and your employee, The Oscar Project offers seven-hour seminars in CPR, first aid and other life-saving procedures. The classes are offered on Saturdays in Miami and the program was started after a toddler drowned while under a nanny's care in Coconut Grove last year. For more information, please call 305-205-3315.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)