Background Checks & Screening for Household Employment
Guided by Hello Nanny!®
Thoughtful screening supports informed hiring decisions.
When welcoming a caregiver or household professional into your home, background checks and screening tools help families make informed, responsible decisions. These tools are most effective when used thoughtfully, appropriately, and in alignment with household roles.
Hello Nanny!® coordinates background checks and screening as part of ethical household hiring — with care for both family safety and candidate dignity.
Designed for in‑home roles and family environments
- Appropriate for household employment
- Respectful and privacy‑conscious
- Legally compliant and role‑specific
- Coordinated through Hello Nanny!®
What screening supports — and what it doesn’t
Screening tools provide verified information that helps families evaluate candidates alongside interviews, references, and role clarity. No single check replaces good judgment or a thoughtful hiring process.
We guide families in selecting screening that is appropriate for the role, responsibilities, and stage of hiring.
Types of screening we coordinate
The scope of screening depends on the household role and responsibilities. Common screening components may include:
Criminal history searches
Criminal history searches are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and are limited to what is legally permissible based on role and location.
National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) search
A search of the National Sex Offender Registry may be included when appropriate, particularly for roles involving childcare or vulnerable individuals.
DMV audit (when driving is required)
For roles that involve transporting children or driving as part of the job, a motor vehicle records (MVR) or DMV audit may be conducted to review driving history.
Identity verification
Identity verification helps confirm that the information provided by the candidate matches official records.
Identity verification is not the same as a background check.
Identity verification typically confirms that a person’s name and identifying information match official records. It does not provide information about criminal history, driving records, or employment background.
Many open marketplaces rely primarily on surface‑level identity verification. More comprehensive screening requires additional checks, selected thoughtfully based on the role and responsibilities.
Employment verification
When applicable, past employment may be verified to confirm dates and roles.
Education verification
For roles where education or certifications are relevant, verification may be included.
Reference checks
Reference checks provide additional context about a candidate’s experience, professionalism, and work style. We guide families on how and when reference checks are most useful within the hiring process.
Why screening is coordinated through Hello Nanny!®
- Household screening should be:
- Appropriate to the role
- Respectful of candidate privacy
- Conducted at the right stage of hiring
- Interpreted thoughtfully
- By coordinating screening through Hello Nanny!®, families benefit from:
- Guidance on what screening is appropriate (and what isn’t)
- Avoiding over‑screening or misaligned checks
- Clear communication with candidates
- Continuity with hiring decisions and onboarding
Screening services are powered by trusted partners, but guided by Hello Nanny!®.
Who this screening process is for
- This screening process is well‑suited for families who:
- Are hiring a nanny or household employee
- Want to make informed decisions without fear‑based tactics
- Prefer guided screening over navigating vendors independently
- This service is not intended for:
- Non‑household roles
- Situations where screening is restricted by law
- Families seeking background checks without hiring guidance
How screening works
Step 1 — Guided selection
We help determine which screening components are appropriate based on the role and responsibilities.
Step 2 — Secure screening
Screening is conducted securely and in compliance with applicable laws, with respect for candidate privacy.
Step 3 — Review and next steps
We help families understand results at a high level and determine appropriate next steps within ethical and legal boundaries.
How this fits into the Hire With Confidence™ process
- Screening is one part of responsible household hiring. Families may also need support with:
- Payroll setup
- Hiring and recruiting guidance
- Onboarding and compliance education
Our Hire With Confidence™ approach supports families throughout the household employment lifecycle.
Important information
Hello Nanny!® provides general education and coordination support related to household employment. Payroll services are provided by a third‑party partner and do not replace legal or tax advice. Families remain the legal employer of their household employees and retain responsibility for compliance with applicable employment laws.
Ready to move forward?
Screening done well supports confident, professional household employment.