Babysitter Background Check

What is a Background Check?

A Background Check is a way of verifying a person’s identity and looking for any past history of criminal activity.

It isn’t mandatory for nannies and babysitters working in private homes to have these checks, but it is recommended.

A Background Check will reassure parents that their babysitter or nanny doesn’t have any past history of criminal activity.

Background Checks are an important way of ensuring the health and safety for children in care.

What types of pre-employment checks are there?

There are many types of checks that can be run to help employers choose the right employee. The type of check used depends on the role you are applying for. For example if you are applying for a nanny job you may want to get a basic background check to provide to parents. If your role includes driving you may want to get a driving record check (MVR check) in addition, to confirm to parents that you’re a safe driver.

What is covered in a Background Check?

Most basic Background Checks include:

• Person Search - social security number trace. This verifies the name, D.O.B. and Social Security Number. It confirms a person’s past addresses and movements.
• National Criminal Records Search - includes National Sex Offenders Registry Search. This search is an instant national search of any criminal records.
• Global Homeland Security Search - this search looks at lists by the U.S. and various international agencies to identify individuals involved in terrorist activities, money laundering, illegal imports, fraud, violations of Federal banking regulations and fugitives from justice. It includes FBI Most Wanted and US Marshalls Most Wanted.

What information do I need to provide for a Background Check?

Most companies who run checks need your

• First name
• Last name
• Email address (very important it’s correct, as this is how you’ll get the check sent to you)
• ZIP code
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number
• Mailing Address

Where is the information sourced?

Checks commonly use public data and reports from county courthouses, city, state and federal agencies.

Why have a Background Check?

You’re more likely to get great jobs if you have a Background Check to show parents. This will help parents build trust and confirm that you are the right choice for their family. Background checks are important for child safety, by giving parents evidence that babysitters or nannies are trustworthy individuals without any criminal past history.

Is there a law requiring nannies to have a Background Check?

Babysitters and nannies working privately in homes are not required by law to have criminal background checks. However it’s wise for parents to request background checks for anyone working with children.

There are new federal laws requiring states to conduct State and Federal comprehensive Criminal Background Checks on all child care providers. This applies to employees working for licensed, license-exempt, regulated and registered childcare providers. For more information please see childcare.gov and childaware.org.

How long does it take to get a Background Check?

Most background checks take 2-5 business days to complete. If the person’s history is complex it may take longer.

How long does a Background Check last?

A Background Check is usually valid for 2-5 years. Employees are expected to update their checks every 5 years.

How do I get a Background Check?

There are lots of services that run background checks. Choose a company that complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We can recommend USA Background Checks for a Basic Package for $19.95 (This is not a sponsored ad, we do not get a commission from this).

How much does it cost to get a Background Check?

The cost of a background check depends on the type and extent of the checks and the service provider. A basic background check usually costs between $20-75. If you use USA Background Checks, the cost will be $19.95.

Are checks displayed on my profile on The Best Babysitters?

No, the actual check is not shown. We ask that you tick a box on your profile to confirm whether you have completed your own Background Check or not. We don’t run the check for you, as we are not your employer. We also don’t collect or store any Background Check information. This is to ensure that your information is kept confidential. Please take a copy of your Background Check to interviews to show the parents in person.

Why don't The Best Babysitters do the background check?

We prefer that the babysitter arranges the background check independently. By doing this the babysitter can keep all of their personal information safe and secure. Information is only processed through a reputable service, skilled in managing confidential information. The babysitter is the only person who can access their background check. Then the babysitter can choose to take a copy of their background check to show parents in person. It does not have to be shared online, which helps keep their information secure.

What kinds of pre-employment checks are there?

The full list of pre-employment checks for a whole range of jobs include:

• Background check
• Driving record check (MVR Check) - legal ability to drive, class of license and safety record.
• Employment background check - work history, education, credit history, driving record, criminal record, medical history, drug screening and use of social media.
• Criminal background check - major criminal history check including violent crime or sexual crimes, fraud, embezzlement or felony convictions.
• E-verify background checks - verify identity and employment eligibility.
• Fingerprint background checks - checks criminal history from authorized criminal justice agencies.
• International background checks - accesses international criminal records, education and employment verification for individuals who have worked, lived or studied in another country.
• Credit background check - usually used for individuals in finance roles. Covers areas such as credit report, civil judgments, tax liens, bankruptcies.
• Professional licenses background checks - to verify the individual has valid licenses they’ve stated.

We hope this information helps you with information about background checks for nannies and babysitters.