Nannies play an integral role in the lives of our children or loved ones. However, it can be difficult to know if the person you're hiring can be trusted with such an important duty. Because modern technology makes it easy for anyone to conceal or hide their former misdeeds, you must exercise caution when hiring a nanny.

Employment applications, references, and interviews are great. But as solid as these measures are, the traditional hiring process is often ill-equipped to uncover anything your prospective nanny goes out of their way to cover up. Fortunately, there's a proven technique you can use to reveal prior criminal behavior - you can order a background check. You can choose what you'd like to see based on which background check you select: criminal history, FBI, or level 2 background check.

What to expect from a criminal history background check.

You never want to be caught off guard by your nanny's past. A criminal history background check can alert you of any major offenses in an applicant's background. Upon ordering a criminal background check, you can expect to learn whether your applicant has:

  • A prison record
  • Arrests that resulted in a conviction
  • Civil judgments
  • Pending criminal cases
  • Felony and misdemeanor criminal convictions

You can also find out if the nanny you are considering hiring is on the domestic terrorist watch list by ordering a criminal background check. A level 1 criminal background check doesn't require fingerprints, and your security professional can conduct it via name search.

FBI Background Checks

Given that your nanny may travel with your child or an elderly loved one, you might want additional insight into their driving history. Likewise, since the nanny could spend ample time alone with your loved one, you'll also want to confirm whether they have ever been arrested for sexual misconduct.

You can find this level of detail in an FBI background check. This type of screening provides the same information that a criminal history check would show. However, it also includes any traffic violations and alerts you whether the nanny is listed in the sex offender database.

Your security professional will need your applicant's fingerprints to complete the FBI background check.

Why you might use a level 2 background check.

While all children or seniors who fall under your care deserve the utmost safety, some individuals are especially vulnerable. For example, if your child or loved one is non-verbal, they may not be able to notify you if someone abuses them. This is when you might want to use a level 2 background check.

This type of background check can reveal:

  • Criminal records
  • Past employment verifications
  • Education and credentials verification
  • Sexual misconduct
  • Murder convictions
  • Criminal history involving negligence
  • Conspiracy to commit any of the above offenses
Like an FBI background check, the level 2 check requires fingerprinting. However, this database requires digital or print scan fingerprinting.

Give us a call today to schedule a background check for your prospective nanny.

Hiring a nanny is one of the most significant decisions you can make for your child or loved one. Given the proximity nannies have to your loved ones, you can never be too cautious about their safety. So, don't let a pristine resume give you a false sense of security. Dig a little deeper by ordering a pre-employment background check before making a final decision.

When you choose Bales Security to handle background checks for your nanny, you get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child or loved one will be in good hands. If you're in Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, or a surrounding area in Florida, let us help vet your nanny. We offer level 1, level 2, and FBI background checks. Contact us today at (813) 314-9101 to request a background check.