How to Run a Background Check and Verify Nanny References
There are many routes to go down to find your perfect nanny, and like your nanny is a unique asset to your family that reflects your household’s needs, so too will be the journey to find them.
Quick Answer
There are many routes to go down to find your perfect nanny, and like your nanny is a unique asset to your family that reflects your household’s needs, so too will be the journey to find them.
Quick Answer
A proper nanny background check in California includes TrustLine verification, which is the only check authorized by state law to access fingerprint-based FBI and DOJ records. Private online background checks miss these databases entirely. TrustLine is not optional for California childcare providers.
Why Private Background Checks Are Not Enough
Most online background check services check public records and national sex offender registries. They cannot access fingerprint-based databases maintained by the California Department of Justice, the FBI, or the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act index. A nanny with a serious California conviction could pass a standard online check and fail a TrustLine check. This is not a hypothetical gap -- it is a documented one.
What TrustLine Checks
TrustLine accesses three restricted databases: the DOJ California criminal history (fingerprint-based), the FBI criminal history (fingerprint-based), and the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act index. This combination is not available to private companies. It is available only through the California Department of Social Services via TrustLine.
Is TrustLine Required
Yes. California law requires TrustLine verification for in-home childcare providers working with children under 18. This applies to full-time nannies, part-time nannies, newborn care specialists, and family assistants who provide childcare. Any agency that does not require TrustLine for California placements is not meeting the legal standard.
How TrustLine Works
The candidate submits fingerprints and a fee (approximately $135) to the California Department of Social Services. Once cleared, they receive a TrustLine ID number that can be verified by families or agencies at any time. The certification does not expire. Many experienced nannies in Los Angeles already have it completed.
What Else a Complete Background Check Includes
Beyond TrustLine, a thorough vetting process includes a motor vehicle record check (if driving is involved), direct employer reference calls (not written letters), employment history verification, and an in-person or video interview. TrustLine clears the legal floor. References and direct conversation tell you about the person.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay a placement fee to hire a nanny?
Yes. Placement agencies charge a fee, typically 15 to 20% of the nanny's first-year gross salary. This covers candidate sourcing, vetting, TrustLine verification, reference checks, and the placement process. The fee is paid by the family after a successful placement.
Should I hire a nanny through an agency or a job board?
An agency pre-screens candidates and presents only those who are a realistic match. A job board gives you a larger unfiltered pool to manage yourself. For first-time household employers or families who want the process handled properly, an agency is strongly recommended.
What should a nanny work agreement include in California?
A California nanny work agreement should include the hourly rate, pay schedule, guaranteed hours, overtime terms (1.5x after 9 hours per day or 45 per week), sick leave (5 days minimum required by law), duties, confidentiality terms, notice period, and termination conditions.
What nanny interview questions actually reveal fit?
Ask scenario-based questions: how they handled a child who would not stop crying, a disagreement with a parent, or a moment where they had to make a judgment call alone. Specific past situations reveal actual behavior. Generic questions get prepared answers.
What should I look for on a nanny's resume?
Prioritize tenure over volume. One candidate who stayed three years with two families is more informative than one who worked for eight families in five years. Check that age-range experience matches your child's age, verify certifications are current, and treat references as the real evaluation.
What are the biggest red flags when hiring a nanny?
Reluctance to provide employer references who can be called directly, a pattern of short stays with multiple families, evasive answers about why previous roles ended, and resistance to TrustLine or background verification. Trust these signals.
How much does a nanny cost in Los Angeles?
A full-time experienced nanny in Los Angeles earns $35 to $45 per hour. Total employer cost including payroll taxes adds 10 to 12% on top of gross wages. A full-time nanny at $38/hr working 45 hours per week costs approximately $96,000 to $100,000 per year all in.
How long does it take to hire a nanny in Los Angeles?
Most full-time placements take 4 to 8 weeks from first consultation to start date. Part-time and temporary roles can move faster. Specialized roles like ROTA or newborn care typically take longer due to a smaller candidate pool.
How long does hiring a nanny in Los Angeles take?
Most families working through a placement agency in Los Angeles complete a hire within four to eight weeks. The timeline depends primarily on how quickly the family can schedule interviews and whether they have a clear sense of what they are looking for before the search begins.
What should I pay a nanny in Los Angeles?
Most strong candidates start at $30/hr. Full-time nannies typically earn $30 to $45+/hr depending on experience, responsibilities, and number of children. Newborn care specialists run $35 to $55+/hr. Budgeting below $30/hr significantly narrows the experienced candidate pool.
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