By Colby Underwood | Founder and Owner, Nanny Parent Connection
An insider’s guide from the founder of a nationwide background screening service that has processed more than 10,000 background checks.

Hiring a nanny is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your family. You’re inviting someone into your home and trusting them with the safety, care, and well-being of your children.

Whether you’ve already found a nanny you love or you’re still interviewing candidates, there’s one step I strongly recommend before making a final hiring decision: run a comprehensive nanny background check.

But where do you start? What records should you search? How much does a nanny background check cost? And how do you know you’re purchasing the right one?

I’m Colby Underwood, founder of Nanny Parent Connection. Nearly eight years ago, I personally built our nationwide background check system after experiencing firsthand how difficult it was to get answers when hiring a nanny for my own children.

Since then, we’ve processed more than 10,000 background checks for families and childcare agencies across the United States. Today, more than 260 childcare agencies across the United States depend on our screening service, and I continue to personally manage our background check team.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process, explain which searches matter most, share some of the mistakes I’ve seen families make, and show you how to get started with confidence.

How Do You Run a Nanny Background Check?

If you’ve never ordered a nanny background check before, here’s the process in six simple steps:

1. Choose an employment background screening provider. Make sure the company offers Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)-compliant reports designed for employment screening.
2. Select your background check package. Look for criminal record searches, sex offender registry screening, and county criminal court searches. If your nanny will drive, consider a motor vehicle record search as well.
3. Obtain the required authorization. Employment background checks obtained through consumer reporting agencies generally require proper disclosure and written authorization from the candidate.
4. Submit your screening request. With Nanny Parent Connection, you typically only need your candidate’s first name, last name, and email address to begin.
5. Wait for the screening to be completed. Most of our background checks are completed within one to two business days, although certain searches can take longer.
6. Review the completed report. Understand the findings, investigate anything that raises questions, and follow applicable employment laws before making your hiring decision.

That’s the basic process. And if you’ve never run a background check before, don’t worry. You don’t need to be a background screening expert to get started.

Ready to screen your nanny? Compare Nanny Parent Connection’s background check packages and get started.

No membership required. Nationwide service. Most reports completed within one to two business days.

Why I Built Nanny Parent Connection’s Background Check System

When my children were younger, I found myself in the same position many parents are in today.

I was hiring a nanny for my family and needed to run a background check. The problem was that I had never ordered one before.

Naturally, I had questions.

How did the process work? What information would I need? Which background check should I purchase? And how would I know what the results actually meant?

So I reached out to several background screening companies.

Nobody returned my calls or emails.

I remember how incredibly frustrating that was.

Most parents will only order a nanny background check once or twice in their lifetime. They’re not screening experts, and they shouldn’t have to become experts just to make an informed hiring decision.

I kept wondering why it was so difficult to find a company willing to explain the process and answer a few basic questions.

That experience ultimately inspired me to build Nanny Parent Connection’s own background check system.

I wanted to create a service that combined comprehensive, affordable screening with something that seemed surprisingly hard to find: knowledgeable, accessible customer support.

Nearly eight years later, I still personally manage our background check team and remain actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the service.

Sometimes I’m the person answering the phone when a parent calls with questions about ordering their very first background check. Other times, I’m helping a nanny candidate who isn’t sure how to complete the authorization process or assisting a family that needs help understanding a completed report.

Today, our service supports families and childcare agencies throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico, including Alaska and Hawaii. We’ve processed more than 10,000 background checks, and more than 260 childcare agencies across the United States rely on our screening services.

But the philosophy behind the business hasn’t changed.

Families deserve more than just a background check report. They deserve to understand what they’re ordering, what they’re receiving, and what that information means.

That’s why I wrote this guide.

The Biggest Background Check Mistake I See Families Make

After nearly eight years working with families and childcare agencies, there’s one mistake I encounter more often than almost anything else.

Families assume a personal recommendation is a substitute for a background check.

Perhaps a neighbor recommends someone who cared for their children for years. Maybe a coworker knows a wonderful nanny. Or perhaps a close friend insists that their former babysitter is the most trustworthy person they’ve ever met.

Those recommendations can be extremely valuable.

But they’re not background checks.

A personal reference can tell you about someone’s reliability, personality, work ethic, and interactions with children.

What it generally cannot do is independently verify whether someone has reportable criminal history, relevant driving violations, or a record in a sex offender registry.

The reverse is also true.

A background check can’t tell you whether someone is loving, patient, attentive, or a good match for your children.

That’s why I encourage families to do both.

Interview your candidate carefully. Speak with professional references. Verify previous employment and relevant qualifications. Observe how the person interacts with your children when appropriate.

And run a comprehensive background check.

No screening method can guarantee someone’s future behavior or eliminate every risk. But a background check can provide important information that might otherwise be missed.

What Should a Nanny Background Check Include?

This is where things can get confusing.

Not all background checks are the same, and not every company searches the same records.

You might see a company advertising a “nationwide criminal background check” at an attractive price. That sounds comprehensive, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the company is searching every courthouse across the United States.

Understanding what each screening component actually does is one of the most important parts of choosing the right background check.

Here are the main searches I believe parents should understand.

1. County Criminal Records Searches

Of all the different criminal record searches, county-level criminal screening is one of the most important components I recommend.

Many felony and misdemeanor cases are prosecuted through state and local courts. County courthouses are important sources of criminal history information in many jurisdictions, although court structures vary by state.

A nationwide criminal database search may not include every relevant record from those courts.

That’s why I encourage families to consider county criminal searches in the locations where a nanny candidate has previously lived, rather than simply searching their current county.

Here’s an example.

Imagine you’re hiring a nanny who currently lives in Seattle, Washington.

Over the previous seven years, that nanny also lived in Portland, Oregon; Denver, Colorado; and Phoenix, Arizona.

If you only search the candidate’s current county, you may miss reportable records associated with those previous locations.

This is the primary reason I recommend Nanny Parent Connection’s Premium Plus background check.

Our Premium Plus package includes county criminal searches in all identified counties where the candidate has resided during the previous seven years, subject to applicable legal and records-access limitations.

That expanded geographic coverage is an important difference between our screening packages.

It’s also important to understand that a seven-year residence-history search is not the same thing as a universal seven-year limit on criminal conviction reporting. Different types of records and jurisdictions have different legal requirements.

2. Nationwide Criminal Database Search

Nationwide criminal database searches can help identify potential criminal records across a broad collection of participating sources.

These searches can be useful because they may identify records associated with locations outside a candidate’s current residence.

However, there’s an important limitation.

There is no single commercial criminal database containing every criminal record from every courthouse in the United States.

Different jurisdictions contribute different types of information, and records may not always be updated at the same time.

As a result, a nationwide criminal database search should not be confused with a comprehensive search of individual county courts.

I view nationwide database searches and county criminal record searches as complementary tools.

One does not necessarily replace the other.

3. Sex Offender Registry Search

A sex offender registry search is another important component of nanny background screening.

These searches can identify available registration information from participating state, territorial, tribal, and federal jurisdictions.

However, public sex offender registries have limitations.

Not every sexual offense results in a public registration requirement, and registration rules vary by jurisdiction.

A clear registry search does not establish that someone has never committed a sexual offense.

That doesn’t make registry screening unimportant. It simply means parents should understand what the results can and cannot tell them.

4. Motor Vehicle Record Search

Will your nanny be driving your children to school, activities, playdates, or appointments?

If so, I strongly recommend reviewing their driving history.

Depending on the state and available records, a motor vehicle record search may reveal information such as license status, certain suspensions, traffic violations, and reportable driving-related incidents.

At Nanny Parent Connection, both our Premium and Premium Plus packages include a motor vehicle record search.

Remember that a criminal records search and a driving record search are different things.

If transporting your children is part of the nanny’s responsibilities, understanding both is important.

5. Social Security Number Trace

A Social Security number trace is commonly used by screening providers to identify names, address histories, and geographic locations associated with a candidate’s identifying information.

It can help determine which jurisdictions should be considered for additional screening.

However, an SSN trace is not a criminal history search.

It also isn’t proof of identity, citizenship, or legal authorization to work in the United States.

If an SSN trace identifies an unfamiliar address or name variation, the information may warrant clarification rather than an assumption that something is wrong.

6. Global Sanctions and Watchlist Searches

Some background check packages also include searches of government sanctions and related watchlist information.

These searches can provide another layer of information, depending on the databases and sources included.

However, potential matches must be handled carefully.

A matching name does not necessarily establish that the candidate is the individual appearing on a particular list.

Accurate identification and verification remain important.

Which Nanny Background Check Should You Purchase?

Nanny Parent Connection offers three screening packages: Standard, Premium, and Premium Plus.

Here’s how they compare.

Prices are subject to change, and applicable taxes or jurisdictional court fees may apply. Search coverage depends on applicable laws and records availability.

Standard Background Check — $24.49

Our Standard background check provides an affordable entry point for families seeking essential database-based screening.

It includes an enhanced nationwide criminal database search, sex offender registry screening, an SSN trace, and a global sanctions search.

However, it does not include county criminal court searches or a motor vehicle record search.

Those are important limitations to understand before purchasing.

Premium Background Check — $52.49

Our Premium package includes everything in Standard, plus a motor vehicle record search and a county criminal search in the candidate’s current county of residence.

That’s a meaningful increase in coverage, particularly when driving responsibilities are involved.

However, Premium doesn’t include the same multi-county criminal screening offered by Premium Plus.

Premium Plus Background Check — $83.99

This is the background check I personally recommend when hiring a nanny. It’s also the background check I use when screening nannies who care for my own children.

Premium Plus includes the screening components in Premium and expands county criminal searches to all identified counties where the candidate has lived during the preceding seven years.

Why do I think that’s worth the additional cost?

Because people move.

A nanny may have lived in several counties or states during their adult life. Searching only their current county can leave important geographic gaps.

For an additional $31.50 compared with Premium at current advertised prices, I believe the broader county criminal coverage offers meaningful value.

When it comes to screening someone who will care for my children, this is the level of background screening I choose for my own family.

No background check can uncover every possible record or guarantee someone’s safety, but comprehensive screening can provide a more complete picture of available, legally reportable information.

No membership required. Secure online ordering. Most results completed within one to two business days.

How to Order a Nanny Background Check Through Nanny Parent Connection

One of my priorities when developing our background check system was making the ordering process as straightforward as possible.

Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Choose Your Background Check Package

Visit our background check ordering page and select the package that best fits your needs.

You don’t have to purchase a Nanny Parent Connection membership to order a background check.

If you’re not sure which package to choose, our team can explain the differences before you order.

Step 2: Enter Your Candidate’s Information

In most cases, you’ll only need three pieces of information to get started:

• Your candidate’s first name
• Your candidate’s last name
• Your candidate’s email address

You do not need to collect your candidate’s Social Security number yourself or ask them to send it by email or text message.

Nanny Parent Connection collects the candidate’s Social Security number directly from the candidate during our secure authorization process.

If your candidate does not have a Social Security number, they can select “I don’t have an SSN” during the authorization process and follow the instructions provided.

Please note that the availability and completeness of certain screening components may vary when a candidate does not have a Social Security number.

Step 3: Your Candidate Completes the Authorization

Your candidate will receive instructions for completing the required authorization process.

For background reports obtained from consumer reporting agencies for employment purposes, proper disclosure and written authorization are generally required.

I always recommend letting your candidate know in advance that you’ve initiated the screening process.

That way, they’ll know to watch for the authorization request and can complete it promptly.

If they have questions or experience difficulty, our background check team can assist.

Step 4: The Background Check Is Processed

Once the required information and authorization have been received, the requested searches can proceed.

Some records are retrieved electronically and may return relatively quickly.

Others may require additional research, verification, or courthouse processing.

Timing varies depending on the jurisdictions and screening components involved.

Step 5: Receive and Review Your Completed Report

Most Nanny Parent Connection background checks are completed within one to two business days.

Some finish sooner, while others may take longer.

Once your report is available, review the entire document rather than looking only at the summary.

And remember, if you’ve never read a background check report before, you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself.

Our team can help explain the report’s sections and terminology.

What Happens If Something Appears on the Background Check?

This is one of the most common reasons families contact our customer service team.

A background check report might contain a flag, potential record match, or notation that a parent doesn’t recognize.

That can understandably be concerning.

But a flagged item does not automatically mean your nanny has a criminal conviction or that there’s a serious problem.

It may indicate information that needs additional review, a possible record match, or another issue depending on the type of search.

The important thing is to understand what the report actually says.

Recently, our team assisted a family that had never reviewed a background check report before.

Several items had been flagged, and the family wasn’t sure what the findings meant.

Our team walked them through the report, explained the different findings, and answered their questions.

That’s exactly the type of customer support I wanted to provide when I built our screening service.

What Should You Do If a Report Contains Concerning Information?

First, review the nature of the reported information and what the finding actually means.

Consider whether the information is accurate and complete, how recent and serious any reported offense may be, and whether it is relevant to the responsibilities of the nanny position.

If you have questions about a particular finding, our background check team can explain the report’s terminology, the screening process, and available procedures for disputing potentially inaccurate information.

If you’re considering declining or ending employment because of a third-party employment background report, you must also follow applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

Under the FCRA, this generally includes providing a copy of the report and a summary of rights before taking adverse action, followed by additional required notification if the adverse decision is made.

A background check is a source of information, not an automatic hiring decision.

Our team can help you understand the report, but decisions regarding a candidate’s employment remain with the family and must comply with applicable law.

For additional information, see our Guide to Understanding Background Check Results.

Are Nanny Background Checks Required by Law?

There is no single federal law requiring every private household in the United States to run a background check before hiring a nanny.

However, screening requirements can vary depending on your state, locality, employment arrangement, or specific childcare program.

Even where a background check isn’t legally required, I strongly recommend conducting one.

It’s also important to understand that there are legal requirements governing how certain employment background reports are obtained and used.

What Is the Fair Credit Reporting Act?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA, is a federal law that regulates consumer reports, including many reports used for employment screening.

Although the law’s name includes the word “credit,” it isn’t limited to credit reports.

When an employer obtains a background report from a consumer reporting agency for employment purposes, the FCRA generally requires a standalone written disclosure and written authorization before the report is obtained.

Additional procedures generally apply if the report contributes to an adverse employment decision.

State and local laws may impose additional restrictions, including rules about when criminal history can be requested or considered.

Not every online criminal record lookup or people-search service is appropriate for employment screening.

When hiring a nanny or babysitter, choose a provider offering reports intended for employment purposes and follow the applicable disclosure, authorization, and employment decision requirements.

You can read more in the Federal Trade Commission’s official background check guidance.

Where Does the Information in a Background Check Come From?

Another misconception I’ve encountered is the belief that background screening companies create or maintain all the underlying criminal and driving records themselves.

That’s not generally how background screening works.

Much of the underlying information originates with courts, government agencies, and other authorized data sources.

Depending on the search, those sources may include county and municipal courts, state courts, motor vehicle agencies, criminal record repositories, sex offender registries, and federal records systems.

Screening providers may access that information directly or through authorized data suppliers and aggregated databases.

The distinction matters because records can vary in completeness, accuracy, accessibility, and how frequently they’re updated.

That’s why I encourage parents to understand exactly which searches they’re purchasing instead of relying solely on a package name.

Can You Run a Background Check After You’ve Already Hired a Nanny?

Yes. Families can generally conduct an employment background check after a nanny has started working, provided they comply with the required authorization, disclosure, and employment laws.

Our team has helped families in exactly this situation.

I remember one family that contacted us after hiring a nanny without running a background check first.

They had begun noticing some things that concerned them and wanted to know whether it was too late to screen their employee.

We explained that screening could still be conducted through the appropriate process.

After the background check was completed, the family received information about criminal history that they found seriously concerning.

They ultimately decided to end the employment relationship.

I share that experience because it reinforces an important point.

Whenever possible, complete your nanny background check before your caregiver’s first day of work.

That gives you time to evaluate the results and make an informed hiring decision before employment begins.

If you’ve already hired someone, screening may still be an option. Be sure to follow applicable laws, particularly before taking any employment action based on the findings.

Why Families and Childcare Agencies Choose Nanny Parent Connection

When I built our background check system, I wanted to solve the exact problems I’d experienced myself: confusing screening options, limited guidance, and companies that weren’t available when customers had questions.

Nearly eight years later, those priorities still shape how we operate.

Nationwide Background Screening

Our service is available to families and childcare agencies in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Individual search availability and legal requirements can vary by jurisdiction.

Comprehensive Screening at Competitive Prices

Our three packages provide different levels of screening coverage, starting at $24.49.

Rather than simply choosing the cheapest option, I encourage families to compare the searches included in each package and understand what they need for their particular situation.

Customer Support Before and After Your Purchase

This is especially important to me.

If you’ve never ordered a background check, you can contact our team with questions before purchasing.

If your candidate is having difficulty completing the authorization process, we’re available to assist.

If you’re wondering about the status of your order, we’ll help you understand where things stand.

And if your completed report contains unfamiliar information, we can walk you through the report and explain what you’re looking at.

Our background check team is available seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific Time.

Call or text (425) 243-7032, or email info@nannyparentconnection.com.

Our support team can explain the screening process and report components, but cannot provide legal advice or make employment decisions on your behalf.

Trusted by More Than 260 Childcare Agencies Across the United States

Over the lifetime of Nanny Parent Connection, we’ve processed more than 10,000 background checks for families and childcare agencies nationwide.

Today, more than 260 childcare agencies across the United States depend on our background screening services.

These agencies regularly work with families and candidates, and many conduct background checks as part of their ongoing placement processes.

I’m proud that so many childcare professionals have chosen to rely on our team.

No Membership Required

You do not need a Nanny Parent Connection membership to order a background check.

Anyone can purchase an eligible screening package directly through our ordering system. Members may qualify for discounted pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nanny Background Checks

How much does a nanny background check cost?

At Nanny Parent Connection, our current screening packages are $24.49 for Standard, $52.49 for Premium, and $83.99 for Premium Plus, before applicable taxes or additional jurisdictional fees. Background check costs vary among providers depending on which searches are included.

What is the best background check for a nanny?

I recommend a comprehensive screening package that includes nationwide criminal database screening, county criminal searches, and sex offender registry searches. A motor vehicle record search is also important if your nanny will drive. At NPC, I personally recommend Premium Plus because it provides county criminal searches in all identified counties of residence over the preceding seven years. It’s also the package I use for my own family’s nannies.

How long does a nanny background check take?

Most NPC background checks are completed within one to two business days, although some return sooner and others take longer depending on the searches and jurisdictions involved.

Can I run a background check on a babysitter?

Yes. Our background check system can be used to screen babysitters and other childcare providers, subject to applicable screening and authorization requirements.

Do I need my nanny’s Social Security number to order?

No. You typically only need your candidate’s first name, last name, and email address to start an NPC order. We collect the candidate’s Social Security number directly from them during the secure authorization process.

Can my nanny complete a background check without a Social Security number?

Yes. During Nanny Parent Connection’s authorization process, candidates who do not have a Social Security number can select “I don’t have an SSN” and follow the instructions to continue. Some screening components may be limited depending on the candidate’s circumstances. Completing screening without an SSN is separate from verifying employment authorization.

What if my nanny has lived in multiple states?

I recommend Premium Plus because it expands county criminal screening beyond the current county to all identified counties of residence over the preceding seven years.

Is a nationwide criminal database search enough?

For comprehensive nanny screening, I would not rely exclusively on a nationwide criminal database search. Commercial databases can contain gaps. County criminal searches help provide additional coverage.

Can I order a nanny background check without joining NPC?

Yes. No membership is required.

Does a clear background check guarantee that my nanny is safe?

No. A background check can identify certain historical records and potential concerns, but it cannot predict future behavior or guarantee someone will be a suitable caregiver. Combine screening with thorough interviews, professional references, and other appropriate hiring practices.

Can I run a background check after my nanny starts working?

Generally, yes, with appropriate disclosures, authorization, and compliance with applicable employment laws. However, I recommend completing screening before the first day of work whenever possible.

What if I don’t understand my background check results?

Contact our background check team. We can explain the different report components, screening terminology, and available steps for addressing questions about the information reported.

My Final Advice to Parents

After nearly eight years developing and managing a nationwide background check service, I’ve had the opportunity to help thousands of families and childcare agencies navigate the screening process.

And the advice I give parents today is the same advice I’d give someone hiring their first nanny:

Don’t skip a background check just because a candidate comes highly recommended.

Personal recommendations are valuable. So are interviews, professional references, and previous childcare experience.

But none of those replaces the information that a comprehensive background check may provide.

I built Nanny Parent Connection’s background check service because I remember what it felt like to be a parent trying to figure out this process for the first time.

I wanted answers, and I couldn’t find anyone willing to help.

Today, I still manage our background check team, and I occasionally find myself answering the very same questions I once struggled to get answered.

If you’re preparing to hire a nanny or babysitter, I hope this guide has made the screening process easier to understand.

And when you’re ready to move forward, our team would be happy to help.

Have questions before ordering? Call or text (425) 243-7032 or email info@nannyparentconnection.com.

About the Author

Colby Underwood | Founder and Owner, Nanny Parent Connection

Colby Underwood is the founder and owner of Nanny Parent Connection and the developer of the company’s nationwide background check system.

For nearly eight years, he has overseen the service’s growth and remains personally involved in its day-to-day operations, managing the background check team, assisting families with screening questions, helping candidates through authorization, and supporting customers who need help understanding their completed reports.

Under Colby’s leadership, Nanny Parent Connection has processed more than 10,000 background checks for families and childcare agencies across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. More than 260 childcare agencies across the United States depend on the company’s screening services.

His approach to accessible background screening was inspired by his own experience hiring nannies for his children and struggling to find companies willing to answer basic questions about the process.

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Background screening requirements, reportable records, and employment laws vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.