How to Find a Nanny in California: Complete 2025 Guide

# How to Find a Nanny in California Finding the right nanny is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the hiring process in California. ## Step 1: Define Your Needs Before starting your search, clarify: ### Schedule & Hours - Full-time (40+ hours/week) or part-time? - Specific days and times needed - Flexibility for occasional evenings/weekends? - Live-in or live-out? ### Responsibilities - Childcare only or household tasks? - Meal preparation expectations - Transportation needs - Homework help or educational activities ### Budget Average California nanny rates (2025): - $25-35/hour in SF Bay Area - $22-30/hour in LA/SD - Plus benefits, taxes, insurance ## Step 2: Source Candidates ### Community Networks (Recommended!) - **Nanny California Community** - Verified nannies, warm introductions - Local parent groups - Church or community organizations ### Online Platforms - Care.com (large volume, requires screening) - Sittercity - UrbanSitter (more for babysitters) ### Agencies - Pre-screened candidates - Higher cost ($2000-5000 placement fee) - Replacement guarantees ### Referrals - Ask other parents - Current nanny's network - Preschool teachers ## Step 3: Screen Applications Review for: - **Experience** - Years with children similar age to yours - **TrustLine Registration** - California verification (highly recommended) - **CPR/First Aid** - Current certification - **References** - At least 3 professional references - **Work Authorization** - Legal to work in US ## Step 4: Conduct Phone Interviews Key questions: - "Tell me about your childcare experience" - "What's your approach to discipline?" - "How do you handle emergencies?" - "Why are you looking for a new position?" ## Step 5: In-Person Interviews ### What to Cover - Childcare philosophy - Daily schedule expectations - Scenario-based questions - Observe interaction with your children ### Red Flags - Inconsistent answers - No questions about your children - Unrealistic promises - Poor punctuality ## Step 6: Check References Ask previous employers: - Dates of employment - Responsibilities - Strengths and areas for improvement - Why employment ended - Would you rehire? ## Step 7: Background Checks **Required in California:** - TrustLine registry check (verify online) - Criminal background check - Driving record (if transporting children) - Employment verification ## Step 8: Trial Period Arrange a paid trial: - 1-2 days working together - Observe interactions - See how nanny handles your routine - Check communication style ## Step 9: Make an Offer Include in written offer: - Hourly rate or salary - Schedule and hours - Benefits (PTO, sick days, holidays) - Start date - Job description ## Step 10: Formalize with Contract **Must include (California):** - Compensation details - Overtime policy (required!) - Meal and rest breaks - PTO and sick leave - Termination terms - Worker's compensation [Download our California Nanny Contract Template](/guides/nanny-contract-template-california) ## California-Specific Requirements ### Overtime Rules Must pay time-and-a-half for: - Over 8 hours/day - Over 40 hours/week ### Domestic Worker Bill of Rights Nannies are entitled to: - Meal breaks (30 min for 5+ hour shift) - Rest breaks (10 min per 4 hours) - Minimum wage + overtime - Safe working conditions [Learn more about California nanny overtime](/kb/nanny-overtime-california) ## Red Flags to Avoid ❌ No verifiable references ❌ Unwilling to sign contract ❌ Asks to be paid cash only ❌ Multiple short-term positions ❌ Defensive about background check ## Timeline Expectations **Typical hiring process:** - Week 1-2: Post job, receive applications - Week 2-3: Phone interviews - Week 3-4: In-person interviews - Week 4-5: References & background checks - Week 5-6: Trial period - Week 6+: Start date **Plan for 6-8 weeks** from start to nanny's first day. ## Cost Breakdown (SF Bay Area Example) - **Hourly rate:** $30/hour - **Weekly hours:** 40 - **Annual salary:** $62,400 - **Employer taxes (15%):** $9,360 - **Benefits/PTO:** $3,000-5,000 - **Total annual cost:** $75,000-77,000 [See detailed California nanny cost breakdown](/guides/nanny-cost-california-2025) ## Tips for Success ✓ Start search 2-3 months before you need care ✓ Be clear about expectations upfront ✓ Provide written job description ✓ Discuss parenting philosophy early ✓ Set regular check-ins for first 90 days ✓ Join support groups for ongoing guidance ## Resources - [Nanny California Community](#) - Join verified network - [California Nanny Contract Template](/guides/nanny-contract-template-california) - [Interview Questions Guide](/guides/nanny-interview-questions) - [TrustLine Registration Info](/kb/trustline-registration-california) --- **Need personalized guidance?** [Join our community](#) to connect with experienced California families.