Project Harmony Gives Advice for Baby Safety Awareness Month
September has been designated Baby Safety Awareness Month each year with the intention of educating parents and caregivers on safeguarding against hidden hazards in the home. Some of these hazards include loose change on the coffee table, magnets on a refrigerator, and hot mugs. While these are important reminders for the safety of all infants and toddlers, Project Harmony (www.projectharmony.com) would like to remind new and expecting parents of the importance in thorough background screenings for all childcare providers, including in-home care providers and nannies.
Thorough background checks are often overlooked, or taken for granted. Parents expect their children to be safe in child care. Child safety is listed as the top indicator that parents look for when choosing a child care provider. But while a safe facility and any safety training and education completed are important, a background check can verify that the person watching your child is trustworthy.
A background screening is more than just checking a resume or contacting a list of references. A good background check will:
- Verify name, current address and social security number
- Search criminal records using the person’s name, aliases or other names in the past, in addition to the maiden name of female applicants
- Review the person’s driving record
- Check court records
- Check national sex offender records
- Confirm college or other educational degrees
Federal law requires that all states have policies in place to protect the health and safety of children in child care programs. Parents should ask if background checks are utilized for all daycare providers/staff (including the director, cooks, volunteers, van drivers, custodians, etc.) and, if so, what type of background check is conducted and how often.
If hiring a personal nanny and/or babysitter, don’t be afraid to ask for a background check. Any employer would ask, and expect, the same when considering an applicant for hire. There are several background check services to choose from, but eNannySource has been recognized by Business News Daily as the best background check service for household employees based on service and affordability. Packages range from $19 to $89.
To learn more about background check regulations in your area, visit ChildCareAware.org. For information on Project Harmony, go to www.projectharmony.com.