The Ultimate Guide to Nanny Background Checks in Seattle & Washington State
Hiring a nanny is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Whether you’re bringing in a full-time nanny, a part-time family assistant, or a rotational (rota) nanny, you’re trusting someone to care for your children and often to manage parts of your home life as well.
In Seattle—where families value safety, professionalism, and long-term relationships—thorough background checks are essential. This guide breaks down exactly what to check, how to stay compliant with Washington State law, and how to find peace of mind before welcoming someone new into your home.
Why background checks matter when hiring a nanny in Seattle
Even when a candidate seems wonderful during interviews, a background check ensures you’re hiring with confidence. A complete screening helps you:
Verify identity and work authorization
Confirm driving and safety records
Review employment history and references
Check for criminal, abuse, or neglect records
Build a foundation of transparency and trust
For families hiring more specialized roles—like a family assistant, rota nanny, or executive nanny—the stakes are even higher because these individuals often handle schedules, errands, or confidential family information. A strong background check isn’t just about safety—it’s about professionalism.
Understanding Washington State & Seattle laws
Washington has specific laws governing background checks for anyone working with children. While private families aren’t regulated in the same way licensed childcare centers are, it’s still wise to follow similar standards.
Key Washington background check components
Criminal record check: Use the Washington State Patrol’s WATCH system for in-state records and supplement it with a multi-state or national criminal database search.
Sex offender registry: Search both Washington’s and the national registries.
Child abuse/neglect registry: Check the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) registry and any states the candidate has lived in during the past five years.
Driving record (MVR): Essential if your nanny will transport children.
Identity and authorization: Verify SSN and employment eligibility (Form I-9).
References and verification: Confirm prior childcare experience, especially for families hiring for complex roles like family assistant or rotational nanny positions.
Legal compliance tips
Always get written consent before running a background check.
Follow Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guidelines if using a background-check company.
Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance and Washington’s Fair Chance Act prohibit asking about criminal history before an applicant is otherwise qualified—so run the check after you’ve decided to move forward with a conditional offer.
Step-by-step: How to run a nanny background check in Washington State
Step 1: Pre-screening
When posting your job, clearly outline responsibilities, schedule, and expectations.
Include a note like:
“All offers are contingent upon a successful background check and reference verification.”
This keeps the process transparent from the start. Need help? Contact us to learn more!
Step 2: Conditional offer & consent
Once you’ve selected a finalist, make a conditional offer and send a written authorization form allowing you to run a background check.
Step 3: Criminal & abuse registry checks
Order a comprehensive report that includes both Washington State Patrol (WATCH) records and multi-state searches.
If the nanny has lived outside Washington in the past five years, check those states’ child-abuse registries too.
Step 4: Driving record (if applicable)
If your nanny will drive your children, request a Motor Vehicle Report. This helps confirm safety and liability coverage.
Step 5: Reference verification
Speak directly with past employers or families. Ask specific questions about punctuality, communication, reliability, and how they handled challenges. This step often reveals more about a candidate’s character than a database search ever could.
Step 6: Identity & eligibility
Use Form I-9 to verify work authorization and confirm ID with government-issued documents.
Step 7: Final review & recordkeeping
Keep all reports confidential and stored securely. If you decide not to move forward because of what the report shows, provide the applicant with a copy and their right to dispute it (required under FCRA).
What’s different about rota nannies, family assistants, or executive nannies?
Some families hire caregivers who rotate shifts (known as a rota nanny), travel with the family, or take on additional household or administrative duties (like a family assistant).
For these roles, background checks should also confirm:
Travel readiness and clean driving record
Previous experience in multi-home or travel-heavy positions
Ability to maintain confidentiality (especially when handling family schedules, finances, or personal details)
These aren’t “celebrity” roles—they’re practical positions that require professionalism and trustworthiness. Many dual-career or high-travel families in the Seattle area benefit from this type of staffing, even if they’re not public figures.
How long does it take?
Most basic background checks are completed within 3–5 business days, but multi-state or fingerprint-based checks can take up to two weeks depending on the county or agency response times.
Plan for this timeline before your desired start date. We’re happy to walk you through the steps of hiring a nanny.
How much do nanny background checks cost?
Costs vary depending on depth and provider. On average:
Basic identity and criminal check: $30–$60
Multi-state and driving record add-ons: $75–$120
Fingerprint-based checks (optional): $35–$50
Agencies like The Natural Nanny Collective often include professional background screening in their placement packages, along with reference checks, motor-vehicle reports, and work eligibility verification.
Your Seattle nanny background check checklist
✅ Identity & SSN verification
✅ Criminal record check (Washington + multi-state)
✅ Sex offender registry search
✅ Child abuse/neglect registry
✅ Driving record (if applicable)
✅ Reference and employment verification
✅ CPR/First Aid certification check
✅ Signed confidentiality agreement (recommended)
SEO keyword recap (for search relevance)
Washington State nanny laws
rota nanny
family assistant
executive nanny
confidential nanny placement
Final thoughts
Running a detailed nanny background check might feel like one more step in an already busy process—but it’s the key to protecting your family and creating a positive, lasting relationship with your caregiver.
By following Washington State best practices and verifying each layer of information, you’ll be able to confidently welcome your nanny, family assistant, or rota caregiver into your home knowing that every detail has been checked.
If you’d prefer to have the process handled for you, agencies like The Natural Nanny Collective specialize in thorough, confidential nanny placements throughout Seattle and nationwide—ensuring every candidate has been fully vetted, reference-checked, and verified for your peace of mind.
Fill out our Family Application to get started with your nanny search! We make it easy and straightforward so that you can focus on what matters most - Family!
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