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Background checks: How to handle them if you’re a caregiver

Whether you're applying for a nanny, babysitting or other caregiver job, here's what you need to know about background checks.

Background checks: How to handle them if you’re a caregiver

You know that honesty is the best policy, but do you really need to tell prospective employers about those unpaid parking tickets from college?

You bet you do.

For families, there’s no greater peace of mind than knowing that they’ve done everything possible to keep their children and loved ones safe. That’s why more and more parents and families are doing their research and running background checks on any potential tutors, nannies, babysitters, senior caregivers, pet sitters, housekeepers, etc. And, thanks to the Internet, they don’t have to look that hard.

Since the nitty-gritty of your past and present may be relatively easy to find and considered by potential employers, you can get ahead of any searches by running a background check proactively that you can share with them. This helps demonstrate that you’re honest and trustworthy.

What’s involved in getting a background check?

A background check will look for criminal records (felonies, misdemeanors or sex offender listings) in places where you have associated address history for the past seven years. A more expensive check also can provide information on your driving records.

Your name, birthday, Social Security number and your authorization (or consent) are necessary to run a background check.

To learn more about background checks, visit the Care Safety page

What kinds of background checks are available at Care?

As with all background checks, the ones offered through Care vary in comprehensiveness. As a caregiver, you have the ability to proactively run a background check on yourself. If there are errors, you can work with the background screening firm to fix them. If records from your past show up — from speeding tickets to minor brushes with the law — you’ll be prepared to discuss them when families ask.

You can choose from three different types:

  • Motor Vehicle Records Check.
  • Criminal Records Check.
  • Criminal+ MVR Check.

How can I request a background check on myself?

It’s easy! Click here to access your background check page. (If you’re not already logged in, you’ll be prompted to.) Choose the option with which you’re most comfortable, and generally within 3-5 days your background check will be posted to your profile. Don’t worry! You have complete control over who you grant access to view your background check results.