How and When to Conduct Nanny Check-Ins, Evaluations, and Performance Reviews
Hiring a nanny is an investment in your family’s peace of mind, routine, and your children’s development. But even the best professional nanny placements in Cleveland need structure and support to thrive. That’s where regular check-ins and performance reviews come in.
At Hunny Nanny Agency, a leading Cleveland nanny agency, we often guide families through the full cycle of hiring and retention—from the first interview to long-term employment support. One key to success? Consistent communication and formal check-ins.
In this guide, we’ll break down why nanny check-ins are so valuable, how often to do them, what to include in performance reviews, and how to use evaluations as a tool for growth, not criticism.
Why Nanny Check-Ins and Performance Reviews Matter
Whether your nanny has been with you for one month or one year, regular feedback fosters trust and keeps small issues from becoming big ones.
Benefits for families:
Strengthens communication and trust
Ensures expectations stay aligned
Addresses small issues before they escalate
Keeps the nanny motivated and engaged
Benefits for nannies:
Provides clear direction and reassurance
Encourages professional growth
Creates a safe space to ask for support or clarification
Reinforces that their work is valued
Without structure, assumptions can build—and those often lead to conflict or premature endings.
When to Schedule Check-Ins and Reviews
Here’s a simple timeline many Cleveland families follow after hiring a nanny:
1. One-Week Check-In
Make sure the transition is going smoothly
Clarify any scheduling or routine hiccups
Ask how the nanny is feeling and answer their questions
2. 30-Day Check-In
Reflect on how the first month has gone
Address early wins and challenges
Talk through communication styles, boundaries, and expectations
3. 90-Day Performance Review
Conduct a more formal review (especially after a trial period)
Revisit the contract, schedule, and job responsibilities
Discuss long-term compatibility and career goals
4. Annual (or Biannual) Performance Review
Provide in-depth feedback on all aspects of the role
Talk about raises, bonuses, or benefit changes
Discuss goals for the next year and family changes to prepare for
If you’ve hired through a Cleveland nanny placement agency like Hunny Nanny, we can help facilitate or provide tools for these evaluations.
What to Include in a Nanny Performance Review
Your nanny review should be thoughtful, respectful, and well-prepared. Create a simple evaluation sheet (or request one from our agency!) that touches on the following categories:
1. Reliability & Punctuality
Arrives on time
Sticks to the agreed schedule
Provides proper notice for absences or changes
2. Communication
Provides clear, timely updates
Comfortable discussing concerns or issues
Listens and responds appropriately to feedback
3. Engagement with Children
Plans and leads age-appropriate activities
Is warm, nurturing, and emotionally present
Encourages learning and development
4. Household Support
Keeps child-related areas clean and organized
Follows family rules and systems
Communicates about inventory or restocking needs
5. Professionalism
Maintains boundaries
Is respectful and discreet
Adheres to the work agreement and policies
6. Flexibility & Initiative
Offers help when needed (within reason)
Handles unexpected situations calmly
Shows willingness to adapt to evolving family needs
Include a 1–5 rating scale or general comments section for each area, and allow your nanny to fill out a self-assessment version as well.
How to Deliver Feedback Constructively
When giving feedback, especially during a formal review, the tone matters just as much as the content. Keep the conversation open, supportive, and two-sided.
Do:
Start with appreciation: acknowledge their hard work and wins
Be honest but kind: use specific examples, not generalizations
Use “we” language: focus on collaboration (e.g., “We’d love to see more outdoor play”)
Ask for their perspective: “How do you feel about the morning routine?”
Don’t:
Blindside with criticism
Bring up issues that were never previously mentioned
Compare your nanny to others
Focus only on negatives
These reviews should feel like a team meeting—not a performance correction.
How to Handle Bigger Issues or Misalignments
Sometimes, a performance review reveals bigger gaps: a nanny may be consistently late, overly distracted, or not connecting with the children. In these cases:
Address the issue clearly and directly
Offer a chance for improvement with a timeframe
Document the conversation in writing
Schedule a follow-up review in 2–3 weeks
If there’s no improvement, it may be time to consider a replacement. As a Cleveland nanny agency, we often support families through this process with compassion and efficiency.
How Often Should You Do Check-Ins After the First Year?
We recommend a formal review once a year, and casual check-ins every 1–2 months. These can be as simple as a 15-minute chat during nap time or after the kids go to bed.
Keep it light but intentional. Ask:
“How are things going on your end?”
“Anything you need more support with?”
“Is there anything you’d like to change or improve?”
Signs It’s Time for a Review (Even Outside the Usual Timeline)
Sometimes families wait too long to schedule formal feedback. If you notice any of the following, it might be time to initiate a review:
Repeated misunderstandings or missed instructions
Drop in enthusiasm or initiative
Children expressing discomfort or frustration
Lack of communication or missed check-ins
Changes in your family routine or expectations
It’s easier to repair trust and adjust expectations when both sides feel heard.
Providing Positive Reinforcement Year-Round
Formal reviews are essential, but don’t forget the everyday feedback that keeps morale high. Say thank you often. Celebrate milestones. Acknowledge a great activity or sweet moment with your kids.
A handwritten note, verbal praise, or year-end bonus goes a long way in reminding your nanny that their work is deeply appreciated.
Should You Give Raises After Reviews?
In most professional settings, performance reviews are tied to compensation discussions. The same applies to nanny roles.
Consider a raise if:
The nanny has worked with your family for 12+ months
They’ve taken on more responsibility
They’ve gone above and beyond consistently
You want to retain them long-term
Typical raise range in Cleveland: $1–$2/hour annually, depending on the original rate and current market trends.
You may also offer an annual bonus (1–2 weeks' pay) instead of or in addition to a raise.
What Nannies Say About Check-Ins and Reviews
We’ve interviewed dozens of professional nannies in Cleveland, and here’s what they share:
“Even a quick monthly check-in makes me feel like the family values me and wants to support me.”
“The best job I ever had included a 90-day review where we talked about how I was doing and what the kids needed. It felt professional and respectful.”
“Most problems I’ve seen could have been solved if families just communicated a little earlier and more clearly.”
Final Thoughts: Communication Is the Foundation of Longevity
The best nanny-family relationships are built on mutual respect, consistent communication, and shared expectations. Regular check-ins and thoughtful performance reviews create a supportive environment where your nanny can grow, and your children can thrive.
If you’re working with a Cleveland nanny agency like Hunny Nanny, we can guide you through every stage of the relationship—from hiring to performance conversations to long-term retention strategies.
Need help structuring your next nanny review? Contact us today to request a sample template or schedule a consultation.
