What to Expect During the Hiring Process

Hiring a nanny through Kensington is a process defined by precision, structure, and thoughtful matching. Each stage is designed to simplify decision-making while ensuring that every candidate presented has already been carefully screened, prepared, and aligned with your household’s needs.

The following is a step-by-step overview of what to expect after submitting your application, from your initial consultation through your nanny’s first day.

Step One: The Family Application and Consultation

The process begins with your family application. Once submitted, a Kensington coordinator reviews your household details, including children’s ages, schedule, responsibilities, and overall dynamic, to determine the most appropriate type of care.

During your consultation, your coordinator discusses expectations, compensation range, and the level of support your home requires. Together, you define your preferred CareStyle™, whether child-focused, balanced care, or more household-oriented support. This ensures the search reflects not only job duties but also the rhythm and values of your home. (What is CareStyle matching?)

This stage establishes clarity from the beginning and allows Kensington to begin a highly targeted search.

Step Two: The Search and Candidate Selection

Once your CareStyle, schedule, and compensation range are confirmed, Kensington begins a tailored search. The team reviews both active and prequalified candidates to identify those who align with your household’s logistical, developmental, and professional requirements.

Each match is evaluated based on:

• Location and commute for reliability
• Schedule alignment for long-term consistency
• Compensation compatibility
• CareStyle alignment with your household values and communication style

Every nanny presented has already completed a comprehensive vetting process, including interviews, reference checks, and a developmental assessment.

Qualified candidates are then shared through your secure client portal, where you can review profiles, experience, and credentials in one place.

Step Three: Interviews and Chemistry

Families schedule interviews directly through the portal at their convenience. Because each candidate has already been vetted and aligned with your role, the interview is used to assess chemistry, communication, and overall fit.

Kensington provides a curated set of interview questions to guide this process. These questions are designed to help you evaluate how a nanny approaches child development, daily structure, and communication within a home.

As a result, interviews are focused, efficient, and centered on determining alignment rather than basic qualifications.

Step Four: Trial and Decision

After interviews, families select a preferred candidate for a trial. This stage allows you to observe how the nanny integrates into your home and interacts with your children.

Kensington assists with coordination and ensures expectations are clear for both sides.

Most families determine by the end of the trial whether the match is right. Once you are ready to move forward, Kensington coordinates the next steps.

Step Five: The Work Agreement and Offer

When you select your nanny, Kensington provides a comprehensive work agreement to formalize the offer. This document outlines salary, schedule, benefits, paid time off, travel expectations, and household policies.

Families complete the agreement and return it for review. Kensington ensures clarity and consistency before sending it to the nanny for signature.

Compensation and final details are confirmed directly between the family and nanny, allowing for clear communication and mutual agreement.

Once signed by both parties, the placement is finalized, and Kensington coordinates the confirmed start date.

Step Six: The Nanny’s First Day

On the first day, your nanny arrives fully prepared with a clear understanding of your household expectations, routines, and responsibilities.

Before the start date, Kensington works with your family to create a Day One Work Schedule, an hour-by-hour outline of the nanny’s day. This schedule provides structure, consistency, and intentional planning across meals, activities, rest periods, and transitions.

It serves as a professional foundation, ensuring the day runs smoothly while supporting your child’s development and your household’s rhythm.

Families also receive guidance on onboarding and communication to support a smooth transition.

The Typical Timeline

Each search is unique, but most follow a similar structure:

• Week 1: Consultation and search begin, candidate profiles are presented
• Weeks 2-3: Interviews and trials take place
• Week 4: Offer is finalized and work agreement is completed

Highly responsive families often complete the process in two to three weeks. Others may take four to six weeks depending on scheduling.

The process moves at your pace, with Kensington ensuring consistency and support at every stage.

A Process Built for Precision

Kensington’s hiring process is structured to deliver clarity, efficiency, and alignment. Each step is designed to eliminate uncertainty and maintain a high standard of professionalism.

Behind the scenes, coordinators and recruiters manage the details of sourcing, screening, and preparation, allowing families to focus on selecting the right fit.

The result is a process that feels organized, intentional, and tailored to your home, from the first conversation through your nanny’s first day.