Care.com is a marketplace where families post childcare jobs and caregivers search for positions
Care.com is a website and mobile app where you create a profile, post details about the nanny position you need filled, and browse profiles of people looking for childcare work. You do not hire through Care.com itself — the platform connects you with candidates, but you conduct interviews, check references, and make the final hiring decision directly. The site charges a monthly membership fee to post jobs and message caregivers; caregivers can browse jobs free but pay to contact families.
The process starts with you creating a family account and describing the job: location, hours, age of children, specific duties, pay rate, and start date. Care.com then shows your listing to caregivers in your area who match your criteria. You can message candidates, review their profiles and background check results (if they have completed them), and schedule interviews outside the platform.
Care.com does not vet caregivers, conduct background checks on your behalf, or may provide the quality of candidates. You are responsible for running your own background check, calling references, and verifying work history before hiring. The platform provides tools to help you do this — you can request that a candidate complete a background check through Care.com's partner, and you can see which candidates have already done so — but the final decision is yours.
Key Takeaways
- Care.com is a job board for nanny positions, not an employment agency; you hire the person directly, not through the site.
- You pay a monthly membership fee to post jobs and contact caregivers; the amount varies by subscription level and location.
- Caregivers on the platform may or may not have completed background checks, and Care.com does not verify their qualifications or references for you.
- You must conduct your own interviews, check references, and run a background check before hiring, using the same steps you would for any private hire.
- The site holds no liability for disputes between you and a caregiver once you have hired them; any employment agreement is between you and the person you hire.
What membership costs and what each tier includes
Care.com offers several membership levels for families. A basic free account lets you view caregiver profiles but does not allow you to post jobs or send messages. Paid memberships start at a monthly rate that varies by your location and the type of care you need; the company adjusts pricing based on local demand and competition. You can see the exact price for your area and care type before you commit.
Higher-tier memberships typically include more job postings per month, the ability to message more caregivers, priority placement in search results, and access to background check discounts. Some plans bundle a background check credit, which reduces the cost if you want Care.com's partner to run one on a candidate. Care.com also offers annual plans at a discount compared to month-to-month billing.
Caregivers pay a separate fee to contact families; they can browse jobs free but must pay to send messages or explore. This two-sided fee structure means Care.com makes money from both sides of the transaction, which is why you will see candidates who have paid to reach out to you and others who have not.
How to post a nanny job and what information to include
After you sign up and pay for a membership, you go to "Post a Job" and select the type of care (nanny, babysitter, or other childcare). You then fill in required fields: your zip code or city, the ages of your children, the type of schedule (full-time, part-time, occasional), hours per week, and your preferred start date. You can also add optional details like whether you need someone to do light housekeeping, help with homework, or drive children to activities.
In the job description field, be specific about what you are looking for. Instead of "responsible childcare provider," write what the person will actually do: "Pick up two children from school at 3 p.m., help with snacks and homework, prepare dinner, and manage bedtime routine by 8 p.m." Include any must-haves, such as CPR certification, a driver's license, or experience with infants. Mention your pay rate — caregivers filter by salary, so leaving this blank means you will hear from people outside your budget.
Once you post, your job appears in search results for caregivers in your area. You can edit the posting, pause it, or delete it at any time. Care.com allows you to post multiple jobs if you need different types of care or have multiple openings.
Reviewing caregiver profiles and background check options
When caregivers respond to your job, you see their profile, which typically includes their age, location, experience summary, hourly rate, availability, and any certifications they list. Many profiles include a photo and a written introduction. Some caregivers have completed a background check through Care.com's partner; if they have, you will see a badge or notation on their profile indicating the check is complete and what it covered.
Care.com's background check covers criminal history, sex offender registry, and driving records (if relevant). The caregiver pays for the check, and Care.com does not require it — it is optional. A caregiver without a completed check is not automatically disqualified; many experienced caregivers have not used the service. What matters is that you run your own verification before hiring.
To verify a candidate, request references directly from them and call those references yourself. Ask about the length of employment, the ages of children they cared for, punctuality, and any concerns. You can also run your own background check through a third-party service if you want a more detailed report than Care.com offers. Some states allow you to request a criminal background check directly from the state police or court system for a small fee.
How to communicate with candidates and schedule interviews
Care.com's messaging system lets you send messages to caregivers and receive replies within the app or by email. You can ask screening questions before scheduling an interview: "Do you have your own transportation?" "Are you available to start on [date]?" "What is your experience with [specific need]?" This helps you narrow the field before investing time in interviews.
Once you find a candidate worth meeting, move the conversation outside Care.com. Exchange phone numbers, schedule a phone call or video interview, and then arrange an in-person meeting if you both want to proceed. Many families do a brief phone screening first, then a longer video or in-person interview, and finally a trial shift or reference check before making an offer.
During interviews, ask about their childcare experience, why they left previous positions, how they handle common situations (a child who refuses to nap, a scraped knee, a conflict between siblings), and their approach to discipline and screen time. Ask for at least two references from previous families they have worked for, and call those references before you hire.
What Care.com does not do and your responsibilities as an employer
Care.com is a platform only — it does not employ the caregiver, does not withhold taxes, does not provide workers' compensation insurance, and does not mediate disputes between you and the person you hire. Once you hire someone, you become their employer, which means you are responsible for understanding your legal obligations.
In most U.S. states, if you pay a nanny more than a certain threshold per year (often $2,000 to $2,500, though this varies by state), you must register as an employer, withhold income and Social Security taxes, and carry workers' compensation insurance. You may also be required to verify the person's right to work in the U.S. using Form I-9. These requirements exist whether you hire through Care.com or any other method.
Care.com provides educational resources about tax obligations and employment law, but it does not handle these tasks for you. Some families use a payroll service like Care.com's partner Poppins or a general payroll company to manage taxes and compliance; others handle it themselves. You should research your state's requirements or consult a tax professional before your nanny's first day.
If a dispute arises — the caregiver quits without notice, you need to terminate the arrangement, or there is a disagreement about pay — Care.com will not intervene. You will need to resolve it directly with the person, or in some cases, through small claims court or an employment attorney.
Safety considerations and what to verify before hiring
Care.com does not may provide the safety or reliability of any caregiver on the platform. Before you hire, you must verify the person's identity, background, and references yourself. A background check through Care.com or a third party is one layer, but it is not enough on its own.
Call previous employers and ask specific questions: "How long did they work for you?" "Were there any safety concerns?" "Would you hire them again?" Ask the candidate directly about any gaps in their work history and any criminal history they are comfortable disclosing. Trust your instincts — if something feels off during an interview, keep looking.
Once you hire someone, set clear expectations about supervision, access to your home, and what you expect them to do. Many families do a trial period (a few weeks or a month) before committing to a longer arrangement. During that time, you can observe how the caregiver interacts with your children, whether they follow your instructions, and whether they are reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use Care.com's background check, or can I run my own?
You can run your own background check through any third-party service, or request one directly from your state. Care.com's background check is optional and is one option among many. Some families use both — Care.com's check plus a more detailed report from another provider — to be thorough.
What if a caregiver I hire stops showing up or quits suddenly?
Care.com does not mediate employment disputes. You will need to contact the person directly, and if they do not respond, you may need to pursue the matter through small claims court if money is owed. This is why having a written agreement about pay, hours, and notice requirements is important before the person starts work.
Can I negotiate pay with a caregiver I find on Care.com?
Yes. The rates caregivers list are starting points, not fixed prices. You can discuss pay, benefits, and other terms directly with the person you want to hire. Once you agree, put the terms in writing so both of you have a record.
How long does it usually take to find someone through Care.com?
It depends on your location, the hours you need, and how specific your requirements are. In areas with many caregivers, you might hear from candidates within hours of posting. In smaller towns or for unusual schedules, it may take days or weeks. Offering competitive pay and clear job details tends to attract more responses faster.
What should I include in a written agreement with a nanny?
A written agreement should cover pay rate and frequency, hours and schedule, duties and responsibilities, paid time off or sick days, notice period for either party, and any house rules or expectations. You do not need a lawyer to create one — many families use templates or write their own. Having something in writing prevents misunderstandings and protects both of you.