Hiring a trustworthy and reliable yaya (nanny) is one of the most important decisions parents make, especially when balancing work and family life. In the Philippines, many families rely on yayas to care for their children at home, but finding the right person takes careful planning, screening, and communication.

Here’s a comprehensive guide with practical tips on how to find, hire, and retain a good yaya —ensuring your child is in safe, capable hands.

1. Start With a Clear Job Description
Before searching for a yaya, write down a detailed list of duties you expect from her. Ask yourself:

Will she care for infants, toddlers, or school-aged children?
Will she cook, clean, or help with homework?
Is she expected to live in or commute daily?
What are her daily working hours?

Setting clear expectations from the beginning avoids confusion later.



2. Where to Find a Yaya

Referrals: Ask trusted friends, neighbors, or family.
Agencies: Licensed nanny agencies can help with screening and replacements.
Online Platforms: Local Facebook groups or job boards like WorkAbroad.ph or PinoyJobs.ph can connect you with candidates, but extra vetting is essential.
Barangay Bulletin Boards: In rural areas or smaller towns, local postings still work.



3. Verify Identity and Background

Security should never be compromised, especially when someone will care for your child in your home.

Valid IDs: Ask for at least two government-issued IDs (e.g., PhilHealth, SSS, or Postal ID).
NBI Clearance or Police Clearance: This ensures no criminal record.
Barangay Clearance: Helpful for character references from the local community.
Birth Certificate: Confirms age and identity.



4. Conduct Reference and Background Checks

Always speak to past employers. Ask questions like:

How long did she stay?
What were her responsibilities?
Any incidents or concerns?
Why did she leave?

Look for yayas who stayed long-term in previous jobs. Short-term stints without good explanations may be a red flag.



5. Interview with Care

When interviewing a yaya, ask questions such as:

What’s your experience with children?
How would you respond if the child gets injured or throws a tantrum?
Are you comfortable with household chores?
Are you willing to undergo training?

Assess her personality—kindness, patience, alertness, and cleanliness are key.



6. Set the Salary and Benefits

Yaya salaries in the Philippines vary depending on location and experience:

Metro Manila Rate: ₱6,000 to ₱10,000/month for full-time yayas.
Experienced or trained yayas: ₱10,000 to ₱15,000/month or more.
Provincial Rate: ₱4,000 to ₱7,000/month.

Other benefits may include:
Free meals and accommodation (for stay-in yayas)
SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG contributions**
13th-month pay
Rest day (typically Sunday)
Paid holidays and time off
Annual performance bonus or holiday gifts



7. Living Arrangements

Decide whether the yaya will:
Live-in: Must have her own private sleeping area, preferably with basic privacy and comfort.
Live-out: Will need daily transportation allowance or reliable transit access.

Stay-in yayas are more convenient but may require stricter boundaries and scheduled time off.



8. Prepare a Written Work Agreement

It’s wise to have a simple employment contract that outlines:
Working hours and rest days
List of duties
Salary and benefits
House rules (e.g., phone use, visitors, food)
Grounds for termination

Both parties should sign and keep a copy.



9. Child Safety Training

Your yaya should either have basic child safety and first aid training, or be willing to learn.

Topics to cover include:

Infant CPR and choking response
Burn and wound care
Childproofing and safe play practices
Emergency contacts and evacuation plans

Consider enrolling her in a nanny or yaya in SafeNest’s Child Safety course, available via online training, group seminars or in-home private training.


10. Prevent Employment Turnover

Good yayas are in high demand. To keep yours:

Treat her with respect and kindness
Offer consistent pay and time off
Provide occasional rewards or incentives
Communicate openly—ask for her feedback and listen
Be clear, but flexible when appropriate

Yayas often leave when they feel overworked, unappreciated, or confused about their duties.



11. Orientation and Trial Period

Start with a 1-2 week probation to observe how she interacts with your child and how she performs her tasks. Offer guidance and correction early on to set her up for success.



12. Trust But Monitor

Install baby monitors or CCTV if it gives you peace of mind—but don’t rely solely on surveillance. Drop in unannounced, talk to your child about their day, and keep communication open with your yaya.



Final Thoughts

Hiring the right yaya in the Philippines takes effort, but the reward is peace of mind and a happier home. Be thorough in your vetting, fair in your treatment, and proactive in training. A well-supported yaya can become a loyal, loving part of your child’s life.