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.
01) 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.
02) 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.
03) 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.
04) 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.
05) 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.
06) 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
07) 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.
08) 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
09) 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.
Hiring a trustworthy and reliable yaya (nanny) is one of the most important decisions parentsmake, especially when balancing work and family life. In the Philippines, many families rely onyayas to care for their children at home, but finding the right person takes careful planning,screening, and communication.
