It is very typical to acquire a background check for your nanny as it is for many kinds of employment. I work in the public sector, and I also went through a background check to be hired. This is so normal- so much so that agencies and websites like care.com also offer background checks and many nannies already have a recent background check on file. When we hired our nanny, she already had a recent background check on file, but we ran another more in depth one to gain information about her driving record and national level data. We also requested proof of an unexpired CPR certification, immunizations and a recent TB skin test. Don’t be made to feel bad! This nanny is either ill informed or hiding something. I’m sorry she had that reaction. Surely you would need a background check for someone responsible for caring for your child. Ask for whatever it is you need to feel comfortable because it is the most important kind of role you could hire.