Many working parents find the nanny hiring process quite daunting because they don’t know where to start or how to tell a good nanny from a bad one. For these reasons, professional nanny agencies exist to give parents immediate access to that perfect nanny. These agencies also provide a litany of services to parents that we shall cover in this post.
What Are the Services of a Nanny Agency?
A good professional nanny agency is involved in every step of the nanny placement ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your family’s needs. Good nanny agencies who have experience in the business should be able to provide the following services to parents:
Nanny Recruitment Services
One of the main services offered by nanny agencies is nanny recruitment on behalf of parents or guardians. They have experts who know how to search, identify, shortlist, screen, and interview potential nannies.
Big nanny agencies also recruit continuously even when there are no open opportunities so they can have a database of screened and professional nannies, babysitters, and caregivers to be matched with families on demand. Some also have a searchable online database that you can access as a parent to identify and chat with potential candidates.
The nanny recruitment process is usually quite different from other professions, especially because of the screening that needs to be done and how nanny agencies go about matching nannies to families. Most nanny agencies will go through the following steps during the recruitment process:
Sourcing Nannies- A nanny agency will help you find a nanny in your location that matches your needs. Some nanny agencies are also involved in international nanny sourcing to cater to a specific market.
Vetting and screening- The biggest task when it comes to recruiting a professional nanny, babysitter, or caregiver is vetting or screening. A good nanny agency has the systems and expertise to do comprehensive background checks and personality assessments before hiring. They also verify any relevant documentation presented by candidates.
Nanny Interviews- Nanny agencies act more like recruitment agencies or HR departments on behalf of busy parents or guardians who are looking for a nanny. Interviews can be done in person or virtually depending on the location of the nanny.
Nanny Placement
Most nanny agencies offer nanny placement services where parents are introduced to their nanny or matched with a nanny that meets their family’s needs. Nanny placement is one of the big advantages of working with an agency because it is usually well-structured giving you a chance of getting a great nanny.
Nanny placement may involve the following activities:
Parent interviews – A good nanny agency will schedule interviews with parents to determine their needs, expectations, and possible turnoffs. They’ll ask questions like:
- Do you need a live-in or live-out nanny?
- Are you looking for a full-time nanny or part-time nanny?
- Are you looking for special needs child nanny or professional caregiver?
- Do you have any particular expectations or needs from your nanny?
- Do you want nannies who are also housekeepers?
Nanny placement may also involve introducing the nanny to the kids at home so they can have a chance to assess the nanny onsite. Sometimes this process will be repeated several times until you find the perfect nanny since most nanny agencies have a database of potential candidates ready to be placed.
Nanny Training
Professional nanny agencies offer a variety of in-house training on topics relating to early childhood care, safety, child nutrition, speech training, early childhood education, mobility training, communication, etc. External certifications from industry organizations like the US Nanny Association, Association of Premier Nanny Agencies (APNA), and International Nanny Association (INA) are also offered.
Nanny Management Services
Most nanny agencies also offer continuous management services that may include payment processing, work visa management, nanny retraining, backup care, etc. For example, you can sign a contract with your nanny agency to have them provide a backup nanny when needed. Most agencies also monitor the performance of nannies for better experiences and peace of mind for parents.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring A Nanny Agency Service?
There are many benefits attributed to working with a professional nanny agency. Here are some of them:
Peace of Mind
A big advantage of working with a nanny agency is the peace of mind you’ll get knowing your nanny was sourced, vetted, and interviewed by experts. You’ll also be involved in the entire process meaning you’ll have a chance to pick a great nanny who suits your needs perfectly. At the same time, nanny agencies keep an open line of communication between them and the family to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Industry Rates
There is a higher chance of overpaying or being shortchanged when working with an independent nanny especially if you are a new parent. Working with a professional agency is usually better because they’ll charge industry rates and have a reputation to keep. You’ll be able to sign a formal contract with them and they’ll provide receipts for you to include in your tax returns.
Trained Nannies
Nanny agencies usually train their nannies before releasing them to their host families. You’ll get better services from a trained nanny than a freelance nanny with basic childcare skills and no training.
How Long Does It Take to Find A Nanny from Nanny Agency?
It can take a day to a week to find a nanny agency depending on your location and what you are looking for. Populated urban areas like New York and San Francisco probably have hundreds of nanny agencies advertising their services. You can also research nanny agencies in your area online on social media or through Google searches. Be sure to read testimonials and see the ratings when selecting one online.
Who Can I Contact for More Information About Nanny Agency Services?
Usually, nanny agencies have their contact information published online on their websites or social media. You can call them or email them at any time and you will likely get a prompt response from a sales representative or customer relations department.
