What is the purpose of a Nanny Agency?
Rock stars, movie stars, and nannies all have one thing in common... Agents.
An agent or agency is the conduit between a job opportunity and the talent. Usually, nannies do not work for agencies. Agencies represent both families and nannies, then perform as a matchmaker to help both parties find the best fit for success.
Just like a relationship matchmaker agencies want to learn about what you are looking for so they can pair you with the right family/nanny.
Agencies can help shape which characteristics a family is looking for in a nanny - what is the most important, like a wishlist vs a must have. Agencies can also help nannies figure out what it is they are looking for in families, like pay rate, area, hours, amount of children, etc.
Many families have never taken on the responsibility of employing a nanny before and don’t realize the pitfalls. A great agency can help guide families to better understand what they must provide a nanny and how to best set them up for success. From hours per week, paid time off, and health insurance, to questions such as will the nanny need to drive, and if so, who is providing the car? Both nanny and family must think about their own needs.
Most agencies require a nanny to have verifiable two to three years working with children (previous nanny positions, daycare, or camp leader experience), ability to make a one-year commitment, pass a background check, have a clean driving record, and be legally allowed to work in the US. Some agencies provide nannies with orientation and First Aid/CPR classes.
There is no need to worry - although, bring a healthy amount of skepticism - if you find a listing for a position posted directly by a family or a nanny without an agent. Many families and nannies with legitimate nanny positions or backgrounds choose to navigate obtaining a nanny without the help of an agency, and that’s ok. Listen to the Nanny ABCs Next Step Podcast episode on Red Flags for help determining if a family/nanny is right for you.
Listen to the Nanny ABCs Next Step Podcast episode on Red Flags Now
Agencies help with speed, quality care, and creating reasonable/realistic expectations for what a nanny is able to do.
*This is an updated article based on Nanny ABCs: The Sitter’s Handbook. A complete alphabet how-to guide for every child caregiver.
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