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Selecting a nanny placement agency is one of the biggest challenges parents face today. Unfortunately, just nine states require agencies to be licensed. Nevertheless, having a license is no guarantee that parents will be satisfied. The main goal of any agency is to match families with appropriate childcare providers. And a good agency will walk you through each phase of the process of hiring your nanny. The first step an agency will take in the hiring phase is to help your family clarify realistic childcare needs.
An agency ought to help you define your expectations, and will prepare a job description that precisely describes what your position involves and the ideal individual who would be suitable for your family. The agency will be able to advise you on childcare qualifications, appropriate pay, and benefits. An agency will either recruit specifically for you or will provide you with a list of applicants who meet your job description. As part of a thorough screening process, an agency will check references prior to you speaking with a nanny candidate. Don't hesitate to ask the agency about its screening and reference checking procedures. The nanny's resume, and list of references, should be made available to you before you interview the nanny.
How to Hire a Nanny Agency:
- Are they insured?
Ask for proof. If they say they are licensed, beware. There is no such thing in Arizona .
- Does the agency do a criminal background investigation?
A reputable agency will conduct more than a criminal background investigation and provide a copy to you as the client.
- How do they check references?
This is one of the most important ways to help protect families from incompetent or dangerous nannies. Many, agencies do not fully check references. Does the agency inform you if they have been unable to contact a reference? Ask to see copies of the agency's reference check sheets. If they won't provide them beware. How many questions do they ask? And what do they ask? A good agency has at least a one-page reference check sheet that asks a variety of questions.
- Does the agency send each person placed for CPR, if they do not have a current certificate?
All About Nannies provides a monthly CPR class for all nannies.
- Does the agency charge the nanny a fee for anything?
The better agencies would never charge the applicant any fees. The applicants are generally out of work and in no position to pay. A diligent agency may only be able to place one in five applicants and to take money from people you know you can't help isn't ethically right.
- Does the agency transport the nannies to your home?
The better agencies allow the candidates to get to the job interviews on their own, unless there are extenuating circumstances. They feel that if someone is capable of doing the job they should be able to get to an interview on time and on their own using their own resources. Reputable agencies do not have offices that are full of waiting job candidates.
- Does the agency tell you about payroll taxes?
Do they know that domestic workers are employees, not independent contractors? The agency should be able to calculate what the workers payroll taxes are for you. They should also work with a reputable payroll tax company.
- Should you use more than one agency?
It is not suggested and could be a waste of your money. Nannies will normally register with more than one agency. If you sign up with more than one agency you will more than likely get duplicate nanny profiles which is a waste of time and money for you...the client.
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