Today, the Internet has the ability to put nannies, aupairs and families in touch, worldwide, with the mere click of a button. Still, some people prefer to seek the help of personal resources when it comes to finding the proper individual to assist with the care if their children. Either way, it’s a matter of personal preference and comfortability.  

The following section will answer questions about “live” walk-in nanny placement agencies where real, live, “in the flesh” professionals assist with the childcare nanny hiring process.

Start with Friends and Family

The first place to start most any “hunt” is amongst friends and family. This trusted group of close-knit people will be able to assist you in finding the best household help. In addition to friends and family, consider people you know through the office, book clubs, civic groups, kid’s clubs, school, and even cocktail parties. It is almost without question that someone will know someone who knows someone who is a reliable source and looking for childcare work. Be patient, persistent and positive and your search will eventually solve itself.

In addition to word of mouth, go out yourself and find a sitter or nanny directly at the source: Go to places where nannies go. Make trips to the library, bookstore, playgrounds, indoor place areas, etc. If you have the time, do some on-the-spot recruiting yourself. Caregivers are your best resource for other sitters and will be happy to refer you to friends and co-workers looking for childcare work. Plus, if you get lucky and meet a nanny who is soon to be in the market herself, then you have just cut to the interview stage, alleviating the trouble of hiring a middle man.

Why Use a “Live” Nanny Agency?

Many household employers prefer to seek the knowledge of real, live people with experience and know-how to assist them in their hunt for household help. Nanny agencies provide not only convenience, but a sense of security knowing that you have an advocate throughout the hiring process. Agencies provide time savings and professionalism by screening nanny applicants through phone calls, face-to-face interviews, reference checks, and employment verification. All said and done, it can be difficult to find the time to conduct the in-depth research the process the nanny hiring process involves. 

A second key benefit to hiring an agency is simply the fact that the agency has the experience finding a qualified pool of candidates. With the right professionals working for you, a nanny agency is able to find and match the right help for your situation and family dynamic.

How to Find a Reputable Childcare Agency

One of the best ways to find a reputable nanny agency is, again, word of mouth. Find out from other parents and friends how they approached the nanny hiring process. Personal recommendations provide honest stories and insight. After you have worked the grapevine, then consider researching agencies in your area using the Internet. By simply typing the words “nanny search” into your browser, you will unleash hundreds of nanny agencies. Look for a nanny agency with well-established offices in your area. This way, you will have the opportunity to meet with staffed personnel in-person and have the chance to be an integral part of the hiring process.

Many nanny agencies are members of the National Alliance of Professional Nanny Agencies. This is a good way of insuring they are a professional organization. Another well-known association is the International Nanny Association. Both of these organizations provide broad spectrum information for nannies, nanny agencies, employers and educational tools. Finally, when you contact the agency of your choice always ask if the agency is licensed, insured and bonded.

Honesty is the Key

When dealing with an agency, honesty is the only way to approach the situation. If you are not clear, thorough and accurate in your request for help and home specifications, then there is no way a nanny agency can work with you in a professional manner. NOTE TO SELF: This must be made very clear to all parents looking for household help.

Here’s the perfect example: If you have 1 dog and 3 cats and the nanny will be expected to feed the animals each day, and walk the dog once a day, then you must list this information on your application. If a nanny comes into your home expecting to care for your children, and all that pertains to their health and livelihood, but then she finds herself on daily pet duty–this will not lead to happy employment. In the case outline above a nanny has the absolute right to accept the daily chore and ask for more money. Or, she has every right to flatly deny the additional workload.

It’s an unfortunate truth that many families ”package” household culture, employment practices and benefits in a very attractive light. However, upon entering the household a nanny will find a completely different scenario than what was described. The best way to avoid a short term nanny-family relationship is by providing as many details as necessary so the nanny and agency are fully aware of the environment within the home. Anything but the truth will potentially delay the hiring process or lead to a revolving door situation within the hiring home. In the end, honesty is the best policy because it leads to harmony and mutual respect.