What to look for, what to ask when searching for reputable nanny agencies

1. Is the agency’s phone answered by a live person or do you always get the answering machine no matter what time of day? If there are problems with the nanny you select, will this agency be available to take care of your complaints and live up to their replacement policy?

2. Ask them, how do you recruit your nannies? The best answer will be through word of mouth and repeat business. A quality agency will have nannies and clients who are loyal to them.

3. Ask them what the screening process is before the candidate is even sent on an interview. You do not want unscreened nannies coming to your home.

4. Ask them if they are members of any professional associations, i.e., International Nanny Association (INA), National Alliance of Professional Nanny Agencies (APNA), Chamber of Commerce, and or Better Business Bureau. This shows a commitment to their professionalism in business and the industry.

5. Ask them how long they have been in business. There are many fly by night companies in this industry. Granted, every business had to start somewhere, and it is your option to choose a new one as long as there are no other red flags.

6. Ask the agency how nanny interviews are conducted. The International Nanny Association recommends that agencies interview nannies in person and if this is not an option that the agency disclose to the client how the interview was conducted, i.e., by telephone, an agent acting on behalf of the agency, etc.

7. Ask them what the minimum requirements are for the nannies that they represent. Some agencies require professional childcare references and others may not.

8. Ask them what is their procedure regarding reference checking and how many references will be called. The International Nanny Association recommends that at least 2 references should be checked by phone. In addition, the agency should disclose to you all information about the candidate that has been verified through personal and employment references, as allowed by law.

9. Do they have a written contract between the agency and the client? Does this contract spell out the time periods within which replacement and/or refunds will be made by the agency?

10. Do you have training programs or support groups for your nannies? Many agencies will offer group CPR training programs, nanny night out, or holiday functions for their nannies. This shows a commitment to their nannies which results in commitment from the nannies to the agency, thus a bigger pool of experienced nannies.

11. Look for and expect an in-depth client interview (that means with you.) You want an agency that listens to your needs and sends you applicants that fill those needs.

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Gee Thanks for caring to get back.Its appreciated greatly.

I must let you know that Our Company got branches in several states over there and I have was given the freedom to choose a branch to arrive in any state.I want to be close to her.I WILL be renting a Hotel within your location.

Her name is Lisa.She can Live at your place,I can always bring her to your home in the mornings and on my way from work,I can pick her back to my hotel which will definitely be close to you.

Or if you like,you can choose to come stay with her at the hotel in the morning,before I leave for work till the afternoon when I will get back from work,then you take your leave….Which Hotel is close to you??…Which Idea do you prefer??

You dont need to have a car.

I will get back to you with the date of arrival at your place,and when you are to start.But I feel the very first thing is proving to you that all this is real and will work.I will make a half payment to you before you start and the balance after the first 2weeks with my child.How would you like to get this first half??

You must have gotten half payment in hand before our arrival at your location so you know this is NOT some sort of joke.You will watch her for 7hrs daily.Mon-Fri that is.I never done this before but I will pay you approximately $18 per hour…Is that okay by you??

She is gentle,hardly fall sick,she likes sports,loves to watch cartoons,likes going to the beach,she likes to watch TV mostly and can eat by herself,I’m sure you wont have problems with her.

Kindly answer all my questions accordingly as I am to forward this email to my new company as proof that I am paying for a hand in child care.So my expenses which they are going to take care of can simply come in one payment.

Looking to read from you.
Thomas.

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(This person is also using the email address: propictures.dale@yahoo.com)

Hello there,

I just saw your profile on nannyclassifieds.I’m interested in you.I am a PAID MEMBER on the site so thats how I got your email.I am a SINGLE Father(Widower)presently in the United Kingdom and moving to California{USA} in a few days with my kid for a Better Job Offer as an IT Expert Permanently.I will be very busy because it is a new job offer and will be needing your assistance when I start the job in the USA.I got a 4year old kid who i will want you to help me look after due to my work schedule.
I will like to know how much it will cost me for you to take care of her for about 2weeks before i finally settle down and if i notice good result,i will want her to always be with you until i find a good woman to settle down with but will always be coming to see her.
Looking to read from you.
Best Regards.

Thomas Crown

Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 12:49:21 -0400

Subject: Re: FW: nanny job
- Show quoted text -

Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 21:20:00 -0700
From: tomcrown78@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: nanny job

Gee Thanks for caring to get back.Its appreciated greatly.

I must let you know that Our Company got branches in several states and I have was given the freedom to choose a branch to arrive in any state.I want to be within the state where my Child is so I could always check up on her weekly at your place.This means I am trusting you to do a Child Care for her right at your place.Will this be a problem ?

You dont need to have a car.

I will get back to you with the date of arrival at your place,but I feel the very first thing is proving to you that all this is real and will work.I will make half payment to you before you start and half after the first 2weeks with my child at your place..How would you like to get this first half??How does that sounds?

You must have gotten half payment in hand before our arrival at your location so you know this is NOT a joke.You will watch her for 12hrs daily,Mon-Fri then I pick her on Saturday Morning at your place.I dont know how this is but I will pay you approximately $18 per hour…Is that okay by you??

She is gentle,hardly fall sick,she likes sports,loves to watch cartoons,likes going to the beach,she likes to watch TV mostly and can eat by herself,I’m sure you wont have problems with her.

Kindly answer all my questions accordingly as I am to forward this email to my new company as proof that I am paying for a hand in child care.So they can include that in my traveling expenses which is to be paid to me.

Looking to read from you.
Dale.

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We are thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of Nanny Island, a virtual getaway just for nannies.

Every “Islander” gets their own blog, photo album, personal page and access to all the lively discussions going on in the forums. Come visit with old friends and make brand new ones from all over the country.

Your Tour Guides for Nanny Island are Kellie Geres and Glenda Propst. These fantastic nannies have respectively 19 and 23 years nanny experience. Kellie and Glenda will be on hand to show you around the Island, answer any questions you may and and help to organize Island activities.

So, hop on over to Nanny Island, no diapers, runny noses or tantrums need tending on the Island.

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This was sent to us by a nanny who found this person’s ad on Backpage.
On Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 6:37 PM, Peter Palmer < peter_nanny@live.com> wrote:

Hello,

Thanks to the internet access that made me locate you, my name is Peter Palmer, I and my Wife Catherine were both living here in here in the states until that fateful day she was diagnosed and later died of breast cancer,don’t wanna talk about this but i think it is important since you would be working for me as my kids nanny. We have 2 kids ages of our kids are 4and 1(almost 2) .I relocated temporarily to Birmingham,Uk. based on our my business that is really booming out here and my kids will be arriving shortly back to the states in 2 weeks,precisely on March 29, the kids are here with me right now for holiday . After a serious discussion with my father-in-law concerning a proper care for my kids,we finally decided to search for a good and responsible nanny/babysitter.Below you see our offers.

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Do any of your or your nannies/au pairs attend nanny conferences? There is a great one coming up, pleae see the info. below.

Are you ready to CATCH THE WAVE??

NANNYPALOOZA 08 Sponsored by National Association for Nanny Care www.nannycredential .org Oct 4 & 5th (Sat. & Sun.) Philadelphia Airport Hilton Hotel Philadelphia, PA The National Association for Nanny Care is proud to once again sponsor NANNYPALOOZA! This is a one and a half day conference full of useful workshops, networking opportunities and FUN! Visit this link for more details:

http://www.nannycre dential.citymax.com/page/page/5684076.htm

The conference is inclusive, casual but packed with information you can use to be the best professional out there. Here’s a link for FAQ’s about the Conference:

http://www.nannycredential.citymax.com/page/ page/5658922.htm

Early Bird registration starts at just $75 for nannies.

Here’s a link: http://www.nannycredential.citymax.com/page/ page/5461199.htm

Don’t miss out on all the updates! Visit our website at www.nannycredential.org and click on the Nannypalooza page. Sign up for Nannypalooza Updates and stay informed on all the exciting events! Please feel free to forward this message to any other nannies or agencies you know! Everyone is welcome!

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Is a Summer Nanny Right for You?

Summertime, and the living is easy, as they say. But when the demands of work and day-to-day life are added to the round-the-clock demands of having the kids home for summer, the result can be a hectic season, indeed!

Many families strike the perfect balance during the school year, concocting an ideal weekly schedule of activities that allows the children to be home when the parents are home, and occupied when they’re not.

Then that final school bell rings, and families who have not planned ahead can find themselves scrambling…but it doesn’t have to be that way! There are plenty of positive ways to allow your children to enjoy their hard-earned summer vacation, all while meeting your own responsibilities…which most likely don’t come with a seasonal respite.

In cases like these, a summer nanny can be a great solution.

Your summer options

There are many ways to approach childcare during the summer months, and different solutions work for different families.

A fixture in many a’ summer reminiscence, summer camp is just fine for some children – but this goes on a case-by-case basis. The more social the child, the more prepared they’ll be for all-day recreation at camp. But as we all know, some children dread the very idea.

In cases like these, some families find that hiring a summer nanny can be a great way to enrich their children’s summer experience, ensure that parents can meet their demands at work, and maintain a relative level of normality throughout the out-of-school months.

What to expect from a summer nanny

Like all nannies, summer nannies have different backgrounds and levels of experience. One common scenario is the college student looking for summer work experience, with a secondary aim of traveling to a new place. (In other words, to wherever their employer family lives.)

In this case, it is important to be clear about your expectations, and also to be considerate of your summer nanny’s time off the clock. Much like you expect some time away from the office (and even away from home!), your nanny deserves some time to unwind when not busy with their duties. If they’re new to the area, show them around. Give them ideas of places to explore. The happier the nanny, the happier the family.

Other summer nannies have regular jobs during the school, year, but have the summer off and are looking to supplement their regular position. Many are teachers. Some are healthcare workers. Most have interesting experiences to share and creative ideas that can open new worlds to your child during their months off from school.

It’s something to think about

A summer nanny can be a great addition to the household, providing that you do the appropriate amount of research and take the time to find the right match for your child and family.

In short, they’re a great option for families that need full-time summer childcare and prefer an in-home option.

Need help finding a summer nanny? Visit NannyClassifieds.com < http://www.nannyclassifieds.com/families/family_works.php>>

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