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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