When going through an online nanny agency to hire a nanny for your children it is helpful to know what to expect. With internet service you can hire a nanny from just about anywhere but what services should you expect to receive from such an agency? Here are some things that should be provided.
- Membership or registration fee – Many of the online nanny agencies require or request you to sign up for membership or registration. In some cases doing so will get you a few perks that non-members cannot access. The fees usually cover the cost of the nanny searches they provide for you within a given time frame.
- Experience – You should be able to expect the online agency to have experience in matching nannies and families. There are several agencies that started out as regular agencies and developed online services. While you don’t necessarily want a company with large numbers of nannies running through, you should expect to see from 3-6 successful matches a month per employee at good agencies.
- Commitment – The agency should be in tune with your family’s needs and desires concerning hiring a nanny. They should stay in communication with you throughout the process making sure your requests are being met.
- Clear statement of fees – Good agencies do not have hidden costs. You should know exactly what your money is buying. If there are costs that come up unexpectedly be sure to ask why. The best agencies have all expected costs stated clearly in the agreement.
- Screening – Expect the agency to screen nannies and check at least some of the references if not all of them. Know that not all agencies screen the same so find out to what extent your agency does screening. You should be apprised of how the screening went and they should give you feedback.
- Background check – Though criminal background and driving record checks are usually not done until a match has been made and confirmed, you can expect the agency to do the checks. Be aware that not all online agencies will do a local criminal background search. A national search only looks for criminal activity that has been convicted on a federal level. These searches will not expose local crimes or crimes that were charged but not convicted.
- Training – The best agencies will provide Red Cross CPR training for their nannies. Occasionally some agencies will also provide other on going trainings to assist nannies in providing the best service to families.
- Nanny support – Just as the agency should care about the family they should care about their nannies as well. Some agencies offer special events or gatherings for nannies. Many agencies provide directories for nannies in the same area and encourage building of support networks.
- Professional membership – A great online nanny agency will have affiliations or memberships with professional organizations such as Alliance of Premier Nanny Agencies, National Association for the Education of Young Children, International Nanny Association and/or local groups like the chamber of commerce or Rotary club. Professional affiliation shows that the agency is aware of best practices and involved in community service.
- Support after placement – Good agencies will check to make sure the family and the nanny are working well together and they will work to resolve any differences.
Be aware of the difference between an online nanny service and an online agency. The agency will provide much more than a service will. When you choose an online nanny agency, knowing that you are in good hands and working with a company that cares is very important. Knowing what the best practices are and checking your agency to see where they rank will give you peace of mind in your search for the perfect nanny.
