Online nanny agencies can be a lifesaver when it comes to the task of finding the perfect nanny to care for your little ones. They can do most of the work for you but there will still be some things that you will need to be responsible for yourself. The services offered differ from agency to agency so you will find that some agencies offer more help than others. Listed here are some services that you should not expect an online nanny agency although some agencies may have them.
- Extensive screening – Many online agencies will do some screening of nannies but it will not necessarily be extensive. The agency will more than likely get basic information but you will need to fill in the gaps with the questions you have pertaining to the position.
- Comprehensive criminal background checks – Online agencies will generally offer a standard criminal background check. This will most often check the national database for any felonies. Unfortunately people can slip through the cracks with this check. Misdemeanors and local activity will not necessarily show up and neither will crimes committed but not convicted. It is good to do a state and county check on individuals as this will bring to light any smaller crime issues. Also, light brushes with the law can indicate a less than savory character so you will want to be as thorough as possible. It is recommended that you go back as far as seven years.
- Dual roles – If you are looking for a nanny/housekeeper it is best not to expect an online nanny agency to supply this need. There are some larger agencies that have dual roles available as well as other care taking services but many do not. Most online nanny agencies specialize in nannies only.
- Refunds on application fees – For most agencies the application fee helps to cover the cost of nanny searches. If you find a nanny outside of the agency you are working with and you’ve already paid your fee, don’t expect to get a refund. Generally you will be given a year’s time within which you may use the service. This could come in handy in the event that the person you hired doesn’t work out or if for some reason you would need a substitute nanny for a while.
- Nanny tax help – Not all online agencies will provide direct service help with nanny taxes. Most will provide a list of available resources for you to contact for such help and a few will provide the service as part of the membership package.
- Inexpensive service – The old adage, “You get what you pay for” works here. The less you pay, the more you are going to be on your own. The more comprehensive online nanny agencies are going to be a lot more pricy because they will offer more services and do more of the work for you.
- Face to face nanny interviews – Traditional agencies will interview nanny candidates face to face and therefore get a real feel for who the person is. Online agencies will most likely do phone interviews if any interviews are done. Many agencies have a questionnaire that is filled out and that serves as the interview. The actual face to face interview is left up to the family.
- Specific hire recommendations – Online nanny agencies are not necessarily going to offer particular recommendations for one person over another. Generally speaking online agencies do not have the face time with candidates and therefore cannot pick up on special nuances that a more traditional agency interviewer would.
- Reference checks – Sometimes only one reference will be checked as opposed to three or four with a brick and mortar agency. You will need to follow up with additional reference checks yourself.
- Secure postings – Some agencies will keep your posting information private however that is not always the case so don’t assume that it will be. Before leaving your information with the agency find out if it will be kept confidential or if it will be posted on a job board. You don’t want someone looking up your address or phone number after seeing your name and location listed someplace.
As more and more online nanny agencies spring up it is imperative that parents do their homework and screen for the best services available. Taking certain things for granted is never a good idea. Sometimes paying extra for more services is worth it in time and effort saved especially if this is your first time hiring a nanny. Knowing what your agency does and does not provide is important and this is not the time to take shortcuts. After all your nanny will have a great influence on your child’s life.
