Using a nanny agency to find a nanny
Could a nanny agency be your dream route toward the best caregiver for your family?
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: finding a nanny or babysitter for your family can be nerve wracking and time consuming, but also so, so rewarding when you find that person who is right for you. Many, if not most, parents are nervous about leaving their kids with a stranger, considering anything from ensuring the child’s safety throughout the day to having the peace of mind that your child is growing up with an engaging, nurturing, and dedicated caregiver who will be a boost in their development.
That’s why we’ve created this series for parents about various ways to find childcare- starting with our comprehensive guide to finding a nanny.
In this installment, we’ll take a closer look at nanny agencies (and as a long-time nanny agency ourselves, we think we know a thing or two about them). What are the top agencies where you live, and are they the way to go?
Why work with a nanny agency?
The main draw of a nanny agency is that it can offer a far more personalized experience in finding childcare. Often, working with a nanny agency means interacting with someone on the team directly, knowing that a real human is working on finding your family’s next nanny, babysitter, or temporary fill-in caregiver.
Another huge benefit to working with nanny agencies is that the candidates you’ll meet are far more vetted than through, for instance, an online platform. Often, someone on the agency team will have met with them and checked their credentials, experience, and references before their profile even reaches your desk. Candidates will also be selected depending on their fit with the requirements of your role. Instead of getting 150 applicants, 90 of whom don’t live near you, 40 of whom don’t have the right experience, and 15 of whom aren’t available at your schedule, you will be presented with anywhere from one to a handful of candidates who hit every mark. All you have to do is decide which one would feel best to work with.
What to look for
It’s important that you feel good about a nanny agency when starting a search. By ensuring a few standards are in place, you can feel confident in the search, which in turn helps you trust the caregivers you meet. Keep these things in mind:
Nanny agencies will have different processes and pricing plans, so you may want to consider the cost range where you are comfortable for the search
Always make sure an agency is reputable. There are independent organizations that verify agencies, such as the International Nanny Association, INA, and the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies, APNA.
Always factor in your gut feeling. If the agency cannot clearly explain their process, or tell you why they are sending you certain candidates, they may not be as personalized or customer focused as their fee would let on.
You can read more about what to look for in a nanny agency here.
The most popular nanny agencies in the US
These agencies have long-term experience, great reputation, and a knack for finding the right nannies for families. Though their processes may vary, candidates from any of these agencies will be vetted through interviews, references, and background checks. Some may include fingerprinting, social media review, skills tests, or punctuality assessments as part of their screening process. Some agencies also provide ongoing support to their nannies.
Nanny Poppins - Nanny Poppins is a national nanny agency that provides a range of childcare services, including full-time and part-time nannies, emergency nannies, and infant care specialists, as well as other household staff. The agency conducts personalized searches in their vast database of candidates and follows parents through each step of the hiring process.
The Nanny League - The Nanny League is a full-service nanny agency that serves several metropolitan areas (and Aspen!) with personalized childcare solutions. The agency has a rigorous screening process and only works with candidates who have at least three years of childcare experience and a college degree. There is no fee to get started, but families pay a placement fee upon hire.
Jovie - Formerly College Nannies + Sitters - is a national nanny agency under the Bright Horizons umbrella that has a presence in several states. The agency provides a range of childcare services, including full-time and part-time nannies, after-school care, and summer care. They also offer tutoring services for children.
Westside Nannies (Los Angeles) - Long known by us here at Smart Sitting, Westside Nannies is a boutique nanny agency that specializes in placing highly qualified nannies with families in the Los Angeles area. The agency offers full-time and part-time nannies, as well as temporary nannies for families who need short-term childcare. There is a $500 fee to get started and a 20% placement fee (25% for national searches) upon hire.
ABC Nannies & Domestics (Colorado) Another long-time friend agency to Smart Sitting, ABC Nannies has served Colorado for nearly three decades, providing all types of childcare, as well as tutors, with superior service. Employers pay a referral fee of between 12-18% of the employees annual compensation, depending on level of service.
The Nashville Nanny Agency (Nashville) - The Nashville Nanny Agency is a local nanny agency that provides high-quality childcare services to families in the Nashville area. The agency offers a full range of childcare services, including event childcare, and can help families hire family assistants and household managers. The agency provides training and support for their nannies to ensure the best possible care for families. There’s a $500 engagement fee to get started, which then goes toward the 10% placement fee upon hire.
Smart Sitting Nanny Agency (New York and national) We’d of course be remiss not to include our own agency in this list, as we take great pride in the work that we do in creating personalized matches between families and their ideal nannies, part-time sitters, and as-needed caregivers. Originally based in New York, Smart Sitting now covers several metropolitan areas, with a proven process for finding the most experienced and dedicated nannies to fit each family. As part of our ongoing commitment to our caregivers, we have created a community for our SmartSitters, with events and continuing education in the network. Our engagement fee of $499 goes toward a 20% placement fee, and families also have a flexible, low commitment option of 20% on a weekly basis instead of up front.
Are you ready to work with a premiere nanny agency to find the nanny, babysitter, or infant care specialist who can make you feel good about your family’s future?