Your dream nanny job is waiting: the inside scoop on finding the best nanny agencies to get a nanny job
A nanny agency could be the right way for you to get a rewarding - and well paying - nanny job.
Let a dedicated, friendly team help you find your next great nanny job.
As we’ve discussed in previous posts, there are many ways to find a great nanny job. (Check out this comprehensive guide for an easy overview!) You may use an online platform or harness the power of social media, handling the networking and search on your own.
In the world of professional childcare, however, many nannies opt to work with a reputable nanny agency to find their dream job.
Nanny agencies (at least the good ones!) work tirelessly to create meaningful connections between families and nannies and cultivate productive relationships, making the process of hiring or getting hired much smoother and efficient. If you're a nanny looking for your next job, a nanny agency can be a valuable resource both for the sake of security and for landing those consistent, professional, and profitable opportunities.
Here's what you need to know about using a nanny agency for your job search.
What is a nanny agency?
Nanny agencies are intermediaries that offer personalized assistance during the job search and hiring process. Some agencies act primarily as a marketplace where families and nannies can connect, while others, particularly premier ones, create tailored relationships between nannies and families based on mutual needs and expectations.
While there are many nanny agencies, choosing a reputable one within your area is crucial, so it’s best to do some research before jumping into the application process. Look for agencies that not only connect you with potential employers but also provide support during contract negotiations and job expectation clarifications.
Pros and cons of using a nanny agency
Like any professional decision, choosing to use a nanny agency for your job search comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.
Pros:
Personalized assistance: Nanny agencies provide personalized guidance from experienced professionals who understand the industry's nuances. This expertise and personal attention will benefit you both in navigating the profession as well as getting considered for jobs that match your availability and experience.
Exclusive job opportunities: Agencies often have access to exclusive job opportunities that aren't publicly advertised. This means you might find unique roles that you wouldn't discover elsewhere, often with higher rates and other benefits.
Contractual support: Agencies can provide support when negotiating contracts and clarifying job expectations, ensuring you understand your role and are adequately compensated.
Conflict assistance: Conflicts may be inevitable, and as a nanny you are often alone in handling them and defending your side of things. With a nanny agency, there is an intermediary who can assist the conversation for a positive outcome, as well as set reasonable expectations for both parties from the start.
Cons:
Limited Pool: Some families may not be able to afford the services of a nanny agency. This could limit the pool of available jobs, especially in less populated areas.
Longer Hiring Process: The process of hiring through an agency can be more protracted compared to other methods such as online job boards or word of mouth.
Experience Requirements: For nannies with less experience, it might be difficult to secure placement through an agency as some only represent more experienced nannies.
6 Top US nanny agencies
If an agency requires you to pay to work with them, run out the door immediately
If you’ve decided to try to join a nanny agency, you naturally want to make sure here are some of the most popular and reputable ones across the US:
The Nanny League: This high-end agency specializes in placing college-educated nannies and offers a range of workshops and training for nannies to continually improve their skills.
Adventure Nannies: Originally launched as an agency for travel nannies, Adventure Nannies has broadened their scope to regular nanny positions across the country, but they’ve kept the sense of adventure. They are known for placing nannies in high-profile families with out-of-the-box needs, while also creating a community for their nannies.
Westside Nannies: A boutique agency in Beverly Hills, they offer high-paying nanny positions in a highly customized matchmaking process where they also handle your . They also provide workshops, continuous training, as well as social gatherings to their nannies.
White House Nannies: Based in Washington D.C., this agency has been around for over 30 years and is known for their placements in high-profile political and diplomatic families. They help nannies both with full-time, long-term roles as well as temp positions, and can connect nannies with CPR training at a reduced rate.
A Choice Nanny: With over 30 years of service, this agency has a reputation for personalized matching services. They serve New Jersey, Maryland, and Central Florida. Nannies must have a car and drive, and this agency caters more to the families rather than creating a nurturing community for the nannies.
Smart Sitting: Obviously we couldn’t write a blog post about nanny agencies without mentioning our own. Since 2009, we have been helping the best, most dedicated childcare professionals find their dream jobs in temporary, part-time, and long-term positions. Our team members get to know you personally, beyond just the hours you are looking for, to help connect you with a family that will fit your style - and to whom you can provide exceptional childcare and bring both peace of mind and joy. Our application process is rigorous, but it means we can devote our time working with the best.
Please note: a reputable agency will *never* take a fee from you or a cut from your paycheck. If an agency requires you to pay to work with them, run out the door immediately and get something better. Not only should it not cost you to work, an agency who still works in that long-abandoned practice may have lots of other red flags up their sleeves.
Ready to start working with a nanny agency?
If you feel ready to step into a professional childcare career - whether part-time or full-time, short-term or ongoing - give yourself the best chance by working with a nanny agency. Make sure to choose an agency that aligns with your career goals, offers support, and provides opportunities for growth and development. Then get your ducks in a row by detailing your childcare experience and lining up your references (getting in with an agency takes some work, but is so worth it!), and get to applying.
Is Smart Sitting your agency of choice? Find our more about us here, or simply click the button below to get started. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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