subject: How To Choose a Nanny Agency [print this page] How To Choose a Nanny Agency How To Choose a Nanny Agency
Finding a great nanny can be a difficult process. Not everyone is lucky enough to have Mary Poppins or Nanny McPhee land on their doorsteps. Screening nannies on your own is a long and arduous process. Many will turn to nanny agencies instead where they can be assured that a reputable and capable person will be taking care of their children. However, you should never assume that all agencies are trustworthy or that one agency is just as thorough as the next in their screening process. Here are some important questions and information you need to find out before choosing an agency.First find out how long the agency has been in business. Just because a business has been around for ten years doesn't guarantee it's legit, nor does a new business automatically equal a bad business. However, older companies are usually better. Next, find out what screening methods they use to choose their employees. How do they recruit them, what qualifications do they need, and do they do background checks? Don't be afraid to ask all these questions. You want thorough answers that prove they won't just hire anybody off the street. Criminal background checks are crucial and you need to know how accurate and meticulous they are about them.It's also important to find out if the nanny agency offers any training programs or support groups. Look for agencies that offer CPR training courses, plan social events, and give out training material for nannies to learn new tips and techniques. You want to see that the agency is willing to put the time and effort into continually honing their employees skills and giving them more experience.Agencies with professional affiliations are definitely a good sign. Some professional affiliations include the National Association for Nanny Care, the International Nanny Association, and the Alliance of Professional Nanny Agencies. Not only does it show commitment to the business, it will also keep them up-to-date on all the latest issues.Ask for references for each nanny you are considering and actually make the calls. Of course the nanny agency is going to tell you how wonderful the candidate is but you need to hear from other parents just how good, or bad, she really is. A good child care agency will be just as in depth in researching you as you are at researching them. You want to know they are listening to your needs and plan on meeting your expectations with an appropriate nanny.Lastly, inquire about fees, refund policies, and contracts. Always read the fine print and search for a child care agency willing to replace or refund your money within a certain time period. No agency can guarantee the life changing results of Nanny McPhee, but choosing an excellent company can assure the safety and well-being of your children.
