Making the decision to have children—and finding someone to help you take care of them—are two of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. And finding the perfect nanny to care for your little one can be a challenge. Where do you start?
Two of the most popular routes are searching for one yourself through a nanny-finding website, or hiring a nanny agency to find one for you. We asked experts for their insights into these two methods, so that you can decide which one will work best for you and your family.
Nanny-finding websites—how do they work?
Online nanny services act as a partner in helping you source candidates. While there are a variety of websites, they differ in what they offer. Usually you post a job on their site and they present you with a list of applicants based on your criteria. Then you can contact caregivers for a fee.
Pros of using a nanny-finding website
- Easy access to caregivers: National care-finding sites often list applicants from all over the country, giving parents the flexibility of accessing caregivers, even if they are travelling. You also have the option of searching and emailing applicants 24 hours a day—completely online or from the convenience of your cell phone.
- Personal control: Parents who have more time or want to personally choose candidates to interview may prefer an online or app-based option for this kind of control and flexibility.
- Affordability: Online nanny-finding services are a less expensive option for families who can’t afford a full-service placement agency. Online services typically offer subscriptions from one month to one year.
- Online screening process for applicants: Many online sites offer safety checks on providers with the subscription fee. Some sites also allow families to post reviews of providers. Learn more at the Care.com Safety Centre.
- Access to resources and tips: Online sites often provide resources that are similar to the materials that agencies use. For instance, Care.com offers free online guides and articles covering a variety of topics ranging from how to interview a nanny and how to handle nanny reference checks to how to create a nanny contract.
- A team of caregivers: Nanny-finding sites often let you work with numerous caregivers simultaneously at no extra cost. Maybe you need a nanny during the week and a babysitter every other weekend. Or maybe you only need an after-school sitter or last-minute backup care. You get more flexibility to work with an unlimited number of caregivers to fit your family’s specific needs.
Considerations when using a nanny-finding website
- Time: Online rates may be inexpensive, but it ultimately boils down to how much time you can invest in the search. Sometimes you might be lucky and the first person who emails you is perfect for the role. Other times it could take a little while to weed through the applicants.
- Personal research: Many websites’ resources are in the form of articles that parents have to search for and read on their own. You may have to figure out the best options for your situation and the advice that applies.
- Expertise: If you’ve never hired a nanny before, you may not know what you’re looking for or where to even start. You can read the articles, but you might still feel like you need more of a helping hand.
Nanny agencies—how do they work?
Agencies offer a full-service approach to finding caregivers and charge a placement or referral fee for their services. They take care of the entire process, from finding candidates to screening them, and they guide parents during the hiring process and offer support after placement.
Pros of using a nanny agency
- Simplified hiring process: Agencies often go through a lengthy process of screening applicants, from phone and in-person interviews and resume reviews, to reference checks and background checks. Some even use an assessment exam to analyse an applicant’s knowledge of childcare.
- Ongoing support for parents: One of the best parts of using an agency is the professional tips, tricks, and ongoing support that are offered. For example, a full-service agency is able to educate you about topics such as getting your nanny on payroll, offering benefits or perks, and how to maintain a professional, respectful nanny-employer relationship. Most agencies provide a listening ear at all times, even after a candidate has been placed, and this can be extremely helpful in working through any glitches related to training your new nanny or miscommunications.
- Backup care options: What happens if your new nanny doesn’t work out? Many agencies will find you a replacement within the first three months. Online services don’t usually replace nannies for free, but with your subscription, you have the option to search and choose another one at any time.
- Nanny training and support: Many agencies offer ongoing support for caregivers, which can be useful. Your nanny could be eligible for occasional training in things like child development and communication strategies.
Considerations when using a nanny agency
- Price: All of these great services do come at a price depending on your location and what type of nanny you are hiring. You should discuss the agency’s fee structure early in the process so you aren’t surprised by upfront registration fees, placement fees when you hire a nanny, or additional charges further down the road.
- Handing over control: Agencies take care of searching for, screening, and evaluating potential candidates, while some parents prefer to be in control of the entire process themselves.
- Refund policies: Before you sign on the dotted line, check what the nanny agency’s refund policy is—if there is one. Some agencies will only replace nannies, and only for a short period of time. Ask about different “what-if” scenarios and make sure you’re comfortable with the fine print.
The bottom line
There is no one right way to find a nanny. It is all about what the parent is looking for in terms of support, personal control and flexibility over their search, and what their budget is. Pick the option that works best for your needs and your budget.