What You Need to Know about a Nanny Agency

Choosing a nanny is an important decision you make as a parent. Different families have different expectations and needs when it comes to childcare. Since finding the right nanny can be hard, many families choose a nanny agency. With a nanny agency Nashville, TN residents use a professional to find the right nanny for the family.

What does a nanny agency do?

Using a nanny agency can be like working with your own personal HR department. With a nanny agency Nashville, TN residents can make the process of finding childcare as smooth as possible. The right agency can help you narrow and define your expectations and save you a lot of time in the process. You won’t have to waste valuable time interviewing nannies that aren’t going to be a good fit. A nanny agency will do the work for you that you would normally have to do on your own. An agency will create a job description and work with the nanny and you on any contract negotiations.

How much does a nanny agency cost?

Great service can come at a price. Using a nanny agency can be expensive, but you have to consider you are paying for the labor and expertise. Charges will depend on where you are living as well as if you are hiring a full-time or part-time nanny. Ask about the cost structure early so you know what fees to expect.

How should you assess a nanny agency?

Just as it’s important to interview potential nannies, it’s also important to screen your nanny agency. Once you have a list of agencies, check reviews before contacting the company. Do an online search for the agency and find any feedback about their services. Do you see red flags or do families seem satisfied? Check the Better Business Bureau for any reviews or complaints.

There are plenty of questions to ask your nanny agency. Ask how long they have been in business? Ask who is actually going to be doing the matching. Does the staff understand the requirements? Ask who is doing the nanny screening. There should be people on staff who understand how to properly screen candidates based on understanding the various developmental needs of children. Ask how much time the agency will spend with you. The match only works if both the family and nanny are happy, which can require a lot of hand holding in the process. The added support can make the process much smoother for everyone involved.

You should stay involved in the nanny hiring process, even when working with an agency. Families should check references, interview candidates, and see how candidates interact with family and children.