A while back I posted a conversation someone had with a brick and mortar nanny agency and expressed my frustration with these kinds of agencies. I need to be more specific however, and say that SOME agencies can be like this. MANY traditional agencies are quite the opposite!
A traditional brick and mortar agency can be very helpful for both the family and the nanny. But it has to be a quality agency.
A high quality agency will really screen all the nannies they present to families. They will do background checks and reference checks before sending the nanny out to families as an option. A high quality agency will spend time with the family, usually over the phone, and ask lots of questions to get a good idea of what the family is looking for and then MATCH nanny candidates to those needs and preferences. SO much of what makes a successful nanny/family relationship works is chemistry so it won't be a precise match in one recommendation, but it will save everyone time knowing a laid back nanny won't be presented to a stricter type A family.
Agencies are a bonus to nannies as they can advocate for you. They can help you get a contract into the hands of the family and then you can negotiate and settle things. Good agencies offer you support. They give you contacts of other nannies in the area, offer group dinner and training opportunities. They often have newsletters with valuable information and ideas. Agency owners have experience and can guide you in how to deal with families.
While searching online allows you to access loads of families- many of these families on the popular sites are looking for custodial care and not true nanny care. They need babysitters and not full time nannies. We all know the difference and the pay and benefits will reflect this.
Sadly, there are fewer good agencies out there than one would think. But it you find one- stick with them! TELL EVERYONE! They are an important part of our industry.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
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