Anonymous wrote:I realize there are nanny forums, but it seems those are families currently in the midst of the nanny search as well and I would appreciate insight from seasoned parents that have been through the process.
Has anyone had a good experience with a local nanny agency?
Bad experiences also welcomed to steer clear..
I just went through this and hired a nanny last week. Of my top two candidates, one was a referral from a prior family that responded to a DCUM post and the other was a referral from Coast to Coast Nannies. I also spoke with White House Nannies and Nanny Poppinz. WHN never followed up, and Nanny Poppinz seemed fine enough, but Coast to Coast was just so thorough and accessible that I didn't feel the need to pursue Nanny Poppinz. Coast to Coast does have a startup fee where Nanny Poppinz doesn't (if I recall correctly), and it is entirely possible that Nanny Poppinz would have been just as good if I had gone with them. A friend had a great experience with WHN, but I feel like I read enough iffy reviews here that I didn't push when they didn't.
I'd also recommend combing your neighborhood listservs and posting your job on DCUM. I tried Care.com and Sittercity but didn't move forward with any of the candidates I saw there.