Nannies Coast to Coast

What’s the best agency to use in DC proper?

Be sure to watch "The Hand That Rocks The Cradle" and beware of usurpers!

We found our amazing nanny through care.com. We were able to speak with her then-current employer as a reference, who raved about her. She’s now been with us for several years so it’s definitely possible without an agency!

The playground. (Stayed 12 years.)

Most seasoned nannies can be found through agencies; be prepared to offer top pay along with benefits.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Word of mouth.
Otherwise it's hit and miss.

No one wants other people to take their awesome nanny.

That's why you offer the good nanny, that your friend/neighbor has been bragging about, even more money than they are currently getting. Plus a paid vacay!

I think the best way to find an excellent Nanny is if you a.) go through a reputable agency in your area and b.) get a good referral through a family member, close friend or another trusted source.

I wouldn’t look on a childcare website like Care.com since anyone w/internet access can post a profile & call themselves a pro.

Wishing you the best in your search!

Anonymous wrote:Word of mouth.
Otherwise it's hit and miss.

No one wants other people to take their awesome nanny.

Word of mouth.
Otherwise it's hit and miss.

I found that the candidates we interviewed through an agency were of noticeably higher quality than the ones we found through Care.com, Facebook parent groups, and other referral sources. I also looked for nannies who had worked corporate jobs before; I found that a lot of nannies who had only done domestic work had very odd ideas about what constitutes professional conduct and appropriate work expectations. We found our current nanny through an agency and she’s been with us for almost two years. She has been incredible, we are so lucky to have her. Keep in mind, though, that agency nannies are expensive. We pay $38/hour with 50 guaranteed hours/week, 100% of her health insurance premium plus a fund to pay her deductible, and 6 weeks paid vacation.

For those who have had success with your Nanny (or those who haven’t).

What is the best way to find a great nanny? Is going through an agency really necessary and going to make a big difference in quality of care?