Agency vs Solo

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're growing frustrated with our current daycare and considering getting a nanny next September. We would have our 3yr old in preschool three half days a week and our 1.5yr old home with the nanny about 40hrs/wk.

I'm considering using an agency over finding a nanny on our own. Can anyone share their experiences?

Thank you!

White House nanny is the best.

Why? Granted, they may be the most expensive.

[Anonymous]

DCUrbanMom is the best resource for finding a nanny.

[Anonymous]

Lots of people like to use their neighborhood list serve.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of people like to use their neighborhood list serve.

where are these neighborhood listserves??

I am in the same bind. i have had poor experiences with care.com so I probably am not doing something right, so perhaps an agency is best for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lots of people like to use their neighborhood list serve.

where are these neighborhood listserves??

I am in the same bind. i have had poor experiences with care.com so I probably am not doing something right, so perhaps an agency is best for me.

Which neighborhood?

[Anonymous]

Our second nanny came from an agency and is on another level to the good nanny I hired from care.com. The agency nanny is a professional and takes her job and career very seriously. Wholly anecdotal and a study with a sample size of 2, but the point Im trying to make is that I wouldn't write off agencies if you can afford the extortionate fees.

[Anonymous]

Where can you find nannies?

On the same DCUM site? Do you not see the many names searching for jobs in the nanny forum? I've found 2 great nannies through there.
First one left after 3 years, moved out of state. And the 2nd one has been with us for 4 years. Hopefully for 2 more years until my 3rd child goes to kinder. (Knock on wood.)

From what I hear, nanny agencies aren't all that great for nannies either. But hey, if you don't mind forking out $$$ just so you don't have to do 3-5hrs of work on the phone and on the computer, then who am I to judge.

[Anonymous]

Word of mouth is always best. Ask your neighbors, friends and family to help you put out feelers. Of course it helps to mention if you hope to find a professional, and you'll pay a better than average rate. Maybe even mention numbers if you know someone who might have some good connections.