Host: What are the benefits and drawbacks of using an agency?

Jaclyn Gobuluk: One of the most important factors of having a nanny agency do the nanny search is peace of mind. A nanny agency is not only going to look at what your needs are, but they are going to screen each and every nanny according to what your needs are and the basic techniques that we use to screen the nannies, which includes social security number verification that includes the background check for criminal investigation reports, a driving record, making sure they are legal to work in United States and we are always here to answer any questions or concerns that you might have during the interview or nanny search process.

We can offer guidance as far as questions to ask every nanny in an interview. We can offer you contracts, we can offer you just time and effort that goes into it. We have that and at a drop of a hat, we can send you applicants that are qualified and ready to go and start working. So, there is a lot of time saving in hiring an agency as well.

Part of the downfall of hiring an agency and I think the only downfall of an agency is the agency fee. We do charge large fees to find a nanny for you. There is a membership fee that you should acknowledge anywhere between a $100 and $300 dollars to start a search. There is also a placement fee. Placement fees to hire a nanny can range between $3000 to $5000 and anywhere above and beyond that or an agency can charge a percentage. Some agencies charge 10% of the nanny s gross salary. Some agencies charge as much as 20% of the nanny s gross salary. So, I think that is the only downfall to an agency is the cost.

By far, the benefits exceed anything that you are going to pay, peace of mind, a quality childcare provider in much shorter search time. Agencies have candidates ready to go at the drop of a hat. So, you call us, we can send someone out within the next couple of days for you to interview with. We are also a great backup plan, if your nanny is sick or on vacation, we are here to provide you with a backup care solution. We have nannies that will come to your house and care for your child when your nanny is not able to do so.

So, you are not only getting a nanny search but you are getting a backup program and someone that s going to be there to answer any questions throughout the process after you have hired a nanny and can help you provide backup service at anytime.

So, there are a lot of benefits that come with an agency that if you got a nanny on your own or you would not necessarily be able to use those benefits.