Why should I go through an agency to find a nanny when I can go on the internet?

Posted on Sep 22, 2006

The Internet has its risks. It has revolutionized our lives. With one click, we can do research, buy a dishwasher, or meet our perfect mate. But with the ease of use comes danger: we are advised to meet our dream date in a public place so we can opt to leave; we worry about children being victimized by on-line predators; we are advised to only bid on certain e-bay items so that we do not fall victim to fraud. The ease of the Internet brings greater chances for deception, scams and risk. Finding an in-home provider for your children on the web has its risks. For some parents, it is a quick and easy solution to their childcare problems. However, as with everything else on the web, there is a downside. First, parents must realize that anyone can list him or herself as a qualified childcare provider. In order to be listed on internet job boards, an individual only needs to complete an on-line questionnaire and there are no guarantees. On the other hand, in order to be listed as a childcare provider through Annie’s Nannies, Inc. Household Staffing (ANI), a caregiver must do the following: Provide a completed application Provide a work history in childcare with verifiable references Meet in person with an agency representative Provide proof of identity with current driver's license Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States Provide current car insurance, if requested Complete orientation to the agencies' expectations of professionalism Have a criminal/driving records check over the past seven years Have a social security verification Have completed a first aid and/or infant and child CPR. Now consider the process that a diligent family goes through to get a childcare provider on the web. The family has hundreds of applicants to look at who have not been background checked. The family contacts applicants and invites them to come for an interview. Only a few show up for the appointment. The family is back to the beginning of the search. When a family finds who they think is the right childcare provider for the them, they then need to go through all the reference checking, criminal/driving/social security checks which are time consuming. If the provider is sick or needs time off or just doesn’t work out, the family has no backup. When a family chooses Annie’s Nannies, Inc. Household Staffing, they make only one phone call. They contact ANI and have a lengthy phone or in person meeting with our Permanent Placement Director. She then selects from among ANI’S pool of pre-screened, qualified caregivers who meets the family's specific needs. She calls the family and tells the family about the caregiver and sends the family the caregiver’s resume and the answers to essay questions regarding their ability to care for children. ANI partners with tax specialists, Breedlove & Associates to make sure that all parties know exactly what is expected of them regarding all tax issues, including over-time pay. ANI also provides a contract to be used between the family and the caregiver and gives guidelines regarding pay, duties, etc. Authorization forms for giving medication and driving children are given to ANI families. If the provider the family has hired through ANI is ill, needs time off or just doesn’t work out, then ANI provides the family with immediate backup care. ANI’S temporary/on-call service is always available to ANI member families. Those of us in the childcare business fully understand that busy parents need reliable and available childcare options. It is always a scary proposition leaving a child with a new childcare provider for the first time. However, you can rest assured that when using Annie’s Nannies, Inc. Household Staffing, you will be at ease in the knowledge that you have the best possible care for your child and you have a consistent backup system when your care giver is ill or needs time off. We look forward to working with you in helping you find just the right person for your family. Annie Davis, CEO Annie’s Nannies, Inc. Household Staffing