UrbanMommies » Nanny Expert

What Do I do if I need a Nanny at the Last Minute?

Jill — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:06:04 +0000

A: Nannies on Call is Western Canada’s premier childcare agency serving Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler. We have been offering exceptional on call nanny services since 2001. You can put your mind at ease knowing that all of our nannies have been carefully screened – we ensure that our nannies are highly experienced, educated women with a passion for childcare. Whether you require last minute, long-term help, or simply a night on the town, Nannies on Call will help you find the perfect solution for your family. Our nannies are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to care for your children. Simply contact us to let us know your needs!

Michelle Kelsey is the founder of Nannies On Call. In 2001, Michelle launched a small nanny referral service with one pager, five nannies and a determination to never find herself without reliable childcare. Nannies on Call now counts over 250 nannies, with offices in 4 cities. www.nanniesoncall.com

Screening a Nanny

Jill — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:02:45 +0000

When screening a nanny, we look for lots of things. All parents have a gut feeling when interviewing nannies. She could look great on paper and then you meet her and something just doesn’t sit right. You should listen to your voice. It’s the best place to start. You want to find out more about the nanny. You want to find out if she was a good nanny and what kind of duties she preformed for the family. You need to find out if the last family she worked for is like your family. Did she work with infants while your children are school age. If she was fired from her last position this will give you a chance to find out why. Was the safely of the children ever put at risk or did the family and nanny just never mesh personally. For security reasons you need to double check the information the nanny gave you in the interview. Was everything she told you true? Was she covering anything up? The nanny tells you during the interview that she worked with the family for 2 years and left because the children went off to school. When you call the refernce they tell you she was fired. This is a big discrepancy that needs further investigation.
You can gain valuable information by asking the right questions and at the same time ensuring the safely and security of your family.

See also our article on How to Hire a Great Nanny.

What Do I Do if my Nanny isn’t Working Out?

Jill — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:56:47 +0000

A: We find that the major issue is lack of communication. The first step would be to sit down and clearly lay out your concerns. Generally it is better to try to work out the situation than start all over again with the hiring process. If you feel like you need to fire your nanny immediately it is important to follow all employment standards regulations.

See also our article on How to Hire a Great Nanny.

Should I use a Nanny Agency or find Childcare on Craigslist?

Jill — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:49:43 +0000

A: The benefits of an agency are clear. The agency will do all the work from background checks, to contracts to ensuring everything is going smoothly after the nanny is hired. There are many nanny agencies to choose from but they are not created equally. There are no regulations for nannies or nannies or agencies.

Be ready with the following questions when you contact an agency. How long has the agency been in business? Although not a determining factor for a good or bad agency, everyone has to start somewhere, you want someone with the experience to succeed. When you call do they answer the phone? You want to be able to contact someone when you need help after the placement. If you can’t reach them in the beginning they will it will not be any easier to reach them once you hire the nanny. If you do leave a message do they get back to you quickly? You want to
make sure that the there is a high level of service. What are their rates? Is there an application fee? Agency prices vary
depending on the agency and their experience. Many newer agencies have the lowest rates in an effort to attract clients.
What type of guarantee does the agency offer if the nanny does not work out? What is the screening process?

If you are hiring from Craigslist you become the nanny agency. If you go it alone make sure you still complete all of the steps to ensure your children are in the best hands. Ask for references and check them. Require a criminal record check.
Require CPR/First Aid certificate. Do a personal interview, not just over the phone. If you find a nanny make sure you complete the process with a contract.

See also our article on How to Hire a Great Nanny.

Do You Pay a Nanny Bonus, Benefits and Health Care?

Jill — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:42:42 +0000

A: Nanny bonuses and benefits vary from family to family. It can be a great way to give your nanny valuable extras that do not cost as much as the perceived value. Common benefits are cellular phone, bus pass or cars, medical, dental and Christmas bonuses.

Q: What is a Typical Nanny Salary?

Jill — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:39:13 +0000

A: Hiring a nanny can be affordable. You just need to be aware what the factors are involved in a nannies salary. Here are some of the costs to think about. Where you live in the country will affect the base rate. ($8 – $15 per hour)

Do you need a nanny with an education degree? $3 extra per hour
Do you need a nanny to drive? $2 extra per hour
Do you need a nanny to cook? $2 per hour extra
Do you need a nanny to clean? $3 extra per hour
Do you need a nanny to family errands? $2 extra per hour
The above examples are estimates for a live out nanny, live in rates are different due to room and board. For a full time live out nanny who drives the kids to activities, helps with homework, cleans the house, picks up groceries and preps dinner, you can expect $20 – $25+ per hour. Having a nanny can still be affordable; you may just have to trim back some of your expectations.