Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes you different than the other agencies?
• How are your Nannies screened?
• What if I have a question after I hired the Nanny?
• What are your fees?
• What do the Nannies earn?
• Do you offer Nannies for hotel and out of town guests?
• Do I have to pay taxes for the Nanny?
• What benefits should I offer my Nanny?
• What can a Nanny do for my family?
• What if I only need a Nanny on occasion? How does that work?
• What if my Nanny gets sick?

Q: What makes you different than the other agencies?

A: There are several things that differentiate us from other agencies. The most important is our experience and hands on approach. You will work personally with the owner and not wonder what experience the person on the other end of the phone has. We are available during normal business hours, and also available during the early morning hours (when your Nanny calls in sick). We can also meet with you personally. Most importantly, all of our Nannies are thoroughly screened and you will receive all of the information we have on them for your own records and peace of mind.

Q: How are your Nannies screened?

A: We have several steps and factors we assess. We initially look at the basic criteria; whether the Nanny has childcare experience, is legal, CPR certified, has a valid driver’s license, a car and car insurance. We review their completion of our comprehensive application. If that goes well, we call each of the Nanny’s childcare references and conduct in-depth interviews with each of them. If this passes our test, we then meet with the Nanny to conduct an interview. We have the potential nannies go to the Sheriff’s Department and get fingerprinted. The fingerprints then get processed through Trustline; an agency that conducts background checks on people specifically seeking to be childcare providers. This background check is processed on the state and federal level.

Q: What if I have a question after I hired the Nanny?

A: Questions often come up from situations as they arise. Whether you are new at employing a Nanny or not, you may have a question on how to handle a situation. Do not hesitate to call our office. We are here to help and should be used as a resource.

Q: What are your fees?

• Registration: $100. One time fee good for a lifetime.
• Permanent Full Time Nanny: 10% of annual gross salary placement fee, not to be less than $1500.
• Permanent Part Time Nanny: 10% of annual gross salary placement fee, not to be less than $1000.
• Temporary Daily Fees: $15 for less than 7hrs/day;$20 for more than 7hrs/day
• Emergency Fee: $25 for that day (less than 24 hours notice)

Q: What do the Nannies earn?

• Full Time: 40 hours+/week, employer must abide by California State Laws for any hours worked over 40 hours.
• Full Time/Part Time Temporary: at least $10/hour; additional $1/hr for every child after 3 children (e.g. “Family” has 5 kids. “Nanny” works 4 hours. Therefore, “Nanny’s” pay becomes $12/hour. “Family” pays “Nanny” $48.)
• Full Time/Part Time with Permanent Placement: Negotiated with client but no less than $10/hour.

Q: Do you offer Nannies for hotel and out of town guests?

A: We offer temporary services to out of town guests without a registration fee. Non registered clients simply pay a daily referral fee of $30 per day.

Q: Do I have to pay taxes for the Nanny?

A: As the Nanny’s employer, you are responsible for withholding appropriate taxes. For more information, please contact Nanny tax specialists Breedlove and Associates at 1-888-BREEDLOVE (273-3356) or visit them at: www.breedlove-online.com.

Q: What benefits should I offer my Nanny?

A: Full time Nannies receive the same benefits as other full time employees. They generally receive a minimum of two weeks of paid vacation, paid major holidays and paid sick days. Vacation time can be coordinated with the family’s vacation time. Live In Nannies receive room and board, as well as use of a car during work and personal time. Families looking to hire a Nanny who is well experienced may offer other perks as well. It is up to each family as to what they can and want to offer a Nanny. Benefits for part time Nannies vary greatly depending on the amount of work they perform. Temporary Nannies are considered household employees but are not required to receive such benefits.

Q: What can a Nanny do for my family?

A: There are many benefits to having a Nanny. The Nanny’s primary job is to keep your children safe, happy and healthy. The Nanny will work directly with you and follow your instructions and wishes in the care and development of your children. Nannies help maintain the home throughout the day by cleaning up after each of the children’s meals, cleaning up play areas and their bedrooms. Depending on the schedule and ages of your children, the Nanny may also take them to activities, attend classes or playgroups or take them to the park. Beyond that, if it is agreed by the Nanny and family, the Nanny may also assist with grocery shopping, family laundry, running errands and preparing simple meals for the family. The most important thing a Nanny can provide you with is peace of mind.

Q: What if I only need a Nanny on occasion? How does that work?

A: Once registered with our temporary service, you can call us anytime you need a Nanny. We keep all pertinent information regarding your family on file. Let us know what day and time you need a Nanny, and we will find someone for you. We keep records of who has been to your home, and will try to maintain as much consistency as possible. If you request a specific Nanny, we will always try that Nanny first. The more notice we have, the better chance there is the Nanny you want will be available. Families typically have a couple Nannies they rotate.

Q: What if my Nanny gets sick?

A: The last thing you want is for the entire family to get sick, so tell your Nanny to stay home and call us immediately for a temporary Nanny. We start checking messages and taking calls at 7:00 am and will work quickly to find someone to replace her for the day.