Tips for Choosing a Nanny Agency

Choosing a nanny agency service and hiring a caregiver isn’t the way it’s depicted in the movies. Since Mary Pippins isn’t available, and few families will ever be as lucky as the von Trapps, professional nanny services assist families who have the needs and resources to hire a nanny.

To many people the idea of hiring a nanny is something that only the affluent or very rich do. For instance, it seems fairly customary for celebrities to hire nannies to help care for their children while they continue to pursue their careers. The difference between nannies and the common child care of today is that nannies are live in caregivers who are oftentimes charged with putting children to bed, getting them up and dressed in the morning, and preparing their meals.

Nannies were common among the affluent populations in England and its colonial empires. At the time, nannies were referred to as nurses, and became prominent figures within the lives of the children they essentially raised. During those days there were no specific laws created to regulate nannies. There is still no required training to become a nanny in the U.K., but the National Nursery Examination Board does regulate requirement that prospective daycare providers must meet in order to become certified “child miners.”

In 1985, the International Nanny Association was founded to assist nannies in professional development, job placement, and professional camaraderie. Another non-profit organization called The Alliance of Professional Agencies debuted in 1993 to help cultivate further professionalism in the nanny industry.

When it comes to choosing a nanny agency, the best choice is to contact one with a reputation for excellence. By doing a little research parents will be able to identify the top agencies, which will be able to recommend the ideal candidates for their families.