Jovie Review

Wednesday, February 12th

2025 Nanny Agency Reviews

Jovie

• Nanny agency with multiple franchise locations spanning 30+ states
• Diverse childcare options, from immediate babysitting to full-time nannies
• All caregivers undergo local, state, and federal background checks
• Continuous training for caregivers
• Typically takes up to a week to be paired with a nanny
• Free initial consultation with your local Jovie franchise
• Payment structure includes setup fees and hourly rates paid directly to Jovie
• Established in 2001

Jovie, formerly known as College Nannies and Sitters and operating under the umbrella of Bright Horizons, is more than just a run-of-the-mill nanny agency. This childcare solution provider employs its caregivers, offering them a comprehensive benefits package. Whether you require a helping hand on an occasional basis, part-time childcare, or a full-time nanny, Jovie has you covered.

Not yet available nationwide

Before you dive headfirst into the world of Jovie, it's crucial to understand that their services may not be available in all 50 states. Jovie operates using a franchise model, enabling local franchisees to independently manage their operations. This allows them to cater specifically to the unique needs of their respective communities. At the time of this review, Jovie was accessible in approximately 30 states, including Washington DC. Some states, like Utah, Maine, North Carolina, and Louisiana, were notably absent from the list of areas served. We suggest scrolling to the bottom of the main Jovie webpage to enter your zip code before providing information about your childcare needs, so you can make sure you're not wasting your time.

No surprises in the initial questions

Once you've confirmed that Jovie operates in your area, you can begin by answering a series of initial questions. These questions encompass the type of assistance you require (after-school care, summer care, or occasional babysitting), how urgently you need childcare (ranging from immediate to "within months"), and basic contact information. These initial steps are relatively straightforward.

Don't call us, we'll call you

Following that initial inquiry, you will need to exercise some patience: Jovie does not immediately offer the ability to browse potential nannies or gain any insights into what the costs may include. Instead, a Jovie team member will reach out to you. From this point forward, your entire experience will depend on the local Jovie franchise in your area, including pricing and the availability of caregivers.

Meet with a representative

Regardless of your location, certain elements remain consistent. First and foremost, you will have a meeting with a representative from your local Jovie franchise. When that's complete, you can download the MySitters app to begin scheduling your childcare needs. Every nanny available through Jovie's app has successfully passed a thorough background check, which examines criminal records at the county, state, and federal levels. Jovie ensures its caregivers receive extensive training both at the outset of and throughout their employment. Topics covered in this training include child safety and age-appropriate activities. In terms of payment, Jovie handles everything, as they hire nannies and babysitters as their own employees. This includes payroll, taxes, insurance, and any additional benefits provided to their caregivers.

Pricing varies, but here's a ballpark

Naturally, you might wonder about the cost. As you've probably guessed, pricing varies by location, and Jovie does not provide specific details about costs without direct consultation with your local franchise. However, we did some sleuthing to provide a rough estimate. In one Colorado area, hourly rates for Jovie caregivers ranged from $28 to $40, with a minimum 4-hour charge for each day of care. Additionally, each Jovie franchise charges a one-time setup fee for new families, although the precise amount wasn't disclosed. These specifics will be clarified during your consultation.

Reputation depends on your Jovie office

Evaluating Jovie's reputation can be complex, as it hinges on the operations of your local franchise. Satisfied families have praised their Jovie nannies and raved about the ease of working with both the caregivers and the company. However, there have also been reports of caregivers being double-booked (a responsibility of the franchise) or concerns being inadequately addressed at the local level. The experiences of babysitters and nannies employed by Jovie have also been mixed, with some singing the praises of their supervisors and family relationships, while others voiced concerns regarding their (low) earnings, given the not-insignificant spread between their pay and the fees charged to families.

Great option if it's available in your area

Jovie presents an appealing concept: highly vetted and trained nannies available via a user-friendly app, with ample oversight if assistance is needed. This approach stands in contrast to nanny agency websites that allow individuals to register as caregivers or families with minimal background checks or ID verifications. Before committing to this service, we recommend confirming the availability of a local franchise by entering your zip code on the main Jovie website. Beyond that, it's a good idea to take the time to research the reputation of your local Jovie office before you schedule your free consultation. If both of those check out in your case, we would tell you to give Jovie a try to find your perfect nanny.