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Wednesday, February 12th
Nanny Authority, a family-owned business founded in 1962, is proud of its membership in the International Nanny Association and a #1 Nanny Agency rating from New York Magazine. While these credentials are impressive, your initial impression may be tarnished by their outdated website and cumbersome nanny browsing pages. In fact, on our most recent visit to the site, we found a copyright date that was over 3 years old. However, this nanny agency is absolutely still in business. However - should you consider using it for your childcare needs?
Filters aren't the most intuitive
On Nanny Authority's site, families have the option to filter current caregiver applicants with just three basic filters. The first filter helps families choose the type of position they seek, including baby nurses, family assistants, housekeepers, cooks, nannies, drivers, tutors, and more. Families can also search by location, but this feature is limited, as many cities and states are missing from the list, restricting access to Nanny Authority's services (unless you click the broader filters for "open to relocation”, "abroad”, and so on).
Pay attention to active vs. inactive profiles
Of course, there aren't thousands of nannies to consider here, so you could just browse all available candidates. It'll give you a clear idea of the types of professionals seeking caregiving positions through Nanny Authority, but we encourage you to pay attention to the little "active” or "inactive” designation at the bottom of each listing - before you get too excited about a seemingly perfect nanny that might not be currently looking for a placement. That's the last filter you can use to sort the candidates here, to only show those with an active designation.
Upper-class childcare
As you read through the descriptions, it's obvious that Nanny Authority caters to top-tier clientele. You'll see phrases like "experienced with maintaining household inventory” and "managing staff”, "estate management experience” and "has worked with Manhattan's finest families”. The applicants here and the families hiring them are very clearly not your average middle-class individuals.
Details will be discussed one-on-one
If that fits your description, both for your household and the kind of professional you hope to hire, you'll want to reach out directly to Nanny Authority. Because each situation is unique, the agency doesn't go into any specifics about fees, annual salaries, or anything else; you'll determine that as you work directly with your Nanny Authority representative.
Diamond in the rough
We're pleased to report that when we look at comments from clients and caregivers, Nanny Authority does extremely well. It almost feels like a hidden gem restaurant frequented by A-listers: it may not look like much from the street, but you're amazed and delighted by what you find inside. Those who work with this agency say that you can expect impeccable service and attention to detail: they genuinely care about their clients and caregivers alike, and they go the extra mile to make the absolute best possible matches.
Worth a call if you value experience and discretion
While Nanny Authority is outpaced by at least one other nanny agency we evaluated that also caters to high-profile families - mostly because they're much more up-to-date with their presentation (the agency website itself) and they offer greater details upfront - we have no problem recommending this service, particularly if you live in the greater NYC area.
It can feel a little overwhelming when choosing a nanny to watch your children. You have to figure out how to even find a nanny, let alone several candidates to choose from. And then you have all of the searching, screening, and interviewing to zero in on the right person to be your parenting partner. That's where online nanny agencies can take a lot of the weight off your shoulders.
Many online nanny agencies conduct background checks and verify credentials, providing an added layer of security. Families can then search for nannies based on specific criteria, or agencies may provide recommendations based on your requirements. Platforms can also facilitate communication between families and nannies, allowing you to ask questions, schedule interviews, and negotiate terms.
When planning for a nanny, consider what you'll need for childcare from day to day and week to week, your expectations regarding housekeeping, and any special skills you may need in a nanny, such as CPR certification or multilingual capabilities. Next, determine your budget for a nanny's salary and additional expenses, such as benefits, taxes, and agency fees. This will help you narrow down your options.
As you've been thinking about hiring a nanny, you may have also come across the term "au pair”. Do you know the difference? In brief, nannies are professional caregivers who typically have formal training or significant childcare experience. They work in exchange for a salary and are considered employees. Nannies often work full-time and may have more extensive responsibilities, including housekeeping and transportation.
On the other hand, au pairs are young adults from other countries who come to live with a host family for a cultural exchange. They work for a set number of hours per week in exchange for room and board, a small stipend, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture. Au pairs are not professional caregivers and may have limited childcare experience. Only you can determine which option is right for you and your family, but there are pros and cons to each arrangement.
So - choosing a nanny is a significant decision that requires careful consideration, as the well-being and development of your child are at stake. To make an informed choice, it's essential to understand the process of hiring a nanny, how online nanny agencies work, and even the distinctions between nannies and au pairs.
How can you decide which nanny agencies are worth your time? Keep in mind these criteria to help you focus your search:
The experts at Top Consumer Reviews understand how important it is to know that your children are in capable, loving hands while you're away. We've carefully evaluated and ranked today's most popular nanny agencies, so that you can quickly find a reliable caregiver who will hopefully come to feel like a member of the family. Whether your perfect fit is more like Mary Poppins or Mrs. Doubtfire, the right nanny is out there for you!
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