How to Choose Nanny Agency in Chicago
When it comes to finding the best nanny for their family, many parents will use the services of a professional placement agency. In big cities, like Chicago, there are many nanny agencies. For parents, this means doing a little research, since each agency has its own style and standards of conducting a business. Even if you are referred to an agency by another parent, contact them yourself and see if the services they offer are up to your expectations.
Here are some things to consider and keep in mind, while searching among Chicago nanny agencies:
- Make sure the agency is licensed and bonded, as required by the State of Illinois. You can ask for a copy of the certificate or license number, and verify with Department of Labor. The license needs to be renewed each year, so it has to be up-to-date.
- Ask if the agency offers services in the area where you live (some service only specific locations), and if they provide the type of nanny you are looking for. (e.g.: live-in or live out, long term or temporary, occasional or on call nanny care)
- Nanny agencies charge a placement fee for their services, so ask how much it is and when it's due. Placement fees can vary greatly, depending on an agency (some charge both the family and the nanny), so make sure to check and compare. In Illinois, a placement fee is the ONLY fee that agencies can charge. No licensed agency should ask for application or registration fee.
- What guarantees are offered? Look for an agency that offers both refund and replacement guarantees. Illinois law requires all agencies to provide a 30-day refund guarantee on the placement fee (less 25% of wedges paid), but many agencies will also offer a replacement guarantee. Look for a service that will provide you with at least three to six months of such guarantee. This way, if things do not work out with a nanny as expected during that time, you'll be offered a replacement nanny, at no additional cost to you.
- Ask in detail about the agency's minimum candidate requirements and the screening process. Agencies are obligated to interview candidates in person. Ask if they check candidates' references prior to presenting them to a family. A quality agency will always do this. Do they verify candidate's legal status? If not, as an employer, you will be obligated to do so yourself. An agency is also required to have a candidate's doctor physical on file before the first day of employment.
- Ask if a background check is included in a placement fee and what reports can you expect? Can you request additional information? Make sure the agency will provide you with the original report, rather than simply informing you that the background check was conducted. Beware of background checks that are just data based, since those are the most inaccurate and unreliable ones.
- What does the placement process look like? Do they offer free in-home consultations to start with? This is a very important service, especially if you are hiring a nanny for the first time and have lots of questions.
- What support can you expect from the agency during the process and after you hire the nanny? Will they arrange interviews with candidates, or will you have to contact the nanny yourself? Will they negotiate the terms of the position with a candidate, or this is left for you? What materials do they provide? A good nanny agency should be a source of lots of important information to you, from advice on how to conduct an interview (providing sample of interview questions), to information on nanny salaries, benefits, and taxes. They will assist in negotiating the job offer and provide you with a template of a contract to use. You should not hire a nanny without one. A nanny agency should also provide you with advice on how to maintain a successful relationship with your nanny in the long run, providing guidance with employment practices. All of this can be very helpful, especially if you are first time nanny employer.
- Find out what the agency’s policy is on arranging “trial days”. This is a time period when the nanny works for you before you make the final decision of hiring her (before paying the placement fee to the agency). The time allowed for trial days depends on agency. Look for service that offers at least a week.
The key elements to effectively work with an agency are communication, time and realistic expectations. Communicate your requirements to the agency, and provide plenty of information, so they can look for the best match. Don't leave the nanny search until the last minute. Even the best nanny agency may not have the right candidate at that very moment. It may take two to six weeks to find a nanny through an agency. Keep in mind that depending on your requirements and expectations, the agency may not even be able to provide the "ideal" candidate.