About The Nanny Network
FAQs
If you are considering hiring a nanny or becoming a nanny, you might have some questions about the position or the process. We've compiled some of the most common questions - and answers - below.
Frequently Asked Questions From Parents
- What is the process for finding a permanent nanny?
The first step in the nanny search process is completing a detailed application. Once a completed application is received, someone from our office will contact you to do a consultation which can be done face-to-face or over the phone, whichever is more convenient for you.
The Nanny Network then recruits and screens nannies for your job. Interested candidates are referred to you by way of a nanny application which includes references and a questionnaire. You then call the nanny for phone screening and to schedule a personal interview. For the strongest candidates, we suggest a working interview to see the nanny in action. If you decide to offer a nanny a job, the Nanny/Family Agreement is completed and The Nanny Network performs a criminal background check.
Read more about our process working with families here.
- Where can I get an application?
You can instantly submit your application to us online, or if you prefer, you can download a printable application to fill out and mail/fax to our offices. We will then conduct an in-person or over-the-phone consultation to make sure we are clear on your needs.
- What are the fees associated with your service?
There is a non-refundable $225 application fee due upfront to begin the process of hiring an ongoing nanny. Then, a finder's fee is due if you hire a nanny that we refer to you. Depending on the number of hours your nanny will work and which level of service you choose, the placement fees for nanny placement range from $1250-3250.
There are also lower cost alternatives available through The Nanny Network including a Mommy Nanny (nannies who bring a child to work) and Shared Care (involving one nanny and two families).
Our temporary nanny service involves daily placement fees of $20-25 per day for members and $50 for non-members. The annual membership fee for the temporary service is $100. - How long does it take to find a nanny?
We suggest planning for the search to take approximately 3 to 6 weeks (except for temporary nanny service which usually takes less time).
- How much do nannies get paid?
The going rate for nannies in the Baltimore area is $12-15 per hour.
- Where do you find your nannies?
Our nannies come from a variety of sources. The Nanny Network has been in business since 1995 and, since that time, has placed and developed relationships with a myriad of nannies. When our nannies complete a job, they come back to us for help in finding their next job. There are also many nannies who find us through word of mouth as well as responding to targeted recruiting efforts.
- Do you place temporary nannies?
Yes, The Nanny Network offers a temporary nanny service to help parents or event planners when they encounter a need for short-term child care. Perhaps your child is sick and cannot attend school, perhaps your primary child care provider has notified you that he/she is unable to work, or perhaps you are planning an event which requires on-site child care. Whatever the case may be, The Nanny Network can help provide temporary relief so that you can go about your schedule without interruption.
There are two key differences between The Nanny Network's temporary nanny service and its permanent placement service. First, with a temporary nanny search, parents are not given a variety of candidates to choose from. Instead, our temp nannies are pre-qualified and pre-screened (including reference and background checks) so that once a nanny is found who is available to work for you, she is assigned to the job.
Second, a daily placement fee, rather than a flat part-time or full-time finder's fee, is owed to The Nanny Network for the service provided.* A higher daily fee applies to those temp jobs that are arranged with less than 2 business days notice. Lastly, if your needs change after a nanny has been scheduled to work for you and you cancel one day or all days, a 25% cancellation fee will apply to each cancelled day's cost. For more information on our process for placing temporary nannies, click here.
- What areas do you service?
We service Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County.
- What type of screening does your service perform?
Nannies complete an extensive application and questionnaire as their first step in applying to The Nanny Network. The Nanny Network then conducts comprehensive interviews with each of its nannies and calls to verify the nannies' references. Finally, a criminal background check, covering each state in which the nanny has lived in for the last 5 years, is performed.
- What happens if a nanny that we hire through your service doesn't work out?
Nannies complete an extensive application and questionnaire as their first step in applying to The Nanny Network. The Nanny Network then conducts comprehensive interviews with each of its nannies and calls to verify the nannies' references. Finally, a criminal background check, covering each county in which the nanny has lived in for the last 7 years, is performed. Depending on the level of service selected, additional background checks are available including driving record, credit report, drug test, and ongoing quarterly criminal background checks.
- 11. Do you run background checks for parents who do not hire a nanny through
The Nanny Network?
Yes, The Nanny Network can run a criminal background check for parents who have successfully hired a nanny on their own. Call us for rates!
Frequently Asked Questions from Nannies
- What does it cost me to go through your service?
Nothing! The service is free for nannies.
- What are the requirements of a nanny?
Initial requirements include two years of recent child care experience, a minimum of two (excellent) child care references, a car (in most cases), and the ability to legally work in the United States.
- What are considered standard nanny duties?
Standard nanny duties include preparing meals for the children, doing the children's laundry and doing any child-related clean up. They also include having fun with the children!
- What types of jobs are available?
We place nannies in full-time, part-time, and temporary jobs.
- What do nannies get paid?
A nanny's hourly rate depends on her experience, the number and ages of children for which she is caring, and the duties which she is asked to perform in addition to the standard nanny duties. Typically, nannies make between $12-15 per hour.
- What is the minimum time commitment for a nanny position?
Unless otherwise stated by the family, most jobs will require a minimum commitment of one year. Common exceptions would be After School Nannies, who are asked to commit for one school year, or Summer Nannies who would commit for one summer only. Temporary Nannies are committed only for the length of accepted temporary assignments.
* An annual membership fee of $100 may or may not apply.
