In Search of Nanny, Inc. will work to introduce and to provide for interviews between as many compatible applicants and potential employers as, in the opinion of the Agency seem appropriate.

Often caregivers have a preference for the number or the ages of children or location of the position. Families' preference about a potential applicant might include background, education, or experience caring for children of a particular age.

When an applicant has been accepted by In Search of Nanny, Inc. he/she can feel confident that there is an excellent chance of finding a satisfactory position. Because we work to facilitate and arrange numerous interviews for the family and the nanny, both parties have the opportunity and the responsibility of making an appropriate choice.

If, after interviewing an applicant, the family is interested in making an offer and the nanny is interested in accepting it, the family will give the applicant a written job description and a financial offer (working hours, compensation, start date, commitment, vacation/sick day and holidays and any other benefits). The Agency strongly recommends a "trial period" for up to a week. The nanny spends the time during the "trial" working in the potential employer's home before a commitment is made by either party. During this time, the nanny receives the expected normal weekly wage.

The "trial" gives both the family and the nanny the opportunity to evaluate each other more closely. If, at the end of the trial, both parties want to move forward, they would sign the agreement and description. The Agency keeps a copy of the signed agreement and job description on file. This provides a sense of security for the nanny knowing that both the financial arrangements and responsibilities are documented in writing.

The family then pays a referral fee to the Agency. The fee is based on the number of hours per week that you work and the length of the employment commitment. Many parents looking for full-time care look for a one-year commitment from a nanny. Many would also like a nanny who would consider renegotiating another agreement at the end of the initial year, but that is never an upfront requirement.

As a full service agency, we do have full-time positions that require shorter than one-year commitments. Many of our part-time opportunities look for a commitment, but due to the nature of part-time employment, many families will consider commitments from 6 to 10 months. It is important that you are upfront about the commitment you can make to a family employer, and that you honor the commitment, once you are employed.

Training

In Search of Nanny, Inc. requires all caregivers to be CPR and First Aid certified. The CPR course should include training in Infant/Child CPR. The costs of the courses vary, and are the responsibility of the nanny, although some families are willing to reimburse you for the expense.

Courses are often held at local hospitals, YMCAs and Red Cross Chapters. Although we aim to have all nannies trained before placement, this is often not possible due to interviewing schedules and "trial periods." If you are not certified before you begin employment, you will be required to take courses within the first two months of employment.

Information for Applicants Who Live Outside the Boston Area

The vast majority of our applicants are in the Boston area. On occasion we represent very experienced applicants who live outside of metro Boston. You will have the opportunity for lengthy and detailed interviews by phone with families that meet your profile of the ideal position. If the applicant lives outside of the local area, the Agency will conduct an interview (usually via phone) with the applicant. The Agency will then arrange for telephone interviews between prospective families and applicants. We personally interview all our families and we will be able to explain the position requirements in great detail prior to your having a phone interview with a potential employer.

If you are coming from a distance, families will often want to conduct a personal interview and they will sometimes pay for the applicant's transportation to the area for that purpose. We will gladly assist you in negotiating a work agreement, which includes both realistic job requirements and excellent salary and benefits.

At times, applicants decide to come to the Boston area to interview with a number of families after initial phone interviews. This would be at your expense.