How to Keep a Nanny Long-Term

"We’ve had challenges keeping a nanny long term with our family. What are we doing wrong?"

The nanny employment relationship is very unique. For one thing it is very personal and intimate. This makes for a great foundation for caring for children and working with parents in a partnership. It also increases sensitivity about the daily issues that can come up and can make dealing with concerns challenging for everyone. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

MUTUAL RESPECT: This is huge. Respecting each other is critical from day one. Being cognizant that your nanny is a professional and her expertise can really be an asset to your family. Great nanny and family relationships rely on respecting each other.

WORK AGREEMENT: Establish a work agreement with details about the position that everyone is clear about and then follow through with what you’ve agreed to. If things aren’t working for whatever reason address them directly and specifically. Don’t wait until frustrations set in before talking together. Nannies from the Heartland client families receive a fill-in-the blank work agreement document to use as is or as a springboard for creating their own.

UNDERSTANDING THE NANNY: Nannies are nurturers. This is ideal for a profession centering on children and families. Their position with your family is very personal to them. It’s a very different environment than working in the corporate world. So a different approach is needed when discussing job related issues with the nanny. Put yourself in her shoes and see things from her viewpoint.

APPRECIATION: Everyone needs to know they are appreciated – in your job, with your family and friends. Appreciation builds a relationship and fosters loyalty. Letting your nanny know that you appreciate the care she is providing for your children and family goes a long way. A daily “thank you” is simple and effective. A thoughtful personal gift on their birthday or at a holiday will show that you not only appreciate them but have taken the time to know who they are.

COMPENSATION: Appropriate compensation which reflects your nanny’s experience, background and education will help ensure a long term working relationship. This includes paying accurately and on time. If you are uncertain about the current market, contact us at Nannies from the Heartland, we’d be happy to assist you. The compensation package should also include how vacations, holidays or other benefits are handled. Following through on your work agreement in these areas is important to the nanny. Period performance and compensation reviews should be done to keep everything up-to-date. Nannies from the Heartland supplies a performance review document that is provided to both the nannies and families working with us.

GREAT PARTNERSHIPS = Long Term Positions: We have many stories of amazing nanny and family relationships which have lasted for years and years. The one common theme is the time they took to develop their relationship and really work as a team. Great nannies who are happy in their work truly value their job, the children and their employers. Great employer families support their nanny; treating them with respect and care. While not every nanny and family relationship is always long term, many are. Nannies from the Heartland are experts in helping both nannies and families find the best possible fit to build strong partnerships.

Full disclosure: what does this mean?

by Mary O'Connor

Full Disclosure: What does this mean? Why is it important?

I recently did a Google search on this term and found many definitions:
• The need in business transactions to tell the “whole truth” about any matter which the other party should know in deciding to buy or contract
• The requirement to disclose all relevant or material facts to a transaction
• The need in certain situations for both parties to tell the whole truth about all information relevant to the transaction
• The act of providing all material information about an article or property intended or proposed to be transferred, which may influence the decision making of the buyer.
While some of these definitions are geared to certain business transactions, the principle of full disclosure is extremely critical in hiring a nanny to care for your children. At Nannies from the Heartland, we have a policy of full disclosure when working with families and nannies.

We’ve had several experiences that concern me about the business practices of some other services when screening nannies and making referrals to families.
• One nanny came in to interview with our service and had worked as a nanny for two different families where her duties in both jobs involved transporting children. When we ran her driving record, we found four recent moving violations. Two of which were alcohol related - careless driving and implied consent. I seriously doubt that the families using this nanny’s services through an agency they had paid to screen her were aware of this driving record.
• Another nanny was very upset that we would not represent her and refer her to client families. Although she had some previous nanny experience, she had an eight month gap in her employment history which she explained was due to working with a family that was “not a good employer” so she didn’t want them contacted for a reference. When I explained that we couldn’t consider her as a candidate if she didn’t provide a complete employment history with contact information, her response was that several other nanny services locally were accepting her as a candidate. They had told her not list this employer and/or alter her dates of employment so there was no gap. They apparently took at face value what she told them about the employment situation. Eventually, she reluctantly provided us with the name of this employer but said she had no contact information for them. What she didn’t know, is that this family had since become one of our clients and I knew they had terminated a previous nanny. When I contacted them, they explained this was the same person they’d terminated and for some serious infractions. I’d be very surprised if any family would consider hiring this person if the agency had done their due diligence, learned what I had and then disclosed this to the family.

We would not have considered referring either of these nannies to our client families. However, there are occasions where the nanny has excellent credentials and good references with perhaps one exception. I feel confident referring the nanny but would never consider concealing this reference’s comments. It may hurt her chances of getting a job and I know we may lose out on a placement, but our commitment to full disclosure is important to us.

Not only can families rest assured that we provide complete information on the nanny, but nannies can be confident that we are working with their best interest at heart. Full disclosure to nannies can be illustrated in several ways.
• Sharing with the nanny candidate anything we know about the family employment history that would impact placement consideration.
• Providing complete details about the position expectations and duties, hours and benefits offered by the family prior to interviewing with the family.
• Being assured that we work with families who agree to pay legally and provide appropriate compensation.
We’ve hear stories from nannies working with other services that concern us deeply. Agencies providing sketchy descriptions of the family, misrepresenting job details or appearing to give the “ok” for the family to pay under-the-table, are just some of the experiences nannies have shared. Telling the nanny one thing and the families another only leads to frustration, confusion and a waste of everyone's time during the interview process.

Nannies from the Heartland, is committed to providing complete information to both families and nannies so that the interview, selection and placement process is a positive experience for everyone. For more information please visit our website at http://www.nanniesheartland.com/.

Use Online Nanny Job Searches With Caution

What potential pitfalls do nannies need to look out for when using online job services? HomeWork Solutions has a great summary in this article.

We've heard from nannies who got caught (or almost caught) by these schemes. Working with a service like Nannies from the Heartland ensures that all of your potential employers are vetted and coached in being good employers. We meet the vast majority of our families in person before ever sending them a nanny's file.

Ask our staff: what about au pairs?

I’ve heard of hiring an au pair from another country. Isn’t this a less expensive child care option?
     The au pair program was designed as a cultural exchange and educational opportunity program. Most au pairs are 18 to 25 years old. They may or may not have child-care specific experience or training. They usually speak fairly good English, but aren’t always savvy to our American culture. That’s part of the experience -  to learn more. Families provide room, board,and a weekly stipend in exchange for some child care.

Why use a full-service nanny agency?

Over the years we’ve heard so many stories of families trying to screen and hire on their own or with an online service. They cite all the hours of work to prescreen candidates, call references, interview, do criminal background and driving checks in order to feel “ok” hiring a nanny who might not be a good fit or even worse, a negative experience for the family.

Families said the number one advantage of looking on their own came down to the expense. However, many concluded that the time and energy they expended in the process, with often less than desirable results, were really costing them in the long run. While online services usually have some type of membership fees with the option of a la carte ordering for reference, background, or driving record checks, families still put in hours of work – and ordering add-on services doesn’t come cheaply.

When these same families finally experience working with a full-service agency that is knowledgeable and equipped to work on their behalf, these families are amazed at the difference. A professional, experienced agency is going to customize the search for each family based on their unique needs and expectations. They see the investment as one that really makes sense in the long term.

Nannies also tell us that using online services or working with families on their own is a challenging and sometimes a nerve-wracking experience. There is vulnerability for all parties, but it is especially felt by nanny candidates. While families should be understandably concerned with inviting a stranger into their home for an interview, nannies are equally concerned for their safety when meeting a family that is unknown to them. Using an agency brings the valuable sense of security to both parties throughout the process. Veteran agencies will be able to help nannies find the best positions because they are dedicated to finding the best match to the nanny’s skills and experience.

Tips for Great Interview

A job interview is your best chance to make a great impression. At Nannies from the Heartland we provide our nannies with an interview guide to help them do just that. Here’s are a few of our tips.

Dress professionally. Many nannies make the mistake of dressing for an interview as they would for a day on the job. Casual attire may be practical for the day-to-day work, but step it up a notch for the interview. Business casual is a good guideline. If you’re meeting the family in their home, wear socks or nylons so your feet aren’t bare when you remove your shoes.

Get to know the children. Take time to ask questions about the family’s lifestyle and the children’s personalities. If you get to meet the children, show interest in them. We know that you’re also interested in practical matters such as salary (and those are important to discuss, too), but parents are focused foremost on finding the best caretaker for their family. This can be a personal and emotional decision, so make sure to show your love for children.

Be prepared. Anticipate the interview questions and rehearse answers that highlight your best qualities. Expect to discuss your experience with and outlook on:

• Activities and recreation
• Child development
• Education
• Discipline
• Nutrition and meal prep
• Safety and emergencies
• Housekeeping

If your interviewers don’t bring up these topics, feel free to do so yourself. You want to make sure the family’s outlook is compatible with yours. Think of some examples of times you've encountered particularly challenging situations, emphasizing how you addressed the issue.

Also be prepared to discuss your needs around salary, benefits, and schedule. Remember, interviewing is a two-way street. Families want to attract a great nanny just as you want to attract a great family. Make sure that your own questions are answered and that you know whether or not the job would be a good fit for you.

Send a thank-you. Follow up your interview with a thank-you note or e-mail. This gives you the opportunity to express your enthusiasm about the job and (briefly) reiterate why you’d be a great fit. A note will set you above the crowd and show how courteous and professional you are. I personally had a former boss tell me that she was unsure about hiring me until I sent a thank-you note. That simple gesture gave her confidence that I’d be a good employee.

With some preparation, you should be able to shine in an interview and find a family who will appreciate everything you can bring to the job.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Nanny

HomeWork Solutions offers up this list of mistakes to avoid when hiring a nanny. Head over to their blog to read more.

1. Not having a job description
2. Having unrealistic expectations, particularly around housework
3. Paying below-market salary
4. Not paying the nanny on the books
5. Hiring a nanny without a written work agreement
6. Not asking the right interview questions
7. Neglecting to conduct an adequate background check

Nannies from the Heartland works with every client to ensure they avoid these hiring pitfalls. Hiring well prevents problems down the road for families and nannies alike. Contact us to learn more about our services.

Words of Wisdom from Families

By Kelly Miller

This article is the second of a two part series in which we talked to nannies and parents that have been placed together for over 4 years. We asked, “What advice do you have for other families or nannies to have a successful long-term relationship?” Here is what employers had to say.

Words of Wisdom from Nannies

By Kelly Miller

This article is the first of a two part series in which we talked to nannies and parents that have been placed together for over 4 years. We asked, “What advice do you have for other families or nannies to have a successful long-term relationship?” Here is what experienced nannies had to say.

Nanny/Family Employment Agreements

We once asked nannies on our Facebook page what advice they wish they had gotten as a new nanny. Their responses were overwhelmingly about pay, benefits, and the “rules of the game.” All of the challenges the nannies mentioned would have been prevented if both parties had written and followed an employment agreement.

Why Agency Longevity Matters

Since Nannies from the Heartland opened in 1990, we have seen over 30 other local nanny agencies come and go. Very few agencies last more than a few years before shutting their doors, and even fewer can match Nannies from the Heartland in longevity and experience.

Why does it matter how long your nanny agency has been around?

"How Can I Get a Job Through Nannies from the Heartland?"

Having been in business since 1990, Nannies from the Heartland has an excellent reputation among nannies and families alike. Many nannies wish to be represented by our agency, and often ask us how they can present themselves as an experienced and well-qualified candidate. We want to help you do this; our goal is to match nannies with rewarding professional jobs.

Here is some of our best advice about how to find that job through our agency:

• Review our qualifications. Our website describes the qualities we seek in our applicants. Our families are seeking to hire the "cream of the crop," which is why we have these standards. The nannies we represent all have at least one year of recent, full-time professional childcare experience with young children. A two- or four-year degree in a child-related field can substitute for some (but not all) experience.
• Submit a polished application. Not only does Nannies from the Heartland staff see your application, but so will client families to whom you are referred. Therefore, make sure your application materials look professional. The application should be typed or neatly hand-written, as well as proofread. You may also include a resume, cover letter, or letters of reference. If you send a resume, make sure it is childcare-oriented.
• Choose your references well. We require candidates to provide 3-4 childcare references for us to contact. You want these references to be able to give glowing, detailed information about you! The best references are current or former employers, whether they be a family you nannied for, a daycare client, or someone for whom you babysit. If you have recently earned a degree, your instructors or practicum supervisors may also serve as references, provided they have observed you working with children. Family members are not ideal references; although they know you very well they may not be as objective or impartial. (Note: if you do not wish for us to contact your current employer until later in the process, just let us know this when you apply.)
• Present yourself professionally. Nannying is a career, and you want to show that you take it seriously. Therefore, present a good image when interacting or interviewing with our agency and with hiring families. Dress nicely (we recommend business casual), demonstrate courtesy and maturity, communicate professionally, and let your passion for working with children shine.

If we receive your application but decline to represent you at this time, it doesn't mean that you're unfit to care for children. Rather, your application just doesn't reflect the level of verifiable, long-term childcare employment experience our client families seek. Again, our families choose Nannies from the Heartland because we specialize in screening and placing the most-experienced nannies in the Twin Cities. We certainly welcome you to continue building your credentials and then reapply with us in the future.

• Gain additional experience. This could include working in a daycare or finding a nanny job through another source. Consider furthering your education by earning a degree or certificate in a field such as child development or early childhood education. Network and expand your skills by joining a professional nanny or childcare organization.
• Some nanny applicants are parents themselves but do not have any childcare employment history. While we definitely agree that raising your own children is certainly invaluable experience, the challenge with it is that it can't be evaluated as professional employment can. Parenting doesn't come with a supervisor or impartial references. Therefore, we typically do not represent candidates whose only childcare experience is parenting.

Thank you so much for your interest in being represented by Nannies from the Heartland. If you ever have questions about how to apply or whether you meet our qualifications, please feel free to call our office. We're happy to speak with you!

Full Disclosure: What Does This Mean?

We're reposting this article because it's as relevant as ever.

by Mary O'Connor

Full Disclosure: What does this mean? Why is it important?

I recently did a Google search on this term and found many definitions:
• The need in business transactions to tell the “whole truth” about any matter which the other party should know in deciding to buy or contract
• The requirement to disclose all relevant or material facts to a transaction
• The need in certain situations for both parties to tell the whole truth about all information relevant to the transaction
• The act of providing all material information about an article or property intended or proposed to be transferred, which may influence the decision making of the buyer.
While some of these definitions are geared to certain business transactions, the principle of full disclosure is

9 Reasons Families Choose Our Temporary Nanny Services

 

A temporary nanny from Nannies from the Heartland can help your family in all types of situations.

1. Daytime - Temporary nannies are uniquely capable of stepping in to help you with an occasional daytime need or for several days.
2. Evenings - A skilled nanny is a perfect fit to care for your children while you are on date night or out at an evening event.
3. Weekend Days or Evenings - Temporary nannies can be there when you need them to care for your children.
4. Overnights and 24 Hour Care - A temporary nanny is adept at in coming in to care for your children and maintain your household while you are away.
5. Night Nanny - Ideal for families with a new baby who would like a short term nanny to manage the night time care of your infant so that parents can get some well deserved sleep. Call us to discuss your needs.
6. Vacation Care - This is an option for families who need a nanny while the parents are away from home or for a family looking to have a nanny come with them on their vacation to assist in child care.
7. Hotel Care - Whether you are coming to the Twin Cities area or having family and friends coming to visit you, our temporary service provides nannies who are able to care for children in a hotel setting.
8. Special Event Services - We can help you with child care needs for group or corporate events in a variety of locations. Call us to discuss your needs. We have a customized approach that specifically meets your needs.
9. Other short term needs - Maybe your family could use help for a few days, several weeks or a few months for a variety of reasons. Our experienced temporary nannies are able to meet a variety of needs in helping your family.

All temporary nannies through Nannies from the Heartland are prescreened in the same way we screen all of our long term nannies. Not only are they highly experienced and skilled, but they have all attended a special orientation to understand the unique position of the temporary nanny.

Some are currently working in a full or part time nanny situation and are looking to assist families who need some occasional temporary help. Some are exclusively interested in helping families with their temporary needs which gives them the freedom and flexibility in their schedules that temporary nanny work can provide.

The one time registration fee is valid for as long as the family continues to use the temporary service. There is a 4-hour minimum booking for all temporary services. All temporary client families must complete and sign an application prior to booking any service. All group or event clients must complete an application prior to booking any service. Nannies from the Heartland, Inc. does not guarantee filling temporary requests. For complete details about fees and other policies please look at the information on our website - http://www.nanniesheartland.com/Temp_Placements.asp.

Gift Certificates are Available!

Call us at 763-550-0219 to learn more.

What Sets Us Apart?

WHAT SETS US APART?

Caring, Supportive and Professional Placements

Who We Are:
• Premiere Full Service Agency with a customized and selective approach
• Only Minnesota nanny agency accredited business BBB member (A+ rating)
• 22 + years in business
      o 1,884 Long term placement since 1990, over 1500 temporary placements annually
      o Staff are industry experts and currently working in the nanny field
      o Very experienced at what we do
      o Excellent reputation and name recognition in the nanny community
      o Large network of nannies and families as referral base
      o Full Service which includes long term, short term, full time, part time and temporary placements
• 1 of 3 International Nanny Association member agencies from Minnesota, the longest standing MN agency member. The only local agency member of Twin Cities Professional Nannies supporting nannies in the Twin City area.
• Only local agency to provide a Blog with multiple weekly postings as a resource to all families and nannies

How We Operate:
• Our Business Model: we are the search and referral service also providing ongoing support and resources, family is the employer
     o Advantages include:
              potential financial benefit to family
              security in hiring a committed long-term employee
              family and nannies have control of employer/employee decisions and work agreement
             we have a one time placement fee not an ongoing fee structure
• Office staff is readily accessible by phone or email and responsive to all in a timely manner
• We maintain organized, detailed, accurate records and files
• Website is updated and complete including all documents, pricing, rates and extensive nanny hiring information
• Personal interviews with nannies
• In-home consultations with families

Our Service Commitment:
• Customization
     o Customized recruitment, marketing and referrals
     o Search is based on family’s / nanny’s needs and requirements
• Quality over Quantity
     o Our prescreening and referral process aligns family’s and nanny’s needs
• Honest and Complete Disclosure
    o What we know, you will know
    o Complete, accurate applicant files sent to families

We Stand Behind What We Do:
• Replacement Guarantees
    o Primary guarantee: Replace nanny, no charge to family, within first 120 days of employment
    o Extended guarantee: Replace nanny, prorated credit to family, after first 120 days of employment up to one year
• Repeat client families receive 10% discount on placement fee
• Replacement Rate
   o For the past 22+ years it has been 5 – 7 % annually
• Temporary Service
   o No additional registration fee for long term placement families and nannies

Outstanding Nannies:
• Minimum age 21 years old
• Average age of nannies placed is 41 years old
• Education: over 50% of nannies placed have a 2 or 4 year child specific degree and 87% have some type of post secondary training relating to child care
• Average placement longevity is 3+ years
• We specialize in referring experienced child care providers who view this as their career

Unique Resources and Support:
• Website includes current job openings and nanny profiles
• Blog, Facebook, Twitter
• Customized job postings on select high traffic sites including nanniesheartland.com, jobsinminneapolis.com and stthomas.edu
• Placement Resources include
      o Interview Guides, Household Employer Handbook, Employment Agreement, Information on becoming an employer and how to handle taxes
• Post-placement and Ongoing Support
     o Quarterly Newsletter
     o Kids Play List (for nannies and children)
     o Performance Review Form
     o Daily Logs
     o Medical Release Forms
     o Annual Nanny-Child Picnic
     o Access to staff via phone or email to offer guidance and information

Why Agency Longevity Matters

By Colleen O'Connor

Since Nannies from the Heartland opened in 1990, we have seen 33 other local nanny agencies come and go. Very few agencies last more than a few years before shutting their doors, and even fewer can match Nannies from the Heartland in longevity and experience.

Why does it matter how long your nanny agency has been around?

• Expertise: A new agency will not have staff with the skills and wisdom that only many years of experience can bring. Nannies from the Heartland's staff is nationally recognized, has been awarded many industry and community honors, and includes one former International Nanny Association President and one current Co-President! We are highly qualified to guide you in your search and provide ongoing support throughout the years.
• Referral network: Long-term agencies have an extensive referral network; many of our nannies and families return to us again and again when it's time to find a new placement. They won't even consider working with a different agency. With 1,862 long-term placements made since 1990 and over 1,500 temporary placements a year, Nannies from the Heartland has an enormous client base to draw from to find the best fit for you.
• Guarantee period: Most nanny agencies offer a guarantee period during which they will find a new nanny for a family if the first placement doesn't work out. If you choose to hire an agency that's only recently opened its doors, how can you trust that they'll still be around to honor their guarantee? Our guarantee is 120 days and yet our replacement rate is extremely low.
• Ongoing support: As time goes on, you'll have questions that only a nanny agency can answer: "What kind of pay increase should we give our nanny?" or, "How can I communicate better with my employer family?" By choosing an agency that's been in business for many years, you can trust that they'll be available to support you down the road, whether that be in six months or six years. Nannies from the Heartland staff are always available to share their expertise and advice with client families and nannies. Contact us any time!

Invest in Nanny Screening - Worth Every Penny

Over the years we’ve heard so many stories of families trying to screen and hire on their own or with an online service. They cite all the hours of work to prescreen candidates, call references, interview, do criminal background and driving checks in order to feel “ok” hiring a nanny who might not be a good fit or even worse, a negative experience for the family.

Families said the number one advantage of looking on their own came down to the expense. However, many concluded that the time and energy they expended in the process, with often less than desirable results, were really costing them in the long run.

While online services usually have some type of membership fees with the option of ala carte ordering for reference, background, or driving record checks, families still put in hours of work – and ordering add-on services doesn’t come cheap.

When these same families finally experience working with a full service agency that is knowledgeable and equipped to work on their behalf these families are amazed at the difference. A professional, experienced agency is going to customize the search for each family based on their unique needs and expectations. They see the investment as one that really makes sense in the long term.

Nannies also tell us that using online services or working with families on their own is a challenging and sometimes a nerve racking experience. There is vulnerability for all parties, but it is especially felt by nanny candidates. While families should be understandably concerned with inviting a stranger into their home for an interview, nannies are equally concerned for their safety when meeting a family that is unknown to them. Using an agency brings the valuable sense of security to both parties throughout the process. Veteran agencies will be able to help nannies find the best positions because they are dedicated to finding the best match to the nanny’s skills and experience.

Nannies from the Heartland on YouTube

Full Disclosure: What does this mean?

by Mary O'Connor

Full Disclosure: What does this mean? Why is it important?

I recently did a Google search on this term and found many definitions:
• The need in business transactions to tell the “whole truth” about any matter which the other party should know in deciding to buy or contract
• The requirement to disclose all relevant or material facts to a transaction
• The need in certain situations for both parties to tell the whole truth about all information relevant to the transaction
• The act of providing all material information about an article or property intended or proposed to be transferred, which may influence the decision making of the buyer.
While some of these definitions are geared to certain business transactions, the principle of full disclosure is

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers!

by Mary O'Connor

Nannies from the Heartland is celebrating our 20th year of excellent service to families and nannies. Why is this important? It means than we’re very experienced at we do and we are experts in the in-home childcare industry. We can offer a variety of child care services, long term and temporary, to meet your needs. Since 1990, we have placed 1718 nannies in long term positions with families seeking quality care for their children. We also do 1000+ temporary placements per year. Collectively, our staff has more than 62 years experience in the child care field. We have a great reputation and name recognition in the Twin Cities. This translates into a large network of excellent nannies seeking jobs and clients referring their friends, family and colleagues to us. There have been 32 nanny placement agencies open and close their doors since 1990. We’re here to stay and just as we have been for these past 20 years, we’ll be here when you need us.
At Nannies from the Heartland we are proud of the profile of the nannies we represent and the duration of their placements with our client families. Nannies who are placed with families through our service are average 41.5 years old. Over 50% of the nannies we place with families have a 2 or 4 year college degree related to working with children and 87% have some type of child care related training. The average longevity of placements through our service is just over 3 years. Why is this important? As parents, you know your children will be cared for by an experienced educated nanny. Both nannies and parents can expect stability in employment.