How Our Placement Process Works

By Colleen O'Connor

If you have never worked with a nanny placement service before, you may have questions about what the process is like. Not every agency is the same, but here's how Nannies from the Heartland helps great families and experienced nannies find that perfect match.



The first step for both families and nannies is to apply with us. Applications are available on our website.

• Families pay a small application fee ($150-100) to begin the search process. You will receive a personal consultation (in-home or over the phone, your choice) with our owner Mary O'Connor. She will discuss the search process in detail and assist you in making your job attractive to potential nannies. This personal contact allows our staff to know your needs inside and out, so we can match you with only the best candidates.
• Nannies work with us free of charge. If your application reflects the high level of experience and professionalism that our families seek, we will contact you to schedule an interview with a member of our staff. The interview will cover your work history, child-development expertise, and job preferences. We pass these interview notes on to families so you can make a great impression before they even meet you! During the interview we will also give you information on how to navigate the job-search process and be prepared to meet with families.

After nanny candidates are interviewed, we do a thorough background check, including phone interviews with references and a driving-record check. We conduct additional criminal and Social Security background checks once a job offer has been made. Nannies from the Heartland client families can feel secure inviting a nanny into their home, and nannies know that our families have been screened as well.

Next our staff begins to refer nanny candidates to client families. Nannies can check out our job openings and families can see which nannies are seeking jobs. Either party can request to be referred, and we may offer additional recommendations. We ultimately decide which referrals to make based on our extensive understanding of each family and nanny. We won't send families a nanny who isn't interested in and suited for that particular job--we don't want to waste your time! Families receive an extensive file about each referred nanny, including her application, interview notes, and references. Nannies know to whom they are being referred, so if families call them for an interview they already know the basic details about the job.

Once a family receives a nanny's file, it is their decision whether or not to offer her an interview. Families may conduct as many or as few interviews as they would like. Interviews usually take place in the family's home. Most families will conduct a second interview with the strongest candidates. During the application process both familes and nannies receive advice about interviewing so everyone can be well-prepared to meet.

When a job offer is made, the nanny and family negotiate the specifics of the position. Our agency requires that each party sign a nanny/family employment agreement so that every detail is discussed and misunderstandings can be headed off. Nannies from the Heartland staff are always available to offer guidance about salary, benefits, and job expectations.

Once the job offer is accepted, great! We'll provide you with additional support and written materials to get you started. At this time the family will be billed for the placement fee. Nannies from the Heartland is always available for ongoing assistance, and we'll stay in touch through quarterly newsletters, planned nanny/child gatherings, etc. You can call or e-mail us any time you want some advice or support.