Frequently Asked Questions

Is the nanny hired by the agency? Is our family responsible for paying our directly?

 Our agency doesn't employ nannies or pay them through our agency. Your family would be considered the employer. Compensation and tax information are directly between you and your nanny.

What is the typical pay-range for nannies in my area?

Professional nannies in Northshore area are seeking $25-32 per hour. There are many different factors to consider when determining pay for your nanny. How many children are in the home, experience, certifications, trainings, degree, additional duties pertaining to the household etc.

Where do you find the qualified nannies?

Many excellent nannies come through word-of-mouth referrals, while others connect through social media, online postings, community bulletins, established care websites, and job boards.

How long does the process take?

This may vary for each family.  Typically pairing a nanny could take 4-8 weeks from start to hire. As it is our goal to pair you with the best nurturer that fits your family. 

Are we required to pay our nannies taxes?

Offering legal, "on-the-books" pay is a great practice for maintaining transparency and ensuring your nanny benefits from worker protections, such as Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance. Illinois, like many states, has guidelines for domestic workers, including minimum wage requirements and protections against discrimination. Using a payroll service can simplify the process by handling tax deductions, generating pay stubs, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Discussing this with your nanny is also wise, as it gives them a chance to express their preferences and ask questions. Clear, open communication can help establish trust and ensure everyone understands the terms.

How do you screen potential nannies?

Each nanny goes through a thorough vetting process, beginning with an extensive interview to ensure they meet our agency's standards. This is followed by verification of recent, child-related references, as past performance is one of the best indicators of future success. We then conduct a comprehensive social media and internet screening. Next, our agency connects the most suitable nannies with potential families. Families can then arrange an in-person meeting at a convenient time. Typically, we provide three to four candidates who meet the unique requirements of each family. During this meeting, families and nannies will discuss and agree on a wage offer, including potential benefits, vacation days, nanny duties, and more. Finally, we conduct a complete background check covering criminal history, driving record, sex offender registry, and social security verification.