Finding a Nanny on the Internet

Internet vs. Referral Agency

The Association of Premier Nanny Agencies would like to share its prospective on finding childcare on the Internet in response to the article in the Washington Post, "Where to Look When You Need a Stand-In Sitter" (Rebecca R. Kahlender, 11/30/04).

Internet has its risks

The Internet has revolutionized all of our lives. With one click, we can do research, buy a dishwasher, or meet our perfect mate. But with the ease of use comes danger: we are advised to meet our dream date in a public place so we can opt to leave; we worry about children being victimized by on-line predators; we are advised to only bid on certain ebay items so that we not fall victim to fraud. With the ease of the Internet, comes greater chances for deception, scams and risk.

Comparison of hiring a babysitter over the Internet vs. Agency Referral

Web Applicants : Finding a babysitter on the web also has its risks. For some parents, it is a quick and easy solution to their childcare problems. However, as with everything else on the web, there is a downside. First, parents must realize that anyone can list him or herself as a qualified babysitter. In order to be listed, an individual only needs to:

1. Pay an annual fee for $24.99
2. Complete an on-line questionnaire

Agency Applicants: On the other hand, in order to be listed as temporary childcare provider through an APNA agency, a caregiver must:

1. Complete an application
2. Provide a work history in childcare with verifiable references
3. Meet in person with an agency representative
4. Provide proof of identity with current driver's license
5. Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States
6. Provide current car insurance, if requested
7. Complete orientation to the agencies' expectations of professionalism
8. Have a criminal records check over the past seven years.
9. Have a social security verification and/or credit report
10. Have completed a first aid and/or infant and child CPR.

Booking on-line : Consider the process that a diligent family goes through to get a babysitter on the web (e.g. SitterCity.com):

1. Family pays $39.99 for the first month and receives a list of babysitters according to the criteria they have selected. Each month thereafter, they may download an updated list for $5. Total for the year is $94.99.
2. Parent emails and calls the babysitter.
3. Either before or after contacting the babysitter, parents may check references.
4. Parents conduct a background check: $14.95 - $39.95 according to rates on PublicRecords-Search.com (provided by SitterCity.com).
5. A driving record check is not offered by SitterCity but parents may ask the babysitter to go to the highway patrol and get a copy of her current driving record.
6. Parents interview the babysitter
7. If the same babysitter is not available the next time the family needs care, then parents must begin the process again from Step One.

But the reality is that most parents do not have the time to complete these steps. Most simply read the babysitter's biography, taking it at face value, and then email her about what time to arrive at the family home.

Booking through an Agency: If a family chooses to use a professional childcare referral agency, they make only one phone call.

1. Parents contact the agency and register with them on the web or by phone (The annual registration or membership fee varies from agency to agency).
2. The agency selects from among their pool of pre-screened, qualified caregivers an individual who meets the family's specific needs.
3. Either the agency and/or the caregiver calls the family to introduce herself.
4. Any problems, questions or last minute changes are handled by the Agency.

General Guidelines

Whenever you hire a babysitter - on the web or through a referral agency - prepare a list of household guidelines:

• How much TV is acceptable and how long the children can play videos games.
• Are there any restrictions on the kinds of programs and videos which are acceptable.
• What, when and where food is permitted.
• Bedtime routines.
• A list of emergency phone numbers.
• Where First Aid supplies are kept.
• Written authorization for a child to receive medication.
• Guidance on how families handle conflicts and set limits.
• Make certain your babysitter follows the Ten commandments of responsible care!

1. No personal visitors.
2. No smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illegal drugs.
3. Do not give any medication without specific authorization from the parent.
4. Do not take the children anywhere without permission from the parent.
5. Do not leave the children unattended for any reason.
6. Do not allow anyone to enter the house unless you have been told to expect him or her.
7. Respect the parents' privacy and only use household items they gave permission to use (e.g. computers).
8. Clean up after yourself and the children.
9. Spend less time on the telephone and more time playing.
10. Do not use the TV or videos as a substitute for having fun.

Those of us in the childcare business fully understand that busy parents need reliable and available childcare options. It is always a scary proposition leaving a child with a new childcare provider for the first time, whether screened through an agency or screened by a parent. The goal is the same: to find the right caregiver who will be loving, responsible, nurturing and mature.

Submitted by

Judi Merlin and Barbara Marcus
APNA Board Members