Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions for Families & Private Employers
Hiring a household professional — whether a nanny, newborn care specialist, private educator, family assistant, or household manager — is a significant decision.
Below are answers to the most common questions families ask about working with Hello Nanny!. If you don’t see your question here, our team is happy to help.
Is Hello Nanny!® a nanny agency near me?
Hello Nanny offers services across the United States, connecting families and professionals nationwide. Our network spans major metropolitan areas, suburban regions, and rural communities, ensuring we can meet your needs regardless of location. Our nationwide reach allows families access to a wider pool of candidates.
How much does it cost to hire a household professional?
Hello Nanny! works with families nationwide.
Some roles may involve travel, relocation, or multiple residences. Availability depends on candidate interest and role requirements.
What are guaranteed hours, and do they apply to all roles?
Compensation depends on several factors, including:
- Role type (nanny, newborn care specialist, educator, household manager, etc.)
- Location and cost of living
- Experience, credentials, and scope of responsibility
- Schedule structure (full‑time, part‑time, rotational, live‑in)
Our team provides guidance on competitive, compliant compensation based on your specific needs.
Do I have to employ household staff legally?
Guaranteed hours mean a household professional is paid for their agreed‑upon schedule even if all hours are not used. This practice: Provides income stability Supports professional employment relationships Applies to many full‑time and part‑time roles Guaranteed hours may look different for rotational, live‑in, or specialized positions, and we’ll guide you through role‑specific structures.
How much does a nanny cost?
Compensation depends on several factors, including:
- Location and cost of living
- Role type and schedule
- Experience and qualifications
- Responsibilities and expectations
Our team provides guidance on competitive, compliant compensation during your search.
How long does the hiring process take?
Timelines vary depending on:
- The role type and level of specialization
- Schedule, location, and scope of responsibilities
- Candidate availability and alignment
Some searches move quickly and we have placed as quickly as 2 weeks, while others take more time to ensure the right long‑term fit. Hello Nanny! prioritizes quality, professionalism, and alignment over speed.
Do you help with contracts, payroll, and onboarding?
Yes.
Hello Nanny! provides guidance around:
- Employment agreements and role expectations
- Payroll setup and compliance best practices
- Onboarding considerations for household employees
While we don’t act as legal or payroll providers, we help families understand their responsibilities and available options.
What types of household professionals do you place?
Hello Nanny! places a wide range of household roles, including:
- Part‑time and full‑time nannies
- Live‑in nannies and au pair referrals
- Newborn nannies, night nannies, and ROTA roles
- Family assistants and household managers
- Private educators and homeschool nannies
Availability varies by location, timing, and family needs.
What Type of Placements Hello Nanny!® Handles
Hello Nanny!® specializes in placing highly skilled professionals in a variety of roles, including:
- Full-Time & Part-Time Nannies: Providing attentive and reliable childcare tailored to your family’s schedule.
- Family Assistants: Combining childcare with household management to keep your home running smoothly.
- Household Managers: Overseeing daily household operations, including scheduling, organization, and staff management.
- Chefs: Preparing nutritious and delicious meals customized to your family’s preferences.
- Newborn Care Nannies: Experienced caregivers specializing in the unique needs of newborns.
- Newborn Care Specialists (NCS): Experts in infant care, offering guidance and support during the first critical months.
- Live-In Nannies: On-site caregivers providing convenience and accessibility.
- Temporary or Short-Term Nannies: Ideal for seasonal needs or transitional periods.
We pride ourselves on creating custom matches to meet the specific needs of families, ensuring safety, reliability, and exceptional care.
What does the Concierge Service include?
Our Concierge Service is a hands-free experience that saves you time and ensures you’re matched with top-tier professionals. It includes:
- Candidate sourcing through active recruitment efforts.
- Comprehensive pre-screening and interviews to determine fit.
- Comprehensive vetting, including a detailed background check, social media audit, and reference checks.
- Tailored matches based on your family’s unique needs and values.
- Placement of live-in nannies, live-out nannies, travel nannies, newborn care specialists, family assistants, and household managers.
What is the typical search time for a Hello Nanny!®?
The placement process typically takes 2 to 8 weeks, though the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the position and specific family requirements. At Hello Nanny, we take an active and hands-on approach to recruiting, which includes cold calling, sourcing, advertising your position, leveraging referrals, and tapping into our extensive network of experienced candidates.
While we have successfully placed candidates as quickly as 2 weeks, other placements requiring specialized qualifications or unique circumstances may take longer, sometimes even a few months.
Our priority is ensuring a perfect match for your family. By dedicating the time and effort to thoroughly vet candidates and customize the search, we deliver thoughtful and reliable placements. Rest assured, we are committed to finding the best possible professional for your family, no matter how long it takes.
Can I upgrade services if I start with BYOC or DIY?
Yes! Some families start with our Job Advertisement service and then decide within a few weeks that they prefer to let our team do the search for them. As long as you upgrade within 30 days, we will apply your initial payment toward the upgraded service. This allows families to customize their level of support as their needs evolve.
What happens if the placement doesn’t work out? Do you offer a replacement policy?
Yes, we have a replacement guarantee with our Concierge Packages to ensure your satisfaction. If the placement doesn’t work out within the agreed-upon timeframe, we will work with you to find a new candidate at no additional cost or a reduced fee, depending on the circumstances and service agreement.
Is our nanny properly screened, how can I tell?
Our background checks are thorough and designed to ensure the safety and security of your family. The process includes:
- National Criminal Database Search: To identify any criminal records or offenses.
- County-Level Criminal Records Search: A deep dive into records from the counties where the candidate has lived.
- Sex Offender Registry Check: To confirm the candidate is not listed on any registries.
- DMV Driving Record Check (if applicable): To ensure a clean driving history.
- Social Security Number Trace: To verify the candidate’s identity and address history.
- Social Media Audit: A review of the candidate’s online presence to ensure professionalism and alignment with your family’s values.
- Reference Checks: To confirm experience, reliability, and work ethic.
- TrustLine Certification: For California placements, verifying candidates meet the state’s highest safety standards.
This comprehensive vetting process provides families with peace of mind.
Where to hire a nanny?
How do you screen household professionals?
How to hire a nanny?
Our screening process may include: Application and experience review Interviews and professional reference checks Credential verification when applicable Candidates are evaluated for professionalism, experience, and alignment — not just availability.
How do you hire a nanny?
At Hello Nanny, we take a proactive and comprehensive approach to finding the perfect nanny for your family. Our process goes beyond simply matching you with candidates from a database. Here’s how we do it:
Active Recruiting:
We actively recruit candidates by cold calling, sourcing, and advertising your position to reach highly qualified professionals who may not be actively searching but are an excellent fit for your family.Leveraging Referrals:
Our extensive network allows us to tap into trusted referrals from past placements, industry professionals, and our existing community of experienced nannies.Targeted Sourcing:
We identify candidates who meet your specific needs, focusing on skills, experience, and personality traits that align with your family’s values and lifestyle.Pre-Vetted Network:
We also utilize our database of thoroughly vetted professionals who have already passed our rigorous screening process.
From start to finish, we handle the heavy lifting—sourcing, vetting, scheduling interviews, and conducting background checks—so you can focus on meeting only the most qualified candidates. Our goal is to ensure a seamless process and find a nanny who will truly become part of your family.
How to hire a good nanny?
Hiring a good nanny requires a thoughtful and thorough process to ensure the candidate fits your family’s unique needs and values. At Hello Nanny, we specialize in making this process seamless and stress-free for families. Here’s how to hire a good nanny:
Define Your Needs:
Start by identifying what you’re looking for in a nanny. Consider the schedule, responsibilities, personality traits, and skills that align with your family’s values and lifestyle. This clarity is essential for finding the right match.Work with a Trusted Agency:
Partnering with an experienced agency like Hello Nanny ensures access to a pool of pre-vetted, highly qualified candidates. We take the burden off your shoulders by handling recruiting, sourcing, and vetting.Screen and Vet Candidates:
A good nanny must have the right qualifications, experience, and references. At Hello Nanny, we conduct in-depth interviews, verify references, and perform comprehensive background checks to ensure safety and reliability.Conduct Interviews and Trials:
Meet candidates in person (or virtually) to assess their personality, communication style, and compatibility with your family. A working trial is a great way to observe how the nanny interacts with your children in real-life situations.Prioritize Compatibility:
Beyond qualifications, a good nanny should feel like a natural fit for your family. Look for someone who shares your parenting values, communicates effectively, and connects with your children on a personal level.Provide Clear Expectations:
Once you’ve found the right nanny, set clear expectations regarding duties, schedule, and boundaries. Open communication from the start builds a strong foundation for a successful working relationship.
At Hello Nanny, we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you find a nanny who is not only good but great for your family. Our personalized approach guarantees a placement that meets your needs and gives you peace of mind.
How much does it cost to hire a nanny?
The cost of hiring a nanny depends on factors like location, experience, duties, and the number of children. It’s a complex calculation influenced by supply and demand. At Hello Nanny, we’ve revolutionized the industry with our fixed-fee model, eliminating conflicts of interest and providing honest feedback to position your family to secure top talent.
As a nationwide agency, we have a constant pulse on market trends and rates, ensuring your family is well-informed. Nanny compensation varies, and we’ll guide you through understanding current market dynamics to find the best fit for your needs.
Contact us to learn more about hiring a nanny and navigating market rates!
What Should I Consider When Hiring a Nanny, Family Assistant, or Household Staff?
How to Find a Good Nanny, Family Assistant, or Household Manager Near You
Finding the perfect nanny, family assistant, or household manager doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these expert tips:
- Partner with a Nationwide Nanny Agency: Trusted agencies like Hello Nanny!® specialize in recruiting and vetting top-tier candidates, connecting families with the best talent across the U.S.
- Define Your Needs: Clearly outline the responsibilities, schedule, and qualifications you’re looking for to attract the right candidate.
- Leverage Local Knowledge with National Reach: Nationwide agencies combine local market insights with expansive candidate networks to find the perfect match in your area.
- Ensure Thorough Vetting: A reputable agency handles background checks, references, and personality assessments to ensure safety and compatibility.
- Prioritize Compatibility: Beyond skills, the right hire should align with your family’s values, culture, and long-term vision.
Hello Nanny!® simplifies the process, saving you time and effort while ensuring you find the best fit for your family
What does a nanny placement agency do?
At Hello Nanny!®, we take the time to understand your family’s unique needs and preferences to match you with the ideal candidate. With access to an exclusive network of over 4,000 pre-vetted nannies and family assistants, we also recruit beyond our network—leveraging referrals from trusted professionals to find top talent.
Our expert team handles sourcing, vetting, and matching, ensuring you receive the best candidates. With proven tools, resources, and personalized support, we’ve helped hundreds of families find reliable household professionals.
How do families get started?
The first step is to connect with our team so we can learn more about your household needs and determine whether we’re the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions for Candidates
Applying through a professional nanny and household staffing agency may feel different than using a job board or applying directly to families.
Below are answers to the most common questions candidates ask about working with Hello Nanny!. If you don’t see your question here, our team is happy to help.
How can I expect to benefit from working with your agency?
At Hello Nanny!®, we are committed to supporting nannies and family assistants by upholding the highest industry standards:
- Legal Pay & W-2 Employment: We ensure families provide proper legal pay and employment status.
- Competitive Market Rates: You’ll receive compensation that reflects your skills and experience.
- Guaranteed Hours: Enjoy stability with clearly defined, guaranteed working hours.
- Clear Work Agreements: Families commit to transparent and detailed agreements to set expectations.
- Family Education: We educate families on industry standards, so you don’t have to.
With Hello Nanny!®, you can focus on your career while we handle the rest.
Does joining the Hello, Nanny!® network cost anything?
No, our services are completely free for nannies and household professionals. We are committed to supporting your career and connecting you with families that align with your goals.
Who pays me?
The family does. While we don’t manage payroll directly, we provide resources and referrals to trusted payroll service providers who specialize in household employment. We also offer guides to help families navigate tax compliance and legal obligations so that candidates can have peace of mind for on time payments.
What are the requirements to become a Hello Nanny!®?
To join our network of professional nannies, candidates must meet the following qualifications:
- Legal Status: Must be a U.S. citizen or have valid visa documentation.
- Childcare Experience: Minimum of 3 years of recent childcare experience, with at least 1 year as a professional nanny in a private home.
- Education: High school diploma required (college degree preferred).
- Non-Smoker: Candidates must be non-smokers.
- References: Provide impeccable references from all employers within the past 3-5 years.
- Background Check: Must pass an extensive background check.
- Driving Record: Maintain a clean driving record.
- Certifications: Must be CPR and First Aid certified.
- Vaccinations: Up-to-date TB and Tdap vaccinations required.
- Driving Requirements: Must have a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and insurance for roles requiring driving.
- Commitment: Willing to commit to a minimum of 1 year for full-time, long-term positions.
- California Nannies: Must obtain Trustline certification upon hire.
If you meet these qualifications, we’d love to help you find your perfect placement!
Do I need certifications to apply?
No. There is no legal requirement for nannies to hold certifications in the United States.
That said, CPR and First Aid certification (infant, child, and adult) is required to join the Hello Nanny! network. Additional certifications or training may be relevant depending on the role, but experience, professionalism, and fit matter just as much as credentials.
Is placement guaranteed if I apply?
No. Applying does not guarantee placement.
Hello Nanny! prioritizes quality, aligned placements over volume hiring. Placement timing depends on experience, location, availability, and current family needs.
Some candidates are placed quickly, while others may wait for the right opportunity.
Where do you place candidates?
We place a range of career‑level household roles, including: Part‑time and full‑time nannies Live‑in nannies and au pair referrals Newborn nannies, night nannies, and ROTA roles Family assistants and household managers Private educators and homeschool nannies Not all roles are available in every location at all times.
What are the requirements to become a Hello Nanny!®?
Hello Nanny! works with families nationwide. Available positions depend on location, timing, and family needs. Some roles may require relocation, travel, or specific schedule flexibility.
How does the placement process work?
Our placement process is recruiter‑led and intentional. In general, the process includes: Application review Screening and interviews (when appropriate) Thoughtful matching and candidate presentation Family interviews Offer and placement support.
How long does placement usually take?
Placement timing varies. Factors that impact timing include: Experience and role type Schedule and availability Location Family preferences There is no set timeline, and not all candidates are placed immediately.
Do families have to employ legally?
Yes. All families working with Hello Nanny! are required to: Employ legally as W‑2 employers Pay above‑board compensation Follow compliant payroll and employment practices We qualify families just as carefully as candidates, so you don’t have to advocate for these standards yourself.
Will I work directly with a recruiter?
Yes. Hello Nanny! is not a self‑serve job board. Our recruiters guide the process, support thoughtful matching, and help ensure expectations are clear on both sides.
Can I apply if I’m currently employed?
Yes. Many candidates apply while currently working and transition when the right opportunity arises. Timing and availability will be discussed during the process.
What if a role isn’t the right fit?
Fit matters.
Not every role is right for every candidate, and not every match moves forward — by design. Our goal is long‑term success, not fast or forced placements.
Do you charge candidates any fees?
No.
Hello Nanny! does not charge candidates placement fees.
How do candidates get started?
If you’re an experienced household professional seeking ethical, recruiter‑led placements, the best next step is to apply.
Apply to Join the Hello Nanny! Network
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