Questions & Answers Important to Parents

By A Better Way Nanny Referral | Trusted Nanny Agency for over 30 years | Placing Experienced, loving Nannies with Professional Families

Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. As a professional nanny agency, we hear the same questions from parents again and again. Below are our straightforward answers to the questions parents ask most when they want to hire a nanny, find reliable in-home childcare, or understand how a nanny placement agency works and what to expect from a top tier agency like ours.

What does a nanny agency do?

As an overview, a nanny agency finds, screens, and matches qualified caregivers with families. Instead of sorting through hundreds of online profiles yourself, an agency handles the recruiting, initial screening, interviews, thorough nanny background checks, reference verification, and matching based on your family's schedule, parenting style, and budget. The result is a shorter search, much less frustration, and a stronger, long-term fit.

How much does a nanny cost?

Nanny pay depends on experience, number of children, duties, educations and certifications, and your location. Full-time nannies are typically paid an hourly rate with guaranteed hours and higher rates for infant specialists, newborn care specialists, multiple children, and added duties like meal prep or tutoring. Families should also budget for payroll taxes, overtime, paid time off, and possible bonuses. Contact A Better Way Nanny Referral for a personalized nanny cost estimate.

What is your process?  

Our Complete Service Package – Proven for over 30 years.  We only have one process and it’s premium for every family we help.  

•  Initial conversation covering your family’s needs (the hours, responsibilities, etc.)

• We do everything at once!  Running ads specific to your family, contacting nannies on our roster, and e-mailing other nannies for referrals.

• Candidates are interviewed and an initial screening (background checks) are run.

• When we have candidates we will present them to you.  We share a current resume and bio written by the nanny so you get to know her, personally.  Of course, we will answer any questions you may have.

• We arrange the interview at a convenient time for parents and nanny.

• Following up takes place within 48 hours (depending on parents availability). 

• We are happy to schedule a second interview.  Some parents want to have the nanny come over for a couple of hours and we will make the arrangements.

• The work agreement we have also serves as an offer letter so that the nanny is clear about the terms.  

• We have a solid referral for the payroll processing so you won’t need to research for that source, either.

• The final background check is more comprehensive with a criminal history, Bureau of Motor Vehicles and sexual offender registry check, social security number, and auto insurance confirmation, and references. 

• We will check in with you at the 60 and 90 day mark to see if there are any issues or questions we can help with.  

• Our guarantee is a full year after the start date.  

How do you screen and vet your nannies?

Every candidate goes through a thorough, multi-step vetting process:

• Identity verification and criminal background check

• Driving record review

• In-depth interviews and childcare experience review

• Verified professional references

• CPR and First Aid Certification confirmation

• Skills and childcare philosophy assessment

This process helps ensure every trusted, vetted nanny we present is qualified and safe for your child.  

Why is a nanny better than daycare?

A nanny provides one-on-one care in your own home, flexible hours, consistent routines, and care for children who are sick.  Professional families who have busy lives often prefer a situation that molds to their life instead of having to work with a daycare’s schedule.

What types of nannies are available?

Most families choose from these common options:

• Full-time nanny: Consistent weekday care, often 40 or more hours a week

• Part-time nanny: Care for set days or after-school hours

• Live-in nanny: A caregiver who resides in your home

• Nanny share: Two families share one nanny and split the cost

• Newborn care specialist: Infant care, sleep support, and new-parent guidance

• Summer nanny: Seasonal care when school is out

  
  

What qualifications should a good nanny have?

Look for verified childcare experience, current CPR and First Aid Certification, a clean background check, strong references, and a communication style that matches your family. Many top candidates also have early childhood education coursework, experience with infants or special needs, bilingual skills, or a valid driver's license. A great nanny is also warm, dependable, and proactive.

How long does it take to find a nanny?

Working with a professional nanny agency typically shortens the process significantly compared to searching on your own.  The placement timeline varies based on your household requirements (full-time, part-time, live-in, or temporary care), where you live, and time of year. Generally, a thorough candidate sourcing, vetting, and interview process takes anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. We advertise consistently and have new candidates every week. Agencies offering instant matches often skip essential background verification steps.  Reach out as soon as you know you'll need care; this way you have time to feel completely comfortable in your choice.  

What are nanny taxes and do I need a contract?

Well, the IRS has a lot to say about care for children; a nanny is a household employee, which means families are responsible for payroll tax obligations. We provide a written nanny contract (Nanny-Family Employment Agreement) that covers hours, pay, duties, paid time off, sick days, guaranteed hours, and house rules. A clear contract prevents misunderstandings and protects both sides. We guide every family through the process and  will provide you with a referral for the taxes.    

What if the nanny isn't a good fit? 

Even strong matches sometimes need adjusting. We check in 30 and 60 days after placement to help families and nannies communicate early and resolve small issues before they grow.  Even with this, occasionally a nanny doesn’t work out.  Recently we realized just how anxious parents are in this search and wanted to find a way to help.  We decided to extend our guarantee to one full year so you are assured of a process that protects you.

Are your nannies certified in CPR and First Aid?

Yes. Every candidate we place must be or become Infant, Child, and CPR and First Aid certified.  We will parallel process with the nanny during her hiring process.

Do nannies pay a fee to the agency?  

No, nannies do not pay A Better Way Nanny Referral, ever.

Do you check social media for nannies information?  

Social media is ever changing; we look for our nannies on FaceBook and InstaGram.  There are other platforms and some provide instant deleting of a post.  While we can’t check them all, we do want to see what they are posting publicly.

Do you place nannies for work-from-home parents?

Yes! Work-from-home dynamics require clear boundaries and a strong team approach. We specifically screen for candidates who thrive in these environments, know how to manage parental separation anxiety (if it exists) during the day, and maintain structured routines without distraction.

How do you handle non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or privacy concerns for sensitive households?

Privacy is paramount to all of our families. We frequently work with high-profile families, executives, and privacy-conscious parents. We can provide our families with Non Disclosure Agreements.

What are the most common benefits families offer?

• Paid time off (PTO): Typically, one to two weeks of paid vacation per year plus state holidays.  

• Guaranteed hours: Paying for agreed-upon hours even when the family cancels or travels gives nannies financial stability.

• Paid overtime: Time-and-a-half for hours beyond 40 per week is legally required in most cases.

• Annual raises and bonuses: A cost-of-living raise each year and a holiday or year-end bonus (often one to two weeks’ pay) show appreciation.

• Health insurance contribution: Some families cover part or all of a premium or provide a monthly stipend toward coverage.  This is a benefit that is generally added after the nanny has worked with the family for one or more years.

Ready to Find the Right Nanny for Your Family?

Whether you need a full-time nanny, a nanny share, a newborn care specialist, or part-time childcare, A Better Way Nanny Referral makes the search easier. Our personalized matching process connects families with experienced, loving, and reliable nannies who fit their needs.

Contact A Better Way Nanny Referral today to schedule a free consultation and start your nanny search.

 317-251-9533 | LMP@abetterwaynanny.net | abetterwaynanny.net | Serving families in  Carmel, Fishers, Indianapolis, Zionsville and we proudly serve the entire state of Indiana