Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know

How long does it take to find a nanny?

Each situation is different, and the availability and interest of nannies and sitters will vary based on your specific requirements, including the hours and type of care needed. While our primary role is to facilitate the search process and connect you with an excellent match, we cannot guarantee immediate availability. Typically, the search and matching process takes approximately 4 to 5 weeks, although it may extend beyond this timeframe. To maximize your chances of finding the right fit, we recommend initiating your search 6+ weeks in advance of your childcare needs.

Our service may not be suitable for families requiring immediate childcare, as we do not maintain a pool of candidates available for instant placement. Each search is tailored to your family’s unique needs. However, we can accommodate rush searches, on a case-by-case basis, with an applicable rush fee. For further details, please refer to our pricing page. Please note that not all rush searches will result in a successful immediate placement.

How much does it cost to use Nanny Search?

Our pricing is designed to be simple and transparent. Visit our Pricing page for current packages and fees.

How much does a nanny cost?

Professional nanny compensation varies based on experience, schedule, responsibilities, and location. For a full breakdown of current market rates and what families should expect to budget, visit our Childcare Investment page.

Our Candidate Standards

At Nanny Search LLC, all candidates presented to families:

Have 2+ years of childcare experience
Are comfortable caring for children independently
Provide professional references
Complete Pennsylvania state clearances prior to employment
Hold a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID

Candidates must be at least 16 years old to be considered for placement through Nanny Search.

What if you can't find us a nanny?

If we are unable to find a suitable match for your family by your desired start date and you choose to discontinue our search, you will have only paid your non-refundable deposit and owe us nothing further.

However, please note that we do not stop the search process unless instructed to do so by your family. We strive to provide up to four candidates per search and continue sourcing until we reach this maximum or until you inform us that our services are no longer needed. We ask families to keep us informed throughout the process, especially if there are any changes in details or circumstances.

What if our nanny quits?

Great question! While it can be challenging when a nanny decides to leave, we understand that sometimes life happens. It’s important to be realistic about these situations. Here’s how we can assist you:

If it’s been less than 30 days: We’re here to help! Just let us know what’s going on, and we’ll repost your job and begin the search for new candidates immediately.
If your nanny or sitter quits unexpectedly between 30 and 60 days: We can assist with a new search for an additional finder's fee of $100.
If it’s been more than 60 days: We’re happy to support you again, but we will need to process a new non-refundable deposit and finder's fee. Since a significant amount of time has passed, we will essentially be starting from scratch.

Disclaimer: Nanny Search LLC does not provide binding contracts. A nanny or sitter is free to leave any job, just as your family has the right to terminate a nanny or sitter if things don’t work out. Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, which means that employers can terminate employees at any time, without cause, as long as they don't violate the law. Employees can also resign at any time, for any reason.

What if we're not satisfied with the nanny we hired?

It's important to remember that interviewing a nanny is different from seeing them in action with your children. Sometimes, candidates may seem ideal but don’t turn out to be the right fit. If you find yourself unhappy with your nanny or babysitter, you have the option to let them go and restart your search. Here’s how we can assist you:

If your nanny has worked for you for 30 days or less: We’re happy to help you conduct a confidential search for a replacement at no additional charge.
If your nanny has worked for you for between 30 and 60 days: We can assist with a new confidential search for an additional finder's fee of $100.
If it’s been more than 60 days: We’re still here to help, but we will need to process a new non-refundable deposit and finder's fee, as we’ll be starting the search from the beginning.
If you hired an occasional sitter through Nanny Search LLC and only used them once or twice: We’re glad to help you find someone else at no additional charge.

Disclaimer: Please note that Nanny Search LLC does not handle the termination of nannies or sitters; this responsibility lies with the family. There is no binding contract for nannies or sitters obtained through Nanny Search LLC. Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, which means employers can terminate employees at any time without cause, as long as they comply with the law. Employees can also resign at any time, for any reason.

Do you perform background checks?

Yes. As part of our placement standards, all candidates hired through Nanny Search are required to obtain current Pennsylvania state clearances dated within the past six months.

The required clearances include:

Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Check
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
FBI Criminal History Check (Fingerprint-Based)

Rather than requiring every candidate to obtain these clearances before they're matched with a family, Nanny Search begins the clearance process once a family has decided to move forward with hiring a candidate. This helps ensure candidates aren't paying for new clearances until they have a confirmed employment opportunity.

Families are responsible for the cost of the required clearances. Many families choose to reimburse the candidate after the clearances are successfully completed and employment begins.

How does the nanny search process work?

For a detailed overview of our matching process, please visit the 'Services' page. This service is ideal for families with flexible timelines, as the search, screening, and hiring process typically takes at least four weeks. If you need childcare sooner, we offer a 'Rush Search' package on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for approval and further details.

What happens after I hire a nanny?

Congratulations! Once you've hired a nanny or babysitter through Nanny Search, your search is officially complete. From there, you'll work directly with your caregiver to establish your ongoing working relationship.

If any concerns arise after your nanny or babysitter begins employment, we're here to help. Please review our other FAQs regarding replacement searches or contact us directly to discuss your situation.

Each placement fee covers one successful nanny or babysitter placement. If your family is looking to hire an additional caregiver for a separate role—such as a full-time nanny and a date-night babysitter—a separate search and placement fee will apply.

Please note that Nanny Search LLC does not provide employment contracts, negotiate compensation, process payroll, or manage the ongoing employment relationship between families and caregivers. Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, meaning either party may end the employment relationship at any time, in accordance with applicable law.