Why Do Some Nanny Agencies Charge Placement Fees? And Why It Produces Higher Quality Candidates.
One of the most common questions families ask is: "Why do nanny agencies charge placement fees when some agencies don't?"
The answer comes down to how agencies invest in the search, screening, and support process.
At our agency, placement fees allow us to spend significant time recruiting, interviewing, reference-checking, and carefully matching professional caregivers with families. We believe families deserve more than a list of available candidates—they deserve confidence that the person caring for their children has been thoroughly vetted and thoughtfully matched.
Some agencies operate under a different model and may earn their revenue primarily from caregivers rather than from families. While there is nothing inherently wrong with different business models, we have chosen to invest our resources in attracting experienced, professional nannies and providing a high-touch placement process.
Why Our Fee Structure Matters
We charge a placement fee to families rather than taking an ongoing portion of a nanny's earnings. We believe this creates a better experience for both families and caregivers.
Many experienced career nannies prefer opportunities where they can retain 100% of the compensation they negotiate with a family. When caregivers know their earnings will not be reduced by agency commissions or ongoing deductions, agencies may be better positioned to attract experienced professionals who view nannying as a long-term career.
Our goal is to create an environment where exceptional caregivers are eager to work with us because they know they will be fairly compensated for their skills, experience, and dedication.
What Our Placement Fee Covers
Our placement fee helps cover:
Comprehensive candidate screening
Detailed interviews and reference checks
Personalized family consultations
Matchmaking based on experience, personality, and family needs
Ongoing support throughout the hiring process
Replacement guarantees (if applicable)
Families are trusting someone with what matters most—their children. We believe that level of responsibility requires time, expertise, and a commitment to quality.
Questions Every Family Should Ask
When comparing agencies, we encourage families to ask:
How are candidates screened?
How many references are checked?
What qualifications are required?
How are caregivers compensated?
What support is provided during the hiring process?
Is there a replacement policy?
The lowest upfront cost is not always the lowest long-term cost. Finding the right nanny the first time can save families significant time, stress, and turnover.
Our goal has always been simple: provide families with exceptional caregivers and a hiring process they can trust.
