What sets CAREWORKS apart from other nanny agencies?
We've heard over and over again that our personal service, attention to detail and professionalism are what make us stand out. We care about each person we represent.

What type of caregiver does CAREWORKS represent?
We specialize in long-term placement of full-time and part-time, live-in and live-out nannies, mother's helpers, after school care providers and household managers. They have all passed extensive background and reference checks and are CPR and First Aid Certified.

 

What does CAREWORKS look for in a nanny?
The most important quality we look for is age-appropriate experience and ability with children. We represent nannies who love working with children and who understand the important role they play in their development. Then we tailor our requirements to fit the specific preferences of the families we work with.

What type of people decide to be nannies?
Many of our nanny candidates are long-term candidates who have taken various levels of Early Childhood education courses and have decided that being a nanny is their ultimate career. Others are college graduates who have decided to work for a year or two before continuing their education. Typically, their future goal is to work in a more professional setting with children, such as education or health-care. Still others may have raised their own children and then decide to help another family raise theirs.

What do nannies do?
Job descriptions vary depending on the needs of the family and the preferences of the caregiver, but generally a nanny's primary responsibility is to enhance the physical, emotional, and social development of the children. Nannies also typically perform child-related housekeeping, cooking, and errands. A nanny/household manager typically has more household responsibilities and cares for older children. A mother's helper usually works under the direction of an at-home parent assisting with both child care and household tasks.

What is a typical nanny schedule?
Because so many parents in this area are adjusting their work schedule to be more family-friendly, there is really no one typical nanny schedule. Generally full-time nannies work 40 to 50 hours per week. Part-time nannies typically work between 15 and 35 hours per week in any combination of hours and days.

How does CAREWORKS match nannies and families?
We listen carefully to both parents and nannies in order to help them define the kind of situation that will best meet their needs. Our process includes an in-depth interview with each family and nanny we represent where we gather valuable information about philosophies and values. We also use innovative compatibility questionnaires that allow us to match personality and parenting styles.

How long does it usually take to find a nanny?
From 2 days to 2 months. Finding the perfect fit can take a while. It's best to start the process about 8 weeks before you actually need the nanny to begin working with you. If you find yourself in a more urgent time frame, we recommend arranging interim care (a temporary nanny or family member) so that you can take all the time you need to make the best decision for your child's long term care.

How much do nannies earn?
Caregiver salaries vary depending on the experience and education of the nanny, the job description, and location of the family's home. Generally, caregivers earn between $12 and $20 per hour, which is usually paid in the form of a guaranteed monthly wage which includes paid holidays, sick time and vacation.

Does CAREWORKS work with families that want to share a nanny?
Yes, we think nanny shares, if they're put together with care, can be very positive experiences for the families, the nannies and the children involved.

Is the nanny a CAREWORKS employee?
No, CAREWORKS is a consultation and referral service. The nanny becomes the employee of the family, and is paid directly by them. We do provide ongoing support to both the nanny and the family during your relationship, and are happy to be a resource for any questions or concerns that come up.

Who pays for this service?
Nannies do not pay any fee to be represented by CAREWORKS, it is paid by the family.

Will we have a contract?
In order to start the relationship off on the right foot, CAREWORKS facilitates and customizes a written agreement that details the nanny's job description, responsibilities, schedule, salary, and benefits, as well as the length of the agreement and terms of termination.

What is the average length of employment?
Typically, employment agreements are drawn up for a 1-year period, and at that point both the family and the nanny have the opportunity to reevaluate the terms of employment. Many relationships last for several years.

What if the relationship doesn't work out?
We encourage both nannies and families to keep looking until they are sure they have found the right situation. And we always include a working trial period to insure that they have found a good fit. But if the relationship doesn't work out, we are there to support both the nanny and the family through the transition.

What percentage of placements don't work out?
A very low percentage! Only about 5% of our placements do not last for at least a year. And in most cases, it's due to a change in the circumstances of either the family or the nanny-not because of a problem with compatibility or performance.

How does the 1-year guarantee work?
At any time within the first year of employment, if the family terminates the agreement because the nanny has not lived up to their expectations, CAREWORKS will work again at no fee to help them find a replacement.

 

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