Last year, I chose to finish up my education degree. I was on the last leg of it, which meant I needed to be in the classroom full time for field experiences and student teaching. I’d be gone a regular workday Monday through Friday, not something I was accustomed to after having my children.
I had to find childcare – a place or someone I felt comfortable with and trusted. I looked into various options, and after visiting many daycare facilities and talking with inhome providers, I decided I would feel most comfortable hiring a nanny. I chose this route because I wanted my children to be in their own home, a place of familiarity and comfort. I also liked the idea of a nanny because my children would get the one-on-one attention they were used to from me.
Ugh! I thought it was going to be a daunting task, but there are places that make it easy for you, such as East Wind Nannies. I asked the lovely Jessica Polsdorfer, Columbus Director of East Wind Nannies, if she would write a little something up about her company and offer some advice to those of you looking into hiring a nanny. And, away we go…
Choosing a nanny is one of the most important decisions that a parent can make. However, many parents are left completely baffled about where to begin the nanny search process. If this sounds like you, a nanny placement agency may be just what you need.
According to East Wind Nannies, a full service nanny agency, strong relationships between families and nannies provide the essential foundation for quality, highly attentive childcare. Columbus Director, Jessica Polsdorfer has experience as both a nanny and a teacher and understands the value of competance, caring and commitment in a childcare provider and has a passion for helping children reach their fullest potential.
What is a Nanny Placement Agency?
Nanny Placement Agencies specialize in providing families with the highest quality childcare, and creating long lasting 
relationships between families and caregivers. by first establishing a relationship with your family. The right agency will get to know you and your needs and help determine what you are looking for in a nanny, in order to create a seamless match.
The job of a nanny agency is to make your nanny search as easy as possible by taking the burden off of you. Typically, parents would have the time consuming responsibility of searching for and interviewing multiple candidates who may not be a good fit for the position. When working with an agency, they search for, pre screen and interview all nanny candidates as well as run background, work history, and references checks for you.
An agency will also help you with all necessary paperwork, contracts and any negotiations. Many agencies also have tax and payroll services available to parents.
Benefits of Using a Nanny Agency
- The assurance that you are hiring a top notch, professional nanny who is recommended by a trusted childcare expert.
- Accountability for your nanny.
- Resources for both you and your nanny such as helpful articles, tax help, and training seminars.
- Support before, during and after the placement to assure that everything continues to run smoothly.
The Difference Between a Nanny and a Babysitter
Many times the titles of “nanny” and “babysitter” are used synonymously, however they possess very few similarities.
- A babysitter’s responsibility typically lies strictly in watching and interacting with the children, whereas a nanny may have additional duties such as laundry, dishes, running errands, etc., and also contributes to the emotional and educational well being of the children.
- Babysitters are typically paid hourly and are hired on an “as needed” basis, whereas a nanny may be paid an hourly wage or salary, but typically has a set schedule and set amount of hours that she is compensated for as well as additional paid vacation, sick time, etc.
- A babysitter is considered an independant contractor, whereas a nanny is considered a household employee of the parents.
- A babysitter typically considers babysitting as an extra activity or income source, whereas a nanny views the position as her career and treats it as such.
- A babysitter may develop a friendship with the children, but a nanny develops a long lasting bond with children due to the amount of the time that she spends with them.
For more information, check the East Wind Nannies website or call them at 614-256-8235.
