Shima
0 comments 23.06.2015
Summer officially began yesterday, but many parents are now questioning how they can possibly keep their children entertained while they are at work. Parents in the South Bay don’t have to look very far with the help of
Nanny Matchmaker.
Nanny Matchmaker LA, is a Los Angeles based business formed to give parents in Los Angeles a new option when seeking a caregiver for their family. Nanny Matchmakers is a team of professional nannies who have seen firsthand how important the right family/nanny match is. Unlike many agencies, they do not attempt to determine who your nanny should be. Instead, they work alongside you through the entire nanny search and hiring process to find you a perfect match!
Nanny Matchmaker LA was founded by two LA based nannies, Ashley Reed and Nicola Magrath. The two met in a park one morning when they were working as nannies in West Hollywood. The two hit it off, and began discussing how to take all their experience as professional nannies, and their love for children to create a new more effective way to assist and support families and caregivers across the city.
Nanny Matchmaker LA offers a variety of services. Parents and caregivers can visit theirwebsite for more details.
I was able to speak with Nanny Matchmaker founder, Magrath, who shared with me specific details of what makes her company so unique from other companies.
“What are some tips you would give for families who are looking to hire a nanny for the first time?”
Magrath: “Before you begin the interview process determine what you need and want from a caregiver. It’s best to know how many hours per week you will need a babysitter, nanny or parents helper. It’s also great to know what you expect your caregivers weekly schedule will be, and the pay you will be able to offer. Try to give yourself many weeks, even months to find the right fit for your family. Finding the perfect caregiver is possible but it can take time to ensure that you find the right fit for you family.
In addition determine ahead of time how a nanny can best partner with your family. Write down the role you envision your nanny will play in your family and establish the expectations you have for your caregiver, both immediately and long term.
Finally, understand that by hiring a caregiver you are hiring an employee. You can pay your caregiver daily, weekly or bi-weekly, however, remember you must pay your caregiver at least minimum wage. All household employees should be paid on the books and all hours must be fairly compensated for. After you’ve found the perfect caregiver for your family, keep that caregiver when possible. As in other jobs consider perks, and incentives you can offer to your nanny or parents helper to keep them feeling valued and as though they are a vital and cherished part of your family.”
“What are parent’s greatest concerns?”
Magrath: “It’s not uncommon for families to require or want a caregiver. The greatest concern most parents have is how to find an experienced, responsible and trustworthy person to care for their children. Nanny Matchmaker LA was formed to give parents across Los Angeles a new way of finding the perfect match for their family. A caregiver who will partner with parents to ensure that the child in their care is physically, emotionally, and intellectually healthy. A caregiver who assists parents and assists the family in a way that makes the household run smoothly and efficiently.”
“How is Nanny Matchmaker different than other services?”
Magrath: “Nanny Matchmaker LA is not a nanny agency! Nanny Matchmaker LA was formed to give parents in Los Angeles a new option when seeking a caregiver for their family. Our Matchmakers are also professional nannies who have seen first hand how important the right family/nanny match is. Unlike many agencies we don’t attempt to determine who your nanny should be. Instead, we work alongside you through the entire nanny search and hiring process to find you a perfect match.”
How much are the charges?
Our prices vary based on the type of caregiver a family is seeking to employ.
How do you match Nanny’s?
Magrath: “We get to know you each nanny. We learn what it is they are looking for in an employer/family. We dig deep to understand their needs to make sure we match them perfectly with our clients. Before we recommend any caregiver to we require everyone to go through a thorough screening process. Lastly we make sure you are fully aware of your legal rights and ‘nanny’ tax requirements.
We also offer: Nanny Training Days, caregiver screening workshops, nanny mediation, babysitting services, and other custom tools designed by Nanny Matchmaker LA to assist both caregivers and families during the search, interview and hiring process.
Every nanny we meet goes through a thorough screening process. We meet every nanny in person. Upon hire every caregiver is run through Trustline (a federal background check, mandatory for caregivers in the state of California). We also require all caregivers to have current CPR/First Aid certification and outstanding professional childcare related experience and references.”
“What kind of services do the Nanny’s provide?
Magrath: “A nanny is responsible for all of the care surrounding a child. A nanny partners with a family and is involved with the growth & development, as well as, the overall well-being of the children they care for. A nanny is often a form of household employee who agrees to the terms of a contract upon hire. A nanny typically works a set amount of hours per week; either part time or full time. In most cases a nanny works on a salary rather than for an hourly wage. Most families offer a nanny perks and incentives including: vacation time, paid sick days and annual pay raises.
What areas does the company cover?
“While we are based out of West Hollywood, CA we strive to help families and caregivers across Los Angeles.”
For more information visit www.nannymatchmakerla.com or
Instagram: @nannymatchmakerla
Facebook: @nannymatchmakerla
Twitter: @nannymatchla
