1. How long does the search process take?
2. How can we speed up the search process?
3. Can nannies be independent contractors?
4. Do you refer applicants to more than one family at a time?
5. Why use your agency rather than hire on our own?
6. What sets Nannies from the Heartland apart from other agencies?
7. Can two families share a nanny?
8. Are there education and/or certification programs for nannies?

1. How long does the search process take? Top of Page
   Our advice is to plan on a four to six week process starting with the in-home consultation. It may go faster if we have qualified applicants in the "pipeline" that are interested in your job. It may also extend to eight weeks or more if there are some things that make your more challenging to fill (consider hours, pay, duties, location, time of year, number and ages of children, etc.). In addition, most nannies want to give their current employer at least a two week notice - you would want the same consideration!

2. How can we speed up the search process? Top of Page
   There are some things that are beyond your control that affect the search process, such as where you live. But there are many things you can control. First of all, carefully consider our advice on setting compensation and benefits, hours and duties. Second, when we fax or mail you an applicant's file, call her quickly to set up an interview. These qualified applicants may have one to three offers within a few days after they interview with us.
   
   We have an excellent handout "Hiring a Nanny: How To Do It ASAP" with tips and insights into the search process. It is available for our client families at the time of the in-home consultation.

3. Can nannies be independent contractors? Top of Page
   In order to win your business, some agencies may tell you that you can choose to treat your nanny as an independent contractor. The IRS has ruled definitively that household workers are considered employees. If the family hiring a nanny has the right to control what must be done and when it is done, the nanny is an employee. To comply with the law, household workers must be paid and reported as employees. Household employers are entitled to tax breaks when they pay legally.

4. Do you refer applicants to more than one family at a time? Top of Page
   Yes. Just as families often want to interview several applicants, nannies want to interview with several families to find the best job for them.

5. Why use your agency rather than hire on our own? Top of Page
   Trust the experts. Your time is valuable and your family's security is critical.

   Nannies from the Heartland puts your mind at ease.  We are the experts in recruiting, screening and qualifying applicants. We provide you with detailed information prior to interviewing so you will feel comfortable and secure inviting qualified candidates into your home.

   Families that have previously hired nannies through local advertising or online services tell us they waste valuable time with many unqualified applicants and planning for interviews with candidates who don't show up.  Leave the hassle to us!

   Highly qualified nannies know it's to their advantage to work with our agency; we help them find prescreened employers who appreciate their unique talents.

   Finding the right fit for your family is of the utmost importance to us. That is why we offer a four month replacement guarantee on long term placements. Because of the extra effort and care to ensure a good match, our nannies typically stay with their employer families for 3 years or longer. Your children and family will benefit from the stability of a careful match made with the help of our professional agency.

   Choosing quality child care is one of the most important decisions in your life.  Let us help make your decision a confident and safe one!
   
   For those families that wish to find a nanny without the help of an agency, we offer some tips on Hiring a Nanny On Your Own.

6. What sets Nannies from the Heartland apart from other agencies? Top of Page
   Nannies from the Heartland is the Twin Cities most highly regarded agency placing prescreened, well qualified, thoroughly referenced and experienced child care professionals.  In addition to having an outstanding reputation in the community, extensive advertising and online presence is essential to having a good flow of qualified applicants. We are well respected by the nanny community, nannies feel good about working with us and they refer colleagues to our service.
   
   Ours is a full time, well staffed business rather than a part time, start-up effort. Over 31 local agencies have opened and closed since Nannies from the Heartland, Inc. was founded in 1990. We have the experience and stability that you can count on to do the best job possible for you.
   
   Mary O'Connor (owner of Nannies from the Heartland, Inc.) was the President of the International Nanny Association (INA) from 1997 to 1999 and served on the Board of Directors for ten years.  Thus, professional nannies and successful agency owners from around the country have demonstrated their trust and respect for Mary as a leader in this industry. Her extensive regular contacts with those colleagues are a tremendous source of knowledge and insight into this business. Mary is also a member of the Better Business Bureau, the Twin West Chamber of Commerce and the Twin Cities Professional Nannies. No other agency owner in the Twin Cities brings this degree of commitment, knowledge and experience to this business.

   Our placement counselors are experienced nannies, well educated, professionally trained and committed to providing excellent service.   Both Becky Kavanagh and Kelly Miller have been a part of our team for almost 10 years.  Additional office staff assist families and nannies with basic questions, take messages and perform clerical duties.

   
   See our "Choosing an Agency" page for a list of probing questions that nannies and families can ask of agencies to help you choose one to work with.

7. Can two families share a nanny? Top of Page
   Yes. We recommend that those families only consider applicants who have had extensive full time experience in child care. In addition, they should offer a salary at the top of the scale. It is generally more challenging for the nanny, and requires greater skill to work with two family employers. Such jobs need to be very carefully defined. We offer experienced guidance in developing your job description and defining job expectations for this unique employment situation.

8. Are there education and/or certification programs for nannies? Top of Page
   Over 50% of the nannies we place in jobs have two or four year degrees in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Family Social Sciences, Child Psychology or other child care related college coursework.  The International Nanny Association (INA) offers a credentialing exam for nannies. There are a few nanny training programs in different parts of the country. You can visit the INA's web site for more information (see our hot links page).

• FYI: Over 50% of the nannies placed with our service have a two or four year degree in a child specific field. The average placement longevity through our service is over three years. The average age of the nannies placed through our service is 41 years old.

The International Nanny Association provides these child care definitions: