Frequently Asked Questions

The timeline varies depending on the type of care you need. For babysitting and temporary child care, we can often have someone in place very quickly. For positions that span several weeks or months, expect a slightly longer process as we work through our vetting standards.

For long term nanny placements, most searches are completed within three to six weeks. That said, we have connected families with the right person in as little as one day, and some searches take longer depending on the specific needs of the household. We never rush the process at the expense of quality.

Your responsiveness plays a real role in the timeline. Families who return calls quickly and move forward with interviews tend to find their nanny faster. In a competitive market, the right candidate often has multiple opportunities in front of them at once. If someone is a strong fit for your family, acting promptly makes a difference.

The goal is always to find the right person, not just the fastest one. Most families find their nanny within the first few interviews.

For temporary care and babysitting, we handle the selection for you. One of our completely vetted nanny employees is assigned to your request based on the specific needs of your household and their relevant experience. Your feedback after every visit helps us continue to get it right.

For long term and short term nanny positions the process looks different. You are involved every step of the way, meeting and interviewing every candidate before any decision is made. This is your family and the right fit matters as much to us as it does to you.

We use a five-step process before any caregiver works with a family.

• We screen every candidate by telephone to confirm they meet our standards before moving forward.
• The candidate completes a comprehensive six-page application.
• We conduct an in-depth in-person interview to fully understand their background and experience.
• We check references through detailed conversations with former child care employers, not just quick confirmations but real conversations.
• Upon hiring, we work with a background screening vendor accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association to run a comprehensive check including Social Security Trace, National Sex Offender Registry, National, State and County Criminal Records, Department of Motor Vehicles, Office of Foreign Assets Control, and PA Child Abuse Clearance.

Every step exists for one reason. You should never have to wonder about the person caring for your child.

Yes, overtime is paid according to federal and state requirements, and clients will be charged for overtime at a rate of time and a half. If the nanny can accommodate a change in schedule for longer hours, she will request a signed time card, which she will submit to us for payroll.

Please note that the agency does not allow paying the nanny directly or “under the table” for any time outside of the arrangement with Philadelphia Nanny Network. Doing so would violate the contractual service agreement between you, the nanny, and Philadelphia Nanny Network. While it may seem convenient to ask the nanny to work extra hours and pay her cash, this practice is prohibited.

We identify candidates for your job. We review your specific needs and preferences to match you with candidates from our pool of vetted nannies. We consider factors like experience, skills, and personality to ensure a good fit for your family.

We market your open position and present the job details to selected candidates, and those who express interest will be shared with you for consideration.

We present a nanny’s profile to you. For each interested candidate, you’ll receive a detailed profile that includes their experience, references, qualifications, and more.

We talk about and arrange a trial day. If you find a nanny you’re interested in, we can coordinate trial days. This allows both you and the nanny to feel comfortable with the arrangement before making an official offer.

The last step is extending an offer and getting an acceptance. Once you’re ready to extend an offer, we assist in finalizing the details, including pay, hours, duties, benefits, and any other specifics. We’ll ensure everything is clear and agreed upon before moving forward.

When a nanny cancels, we move quickly to find you a replacement.

Here is what to expect:
If we hear from the nanny first, we will contact you right away. If the nanny reaches out to you directly, please let us know immediately so we can get to work on finding the replacement.

When a cancellation is last minute, we may ask whether you have a little flexibility on start time. Being open to a slight adjustment gives us the best chance of getting someone to you as quickly as possible.

If we are unable to find a replacement, you are not charged for the day.

As for why cancellations happen, nannies occasionally get sick themselves or face a family emergency, and we handle those situations with care and empathy.

The IRS considers household employees hourly. This means they should be paid hourly and receive overtime for working more than 40 hours a week. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) classifies household workers as non-exempt employees entitled to overtime pay. Instead of offering a flat salary, which can violate overtime laws, many families provide guaranteed hours at an agreed hourly and overtime rate.

If Philadelphia Nanny Network is the employer, we manage all employment paperwork, tax filings, workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment, and weekly pay disbursement. Our flat hourly rate covers both the nanny’s pay and our fee, which is based on the nanny’s earnings.

If you choose to employ the nanny, you will be responsible for the employment paperwork, tax filings, workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment, and weekly pay disbursement. You may consider hiring a payroll service to assist with these tasks. In this case, we charge a daily agency fee based on the nanny’s compensation.

Sales tax is not paid on the employment portion of the hourly rate. Sales tax in Pennsylvania is paid on a small portion of the hourly rate charged to the client.

Sales tax is not paid on the employment portion of the hourly rate.  Sales tax in Pennsylvania is paid on a small portion of the hourly rate charged to the client.

Absolutely! If both you and the nanny agree to extend the arrangement, Philadelphia Nanny Network will facilitate the extension process. This includes discussing any changes in schedule, pay, or duties. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll ensure a smooth transition so that your care continues without interruption.

We love that, and yes, you can, as long as the nanny agrees to the new employment agreement. Let us know that this is what you want and we will take it from there. We manage the transition, for you and your nanny, from being our employee to being your employee. We will discuss with you everything from job structure and job offer to transition fees.

For the nannies who are Philadelphia Nanny Network employees, they all accrue PTO. If one of our employees is working a consistent schedule with you, on a short term basis, we work with you to arrange time off needed to recover from illness or refresh on vacation.

In long term jobs, there should be an agreement with the employee about how paid time off is used. In most compensation packages, there are days that are paid as paid vacation, paid holidays and paid sick/personal time. It can be grouped together as paid time off (PTO).

Typical for Long Term Jobs – Family Employed
Vacation: Offering 2-3 weeks of paid vacation annually is standard for long-term nannies. This time off helps them rest and prevents burnout, ultimately benefiting your child’s care. For shorter-term positions, vacation depends on the job duration.

Sick Days/Personal Days: Providing 3-5 paid sick or personal days is crucial for maintaining the nanny’s well-being, especially for minor illnesses or emergencies. For shorter-term roles, this varies based on the length of employment.

Paid Holidays: Paid time off for federal holidays is commonly included. It’s important to discuss and agree on specific holidays in advance.

Additional Benefits:

• Healthcare Stipends: Some families offer healthcare stipends or contribute to health insurance to support their nanny’s health needs.
• Mileage Reimbursement: If the nanny drives your children or runs errands, covering mileage at the federal government rates is the norm.
• Parking Reimbursement: Reimbursing parking fees, if there isn’t free parking at your home, is normal.

While paid time off is always a nice benefit, you are not obligated to give that for a short term engagement. We can accommodate a vacation block planned at least 1 month in advance because we will fill her time with another family’s request while you are gone. Our nanny employees accrue PTO. Their time off is arranged through Philadelphia Nanny Network as their employer.

If that is your request, we can make that happen. It means you would be charged for the time away and the nanny would receive pay for that time that you are away. What we cannot do is to ask the nanny not to work and then tell her that she will not get paid. It is not fair to prohibit someone from earning a living!

If you need to cancel your booking, we’d love a heads up at least 24 hours in advance.

If you give us more than 24 hours’ notice before your service is due to start, we’ll turn the hours you’ve paid for into credits. You can use these credits any time you want to book another service with us – they’ll be waiting in your account for you.

If something comes up and you have to cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, we unfortunately won’t be able to convert your paid hours into credits or give a refund. The reason for this is because our nannies rely on these bookings, and we need to make sure they get paid for the time they set aside for you. We know life can be unpredictable, but we’re sure you understand.

Thanks for your cooperation, and we’re here to help if you have any more questions!

Since the nanny is booked and committed to you for all the requested hours, we do not double-book her in case of cancellation. This means she is relying on your job for her income, just as you rely on her for support. You will be charged for all hours booked, and the nanny will be paid for the full shift.

If you need driving, no problem. There is a section of our Services Agreement dedicated to allowing for this. It is a signed waiver allowing the nanny to drive your children in her car or in your car. If she needs to use her car, she will clock the mileage and you’ll be charged the current federal IRS mileage reimbursement rate + 2% service fee.

If you need medicine to be given to a child, no problem. There is a section of our Services Agreement dedicated to allowing for this. It is a signed waiver allowing the nanny to safely give medicine, according to your directions. It is always advisable to write out the exact instructions, review the written directions and leave that next to the medicine. When possible, premeasuring medicines can be a safety precaution.

If you want a nanny to swim or engage in water activities during care, no problem. There is a section of our Services Agreement dedicated to allowing for this. It is a signed waiver allowing the nanny to be around water whether it be a home swimming pool, lake or community pool. Of course, we would confirm the nanny is on board with the responsibility of caring for children around water.

Nanny: A nanny primarily focuses on childcare, engaging in educational activities, attending to daily needs, and fostering your child’s development. If your children require constant care, hiring a dedicated nanny is an excellent choice.

Family Assistant: If your children are in school for most of the day, a family assistant may be more suitable. They can manage a combination of childcare and household tasks, such as running errands, grocery shopping, light cleaning, and meal preparation. This option provides more comprehensive support for your home.

Absolutely! We’re always happy to accommodate requests whenever possible. We recommend booking early, as our nannies are in high demand. Please know that all of our nannies are rigorously screened, experienced, and selected for their warm, nurturing personalities, so you can feel confident in any caregiver we schedule into your request.

We can often accommodate same-day and next-day requests, and we also schedule care up to three months in advance. We recommend scheduling as soon as you know you’ll need care, as our nannies are in high demand, especially during peak seasons like holiday breaks and back-to-school time.

Yes! We must know the details in advance to allow for us to make sure we have a nanny with the skill and experience to handle any scenarios that may occur during care.

As for an agency over or instead of an online resource, with us, you have a human by your side. Our technology, processes and procedures have evolved to run smoothly and quickly as if using an online resource but the big difference is the easy access to a person.

If you need to cancel before the shift begins, please contact us right away. Because your nanny reserved that time exclusively for the requested shift, the full day is charged and the nanny is paid in full.

If your child becomes ill during care, your nanny will follow the care instructions you provided. Should you need to end the shift early, please know that your caregiver is paid for the full scheduled time regardless.

In the meantime, your nanny is equipped to care for a mildly ill child comfortably until you are able to get home and will stay through the end of the scheduled shift.

We welcome it all. Positive feedback, constructive feedback, everything, becasue it helps us support our nannies and continue improving the experience for our families.

You can share feedback in two ways:
Email your caregiver’s supervisor directly at Josh.Spector@nannyagency.com. This is the best path for anything specific, time sensitive, or that you would rather share privately.

Leave us a Google review. We appreciate hearing from families publicly and read every review we receive.

All feedback becomes part of the nanny’s record. Each month our Staffing Team recognizes an EveryDay Hero based on their experience and the feedback they receive from families. The honoree receives a gift card, is celebrated by the team, and we make a donation to a charity of their choice in their honor.

Your feedback makes that possible.

A nanny is involved in all aspects of a child’s life. From their emotional wellbeing and social development to their educational growth and recreational life, a nanny partners to help raise the child. That partnership deepens the longer the placement. Day to day, a nanny also maintains the child’s immediate environment, including their feedings/meals, room, play areas, bathroom, clothing, toys and belongings. They may even be in charge of their calendar and scheduling their medical appointments, hair cuts and classes.

A babysitter’s role is different by design. Because babysitters serve on a temporary basis, their focus is on supervising, engaging, and playing with the children in the moment rather than the longer arc of their development. They are responsible for feeding the children in their care and cleaning up after meals and lay.

Absolutely. Tell us what matters for your household and the job such as experience with newborns or training in special needs care. We’ll find candidates whose skills match what you’re looking for. The only limit is that requests need to be job-related rather than characteristics unrelated to the job itself (age, religion, things like that, keeps us all compliant with employment law) We will talk about what your family needs and then we’ll take it from there.

Providing health benefits is not required for most household employers. It is, however, considered a valuable perk and can make a position more attractive to experienced candidates.

• If our position requires driving, is it recommended that she drive a family vehicle or her personal vehicle? What are the insurance obligations for both options?
  • This is ultimately up to the family’s preference. Some families choose to provide a household vehicle for the nanny to use while transporting children, while others ask the nanny to use their personal vehicle for job-related driving and provide a mileage reimbursement. We recommend families contact their insurance provider to understand any coverage considerations when a nanny will be driving as part of her job. Your provider can advise on the best way to ensure everyone is properly covered based on your specific situation.
• If I hire a nanny, are we required to pay them for all of our vacation time?
  • Nannies receive paid time off as part of their compensation package. If a family chooses to take additional vacation time beyond the nanny’s allotted PTO, it is considered best practice to continue paying the nanny, as they rely on consistent income and have committed their schedule to your family.
• If I hire a short-term candidate (for less than a year), is it possible to transition to long-term?
  • Absolutely. We understand that sometimes the best long-term arrangements start as short-term placements. If you hire a nanny you’d like to continue working with, our team can assist with transitioning the role into a long-term arrangement.

There is no reason to put your income on hold while your search is underway. Philadelphia Nanny Network offers babysitting opportunities that keep you working, earning, and building experience with a variety of families in the meantime. Some nannies find it is one of the best parts of working with us. You stay active, you get to know different families, and every booking adds to your experience while we focus on finding the long term position that is the right fit for your life.

It starts with the work you have already done. The ages of children you have cared for, the types of roles you have held, and any specialized experience you bring, whether that is newborn care, working with children who have special needs, or managing the organized chaos of multiple kids at once. That history tells us a lot about where you will thrive.

Logistics matter too. A job that requires an hour commute each way is not a sustainable situation for anyone. We factor in how far you are from a family and whether the travel is realistic for the long term. Consistency works both ways and a commute that wears you down helps no one.

We also look at the specifics of what each family needs and how that lines up with what you are looking for. Parenting style, household expectations, duties beyond child care like meal preparation or light housekeeping. When those details align with your strengths and preferences everyone benefits, including the children.

It means you are not out there on your own. Instead of managing multiple families, tracking your own income, and figuring out employment taxes by yourself, you have one employer handling all of that for you. Payroll is managed, paycheck taxes are covered, and you are working within the structure of federal and state employment law. That is not something most nannies working independently ever have access to.

Being part of our employed team also means real benefits. Paid time off, healthcare support, group health insurance and a retirement plan are available to nannies who meet the requirements. These are the kinds of benefits that come with being taken seriously as an employee, not just a caregiver picking up jobs when they come along.

For nannies who want to work with a variety of families through our backup care program, we manage the schedule. You show up, you do what you do best, and we take care of everything else.

If you have never worked with an agency before, here is what it means in practice. We do the heavy lifting. Instead of searching job boards, fielding inquiries, and figuring out which families are worth your time, we bring the opportunities to you. We know the families, we know the market, and we know which jobs are worth pursuing.

You have access to a wide range of positions including babysitting, temporary care, short term and long term placements. If you want variety, we manage babysitting schedules across multiple families so you do not have to coordinate that yourself. If you want consistency, we focus on finding you the right long term position. We also guide you through every step of the hiring process so you always know where things stand.

As for cost, there is none. Philadelphia Nanny Network does not charge nannies any fees for our services. Everything we offer is available to you at no cost.

It is actually a great sign when a family wants to continue working with you. It means you made an impression. If that family came to you through Philadelphia Nanny Network, in any capacity, whether through a babysitting booking, an interview, or any other introduction we arranged, the next step is simple. Loop us in. We can often make that transition work for everyone and it keeps everything properly documented and above board.

Families and nannies you have in your life completely independent of us are a different story. Those relationships are entirely your own and we have no involvement in them.

The simplest rule is this. If we had anything to do with the introduction, reach out to us before making any arrangements. We are easy to talk to and there is always a right way to handle it.

We can help! If you’ve worked in childcare, even if not as a formal nanny (such as babysitting, working in a daycare, or other child-related roles), we can use that to get you started. You can join our Elite Nanny Program. This program is a great way to build your nanny experience. You’ll have opportunities to work short-term or temporary jobs, allowing you to develop the skills and experience needed for long-term positions. Many of our nannies have successfully transitioned into long-term roles through the experience and connections they gain in our Elite Nanny Program.

We discuss details. We’ll have a conversation to go over the position specifics, ensuring it aligns with your experience, availability, and preferences.

We make sure it is a good fit. Together, we’ll evaluate if the role seems like a mutual match for both you and the family based on expectations and requirements.

We present you to families. If everything aligns, we’ll send the family your profile and contact details so they can reach out directly to set up an interview.

We support you through the process. Throughout the interview, trial days, and negotiation of an offer, we’ll guide you at each step to ensure everything runs smoothly, answering any questions or concerns along the way.

With our Elite Nanny Program you are able to start working almost immediately.

For long-term positions, the average time is usually between three to six weeks. However, some nannies have been offered a job within a day, while for others, it can take longer, depending on the family’s and your specific needs and circumstances. We focus on maintaining the highest standards in our screening process and matching process.

Your own responsiveness can also influence the timeline. The quicker you respond to our calls and engage with potential families, the faster the process can move. On the other hand, delays in communication might lengthen the time it takes to find a match.

The good news is that you will have the opportunity to start working in our Elite Nanny Program while interviewing for longer-term positions. We will help to coordinate your scheduling.

We love when that happens, and yes, you can, as long as you both agree to the new employment agreement. Let us know the details on how you envision this works for you and we will take it from there to make sure all the details of what you want and your nanny family wants are in sync. We’ll manage the transition, for you and your nanny family, from being our employee to being the family’s employee. We will discuss with you everything from job structure, job schedule to job offer and compensation details.

Yes! Philadelphia Nanny Network offers health insurance to eligible employees. Nannies who work 40 hours per week become eligible for health insurance benefits after completing their first 90 days of employment.

We would love to be able to say yes, but we can’t. Philadelphia Nanny Network positions can’t allow employees to bring their own children to work. Because this is a job where your responsibility is to have full attention dedicated to the children in your care during scheduled hours, bringing your own family doesn’t fit in that job description. It is an underlying assumption that a tenant of professional care is that work and home life are separate to the extent possible.

Good question! Yes. Private clients sign a service agreement confirming basic safety standards, and backup care families are vetted employees of established companies using their employee benefit. We also recognize that as an adult, you can assess situations and manage uncomfortable environments in ways children cannot, which is why our vetting of caregivers is so rigorous. If you ever feel unsafe or uncertain about a family we introduced you to or a shift you are working, contact us immediately. We’re available seven days a week and will help you handle the situation right away.

Driving is not required although some jobs (particularly long or short term jobs) may require driving as part of the responsibilities. For corporate backup care shifts, you will never be requested to drive children.

Good question because it is a mix. Families can make a request as far out as 3 months, which means you may know about your schedule that far out. On the other hand, there are last minute requests due to a changing circumstance. The notice is the same day or next day. And then there is everything in between making a schedule set a few days in advance or even a few weeks ahead. It will all be based on when the family submits their request. It is critical to keep your availability updated in the Nanny & Sitter: ReadyCare App.

Our guaranteed hours program is designed to give you a steady, predictable income. As an agency-employed nanny, you know your hours are secure. What you may not know until closer to the shift is which family you will be working with that day. It is the stability of employment without being locked into a single placement.

Yes, with a brief onboarding period first. For the first few months, we autobook your shifts so you can settle into the role without the added pressure of managing your own schedule right away. Once you are ready, we transition you to self-selection, if you want, so you have more control over where and when you work.

During your initial period with us, we assign your shifts directly so you never miss an opportunity while you are getting started. Our goal is to keep your schedule as full as you want it to be without you having to watch your phone waiting for openings. Think of it as us doing the scheduling work so you can focus on the job. You are free to stay on autobooking for as long as you would like.

The families you work with are counting on you, and reliability is at the heart of what we do. That said, we know life happens. People get sick and family emergencies occur. We handle those situations with understanding and we advise the families we work with to do the same. We adhere to all applicable laws and regulations around PTO and will always work through unexpected situations with you fairly.

IIt depends on your employment arrangement. If you are employed directly by a family, payment terms are determined during the offer process and spelled out clearly before your first day so there are no surprises. We make sure that happens for you. If you are employed by Philadelphia Nanny Network, payday is every Friday by direct deposit.

Yes, and we do everything we can to fill same day requests. There are times when demand is high and availability is limited, but we will always communicate quickly so your employee can make alternative arrangements if needed.

Absolutely. We will walk you through what is typical for companies your size, share what other employers are offering, and then design a program that fits your workforce and your budget. There is no one size fits all structure here.

We invoice based on actual usage, typically in weekly batches. You pay for what your employees use, nothing more. There is no pre-purchased bank of hours that risks going unused and becoming wasted budget.

We handle the enrollment process from start to finish. We gather everything we need from each employee upfront, including care locations, children’s ages, pets in the home, and any special requirements. Once enrolled, they are ready to request care the moment they need it with no scrambling in the middle of a stressful morning.

BUSINESSES – Staffing

Every nanny on our team has been rigorously screened before they ever start to care for a child. That includes background checks, reference checks, and an in-depth interview with our Recruiting Team. When we select a nanny to book into your request, we consider the age range of the children in your program, the specific nature of the shift, and the nanny’s relevant experience. You are never getting someone pulled from a generic roster.

Yes! We will need to confirm that the adjustment works for the nanny assigned to the shift but we work to be sure you have the coverage you need with a nanny who can fill that need.

Our Staffing Team is available by phone and email seven days a week. (see general FAQs for hours) For ongoing accounts, you will have a dedicated point of contact who knows your program and can respond quickly when needs come up.

EVENTS – Business & Families

We offer event child care for children aged 3 months to 13 years old.

Absolutely. Event care can take place in a wide variety of spaces including conference rooms, ballrooms, and dedicated event venues. When selecting a space, there are a few practical considerations we will walk you through, including size, safety, and setup. Reach out and we will help you plan the right environment every step of the way.

When you bring Philadelphia Nanny Network on site, you are getting more than childcare coverage.

Here is what is included:
Fully insured services for your peace of mind and ours. Every nanny on our team is rigorously background screened before they ever work with a child. Our caregivers are trained and experienced across a wide range of ages and needs. We staff to best practices child to caregiver ratios so every child receives attentive care. A structured sign in and sign out process keeps every child accounted for from arrival to pickup. Age appropriate activities are provided so children are engaged, not just supervised.

Your attendees can focus on your event knowing their children are in experienced, vetted hands.

We recommend booking event care at least 60 to 90 days in advance, depending on the size and scope of your event. If you are working on a shorter timeline, contact us as soon as possible so we can assess your needs and determine how we can best support you.

Yes. Attendees may book private babysitting services through Philadelphia Nanny Network by contacting our Staffing Team directly. We are happy to arrange care before, after, or between event sessions.