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Step 1
Gather a list of all of the local nanny services in you area. You can find a list by looking in your local telephone book or Google "nanny service" plus your city name.
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Step 2
Once you have your list of nanny services then you are ready to begin. Contact your local better business bureau to ask if the nanny services you have on your list have a rating or any complaints with the agency. Keep in mind that not all nanny services are members which is not necessarily a bad thing. The better business bureau requires members to pay a fee to belong so an agency may determine that it is not necessary for them to be members of this agency. Nanny services may choose to spend their money on other memberships. They may belong to other organizations that may be more beneficial for themselves and their clients.
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Step 3
Check to see if the nanny service is a member of the Alliance of Professional Nanny Agencies (APNA). If they are a member then the nanny service has met standards set by the Board of Directors of APNA which includes verification of the agency's operating practices. A seal is usually posted on the nanny service' s website. To confirm membership, go directly to http://www.theapna.org/map/map.html. Click on "Find an APNA Agency". See if any of the nanny services that are on your list appear.
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Step 4
Check to see if the agency is a member of the International Nanny Association (INA). This agency is said to be the oldest and largest in existence. Membership here would indicate at least a commitment to ongoing professional involvement in the industry. To confirm membership, go directly to http://www.nanny.org/. Click on "Member List". You can search by location/state. See if any of the nanny services that are on your list appear.
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Step 5
After you have confirmed in #1 - #4, you can then begin contacting the nanny services directly. Be sure to ask about their process for background checks, billing, cancellations, and any special circumstances that may apply. Confirm all miscellaneous fees that may apply.
