How to Open a Nanny Agency

Nannies are trusted to provide the same quality of care as a biological parent.

When both parents have jobs or careers, they have to find a reliable person to care for the children while they are working. Day care facilities can be costly because they have to include the cost of overhead in their pricing structure. Hiring a nanny becomes more cost-effective. Start a nanny agency and provide parents with trustworthy service.

Things You'll Need

• Child care certification

Instructions

Nanny Agency Start-Up Guide

1. Plan your daily operating tasks and procedures. Establish goals for the nanny agency. Create a day-to-day plan to meet your business goals.

2. Obtain child care certification if required by state, city or county municipalities. Pick up a business license application from the county authority. Complete the application and return it with any forms required.

3. Estimate expenses and expected payroll for the nannies in your employ. Formalize your business concept into a business plan. State cash flow predictions, profit potential, business goals and growth plan. Submit your plan to angel investors.

4. Locate office space to rent or re-design a room in your home. If you work from home, check city zoning laws to make sure your area allows business visitors.

5. Visit an office supply store and furnish your office with desks, computers and file cabinets. Construct a website. Post an open call for experienced nannies.

6. Enroll in a job fair as a vendor. Accept applications and resumes from nanny candidates. Perform interviews on the spot. Fill your database with names. In the book "Careers in Child Care," authors Marjorie Eberts and Margaret Gisler write, "The agency will give the nanny a physical exam, a tuberculosis test and a drug test. In addition, the agency will arrange for fingerprints, criminal background and driving record checks."

7. Print business cards, fliers and brochures. Formulate a unique marketing message that describes why your nanny service is better than competitors. Print your message in your marketing publications.

8. Buy print ad space in local newspapers and magazines. In "Inc Magazine," article author Ryan Underwood writes, "You should also contemplate signing a long-term contract in return for a price break." Ask for the best rate. Negotiate on price.

References

• Careers in Child Care; Marjorie Eberts, Margaret Gisler; 2007
• "In Magazine"; How to Make Your First Advertising Buy

Resources

• And Nanny Makes Three: Mothers and Nannies Tell the Truth About Work, Love; Jessika Auerbach; 2007
• nternational Nanny Association; Frequently Asked Questions: Starting an Agency