Boston's Best Babysitting and Nanny Agencies
Boston parents rely more and more on professional agencies as a source of pre-screened, well-qualified and compatible caregivers every year. Indeed, no matter what qualifications parents seek in a babysitter or nanny, they are bound to find a bevy of suitable prospects in any one of these well-established Boston businesses. Whether it's for long-term nanny placement or an emergency sitter, start here to find the perfect fit.
American Nanny Company
PO Box 600765
Newtonville, MA 02560
(617) 244-5154
www.americannannycompany.com
Price: $2,800 to $3,150 six months/$500 per month
Specializing in long-term placements, American Nanny Company has been serving parents in the Boston area since 1985. ANC nannies are rigorously screened; all are high school graduates at least 21 years old, and many have a college degree. Each nanny has passed screening parameters including CORI tests, driving and social security checks, and in some cases, credit checks. Parents seeking to hire a caretaker are interviewed by phone to ensure ANC counselors fully understand their needs and expectations. In addition to its one-year placements, ANC also provides nannies for overnight infant care.
Beacon Hill Nannies
825 Beacon St., Ste. 19
Newton, MA 02459
(617) 630-1577
www.beaconhillnannies.com
Price: $395 application fee/$3750 placement fee with a one-year replacement guarantee.
Beacon Hill Nannies is celebrated for its video interviews of nanny candidates, which are sent to parents to enable pre-screening of applicants prior to face-to-face meetings. The company's rigorous screening process includes comprehensive reference checks, criminal background checks and a two-hour interview. All nannies certified for long-term, live-in placement by BHN must have a college degree and at least five years' experience, be competent swimmers certified in CPR, and have a doctor's statement attesting to their good health. For long-term placements, BHN offers parents the opportunity to enroll in its EasyManage Payroll Service, which automatically computes required payroll taxes and withholding, and files all necessary state and federal forms, with the requisite payments.
Parents in a Pinch
45 Bartlett Crescent
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 739-5437
www.parentsinapinch.com
Price:$160 placement fees per week for part-time childcare to $200 per week for full-time, with caps of $2,500 and $3,000
Serving Boston-area parents since 1984, Parents in a Pinch provides childcare workers for both long-term and temporary placements, including summers only and last-minute emergency caregiver needs. Discounted fees, extended service hours, daytime childcare and nanny searches are available to parents who become members by paying an annual fee of $299 or $499. Parents in a Pinch also works with local companies to provide corporate childcare benefits, and offers group childcare rates for special events such as weddings, reunions or meetings. For parents who would prefer to select their own nannies, Parents in a Pinch provides a menu of background check and screening services.
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The Washburn Agency
PO Box 6775
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 848-9256
www.thewashburnagency.com
Price: $250 application fee/$2,200 for part-time placement/$2,750 full-time placement/$800 summer only
What sets The Washburn Agency apart is that one of its counselors actually visits the homes of the parents who are seeking to hire its nannies or babysitters before they recommend an applicant. By meeting the families and observing their lifestyles, the agency hopes to do a better job of matchmaking. In screening prospective applicants for childcare jobs, Washburn requires that they have a high school diploma, a clean background check, CORI report and driving record, as well as a doctor's certification of physical and emotional fitness, and competence in CPR. Washburn also provides childcare coverage for special events.
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Boston Nanny Centre
135 Selwyn Rd.
Newton, MA 02461
(617) 527-0114
www.bostonnanny.com
Price: $2,550 to $3,100 a year/$35 per diem
Boston Nanny Centre sets itself apart from other agencies in that it does not require parents to pay an upfront application fee, and it offers a 30-day trial period to ensure that both the family and the nanny are satisfied that they've made a good match. Offering nannies for a variety of situations, including long-term, live-in or live-out care, overnight infant care and per-diem care, BNC requires that all of its providers are nonsmokers, U.S. citizens or legal residents of the U.S., and are at least 21 years old with a minimum of a high school diploma.
Maureen Harmonay wears many hats. She is a real estate agent who specializes in country estates, antique homes, and horse properties in the Metrowest suburbs of Boston. With certifications in Feng Shui and as an Eco-Broker, she is keenly attuned to how energy affects the health of a home and its occupants, both humans and pets. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
