.png)
Why Nanny Agencies Charge Placement Fees (and What They Really Cover)
- Ruth Regan
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 22
For many families, the idea of paying a nanny agency placement fee can feel surprising — and sometimes confusing. It’s easy to assume that the fee is simply for sending resumes your way. But at Cherry Creek Nanny Agency, we know the truth: placement fees cover the real work that ensures you bring the right person into your home.
Hiring a nanny is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make for your family. That’s why placement fees are an investment in safety, time saved, and peace of mind.
WHAT PLACEMENT FEES ACTUALLY COVER
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes when you work with an agency:
Comprehensive Candidate Vetting
Every nanny is carefully reviewed, with checks that go far beyond a quick interview. This includes:
National criminal database searches
Sex offender registry checks
Driving record checks
Identity & Social Security verification
Employment and education verification
Thorough reference calls
This process protects families from hidden risks and ensures candidates are both qualified and trustworthy.
Interview Coordination
Coordinating interviews on your own can take weeks — sometimes months. Agencies handle the scheduling, prep, and follow-ups so families only meet candidates who are truly aligned with their needs.
Legal Guidance & Contract Support
Placement fees also cover assistance with employment agreements. From outlining paid time off and sick leave to ensuring payroll compliance, families receive guidance that keeps the relationship clear, fair, and sustainable.
Ongoing Support After Hire
A great match doesn’t end on day one. Agencies provide continued support to help smooth the transition, mediate issues if they arise, and make sure the nanny-family relationship lasts.
WHY IT MATTERS
Your placement fee isn’t just paying for an introduction. It’s paying for the expertise, structure, and safeguards that make hiring a nanny less stressful and far more secure. Instead of spending countless hours on trial and error, you gain peace of mind knowing the heavy lifting has already been done.
WANT TO HANDLE THE SEARCH YOURSELF?
Not every family chooses to work directly with an agency — and that’s why we created the Confident Nanny Hiring: The Complete Parent’s Guide Bundle.
Our DIY Nanny Hiring Guides walk you step by step through the same process agencies use, including:
Background check recommendations
Interview question toolkits
Red flag checklists
Contract guidance
Onboarding tips
So whether you choose to partner with an agency or DIY your search, you’ll have the tools and confidence to make the right hire.
📖 Explore the guides today and take charge of your nanny search with clarity and confidence.
WHAT'S INSIDE THE BUNDLE?
Guide 1: A 10-Step Guide to Hiring Your Dream Nanny
A complete roadmap that walks you from “Where do I start?” to “We found our nanny!” with confidence, clarity, and ease.
Guide 2: The Nanny–Family Handbook Template
A ready-to-customize handbook that covers your household values, communication norms, rules, and expectations—keeping everyone on the same page.
Guide 3: The Family Guide to Legal Nanny Hiring
Demystifies payroll, taxes, workers’ compensation, and insurance. Includes referrals and resources so you can stay compliant, avoid penalties, and protect both your family and your nanny. Includes a real “story time” case where workers’ comp saved a family from major financial loss.
Guide 4: Drafting Job Descriptions, Interviews & Trials
Step-by-step guidance for writing clear job ads, conducting interviews with confidence, and running structured trial days that set everyone up for success.
Guide 5: Nanny Pay, Raises & Incentives
Understand industry standards for pay, overtime, and bonuses. Learn creative incentive strategies that keep your nanny motivated, happy, and long-term committed.
Guide 6: The Complete Nanny–Family Work Agreement
Covers everything from hours to holidays, overtime to house rules. Includes a fillable template so you and your nanny start with clarity and mutual accountability.
Guide 7: The Nanny Hiring Toolkit
Your all-in-one toolkit with customizable job description templates, proven interview questions, red flag checklists, and evaluation scorecards—so you can simplify the hiring process and make smart, informed decisions.
Guide 8: Evaluating Fit, Navigating Challenges, and Planning for Longevity
Learn how to assess the right nanny for your family, anticipate common challenges before they become problems, and create a relationship built to last.
THE ULTIMATE NANNY & BABYSITTER INTERVIEW TOOLKIT
Not sure where to start? We’ve also created a Free Nanny Interview Toolkit to help parents kick off the hiring process with clarity. Inside, you’ll find:
Must-ask questions to reveal a nanny’s true experience
Red flags to listen for during interviews
Tips for comparing candidates fairly and confidently
This toolkit is designed to help you make smarter decisions from the very first conversation with a potential nanny.
📖 Download your free toolkit today and take the first step toward a smoother, safer hiring process.