Your thoughts on St. Louis Nanny Agencies

When searching for a Nanny Placement Agency, what do you look for?

What is most important to you?

• Is it cost?
• Is it the customer service?
• Is it the level of involvement of the Owner?
• Does it matter how many office workers they employ?
• What about years in business?
• The services they provide?
• The Nannies they offer up for your childcare needs?

Is it all of the above and then some?

Yep! All of the above because after all, the agency you choose to work with is going to be involved with your family for a good time to come!

NannyMall is a small, dedicated Nanny Placement Agency that works a bit differently than the other traditional agencies. Now we can't say that we know everything about other agencies because we don't work there nor do we keep up with their practices.

But we do know this about our agency:

• The cost of our services are substantially lower than other traditional agencies w/o lowering our standard of service!
• Our Customer Service is 2nd to none. We are quick to respond, helpful & sincere.
• Our Owner is involved with everything. Hiring, screening, scheduling, CS, etc...
• Our office has 1 to 3 workers depending on the day and are still able to fit everyone's needs into their schedule.
• Our agency has been in operation for 2.75 years, well over the "business hump."
• We may not provide every desired service but we do offer On-call, FT Placement, Vacation coverage, Hotel and Overnights. (for Emergency Placement, go here: NannyNurseNetwork)
• Of course every agency feels like they have the best Nannies, but we really do! The reason for this is because our Nannies KNOW beyond any doubt that they are respected and honored for their experience and childcare service. What we sow as an agency towards them, is what we (and the families) reap in return!

We hope you are one of our next clients and we TRULY look forward to serving you!

As a reminder, we provide Nannies in St. Louis & St. Charles Counties!

What a Few of the Nannies Are Saying

Be good to the agency and be a professional with your families, the rest will take care of itself...
A.B.
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The one thing I love about the NannyMall is that our great leader is always there for any of us. We can always count on each other and you just like you can count on each of us to be there for the agency and for you. We back each other up because you were very careful when you chose your nannies. We work great together and I believe with my whole heart that all the families are very happy with their nannies since you where very careful when matching them together. This is the best agency to work with and I am very happy with my choice. B.W.
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Thoughts about NannyMall:
I have been to several sites applying for nanny positions and either never received a response or was led on and eventually tossed on the back burner. With NannyMall, I received a response the next day and a interview the day after that. Patty is very attentive, professional, and dedicated to getting the best nannies for our families in need. The prosess of finding a nanny for every family is one of diligent and personal attention. I am very happy with my time with NannyMall and will not even think of pursuing a different agency! D.L.

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As far as the agency (and the owner, Patti). I feel that you've been a Godsend (not just to me)..you have listened to me..(and us) and not only for potential jobs..but I feel that you really care about what we have to say (or if we have problems with our jobs...even if you didn't place us there--my case in fact)..you have given me advice on many aspects of it. Listened and answered my calls, e-mails and most important (to me), as a Nanny for 20+ years, I was afraid that I was too old to compete with the ones in their 20's--30's. I do not have the same stamina as a younger Nanny, but I carry a lot of experience and sometimes, that is against me in getting a new job?

As a Nanny that also had (another agency) looking for positions for me (they found me employment for many years..full and part time and temporary positions). I am looking for employment as a Nanny..not in competition with other Nannies..just a job that I enjoy working, can love the kids as a Nanny should..but also, know that I am appreciated and loved (from the kids). NannyMall appreciates each and every Nanny, whether you are young or old, whether you have 2 yrs experience or 20 yrs experience.

(Patti I can tell you personally, that you've been very encouraging, to me, in many ways with your positive attitude with your business..and with encouragement that we..as Nannies..are important to you..and I felt that every time I talked or e-mailed you..that you took the time to listen to me).

I know, thru my experiences, too...with NannyMall..that you give one-on-one attention to your NANNIES and to the potential EMPLOYERS.

You try your best to match the perfect Nanny to the families and you give 150% to each and every potential Family and 150% to each and every potential Nanny.

Afterall...we all want to be appreciated. We all want to have the perfect Mary Poppins, but mostly, we all want to know we made a DIFFERENCE in these kids that we have for such a short period (even though I have kept in touch with most of my 'kids'..I still have many years, I hope, to give to 'new kids')? K.J.

Nannies, you are all a BLESSING.
Sincerely,
Patti

In Our Own Words

Why should families use a Nanny Agency? Doesn't it cost too much? What is the Agency's role? How do families benefit when using an Agency? Why can't families just use an inexpensive online Nanny locator?


Why should families use a Nanny Agency?
The use of an Agency cuts down your time spent looking for childcare. A dedicated Agency will take the time to learn your needs, spend time going over your family application, making sure nothing is overlooked or forgotten.

Agencies should and will match criteria between both the family app and the Nanny app, cutting out the Nannies families wouldn't even consider. Agencies contact Nanny's references, eliminating "phone tag" for the families.

Doesn't it cost too much?
Some Agencies charge Registration and then a flat Agency Placement Fee only after Nanny is hired. NannyMall's Fees can be found on the website. (NannyMall charges a flat fee)

Though most Agencies charge a Registration Fee and a percentage of the Nanny's Annual Gross once placement is confirmed. For example: Nanny's Annual Gross Pay is $28,000. That's a placement fee of $2800. (plus Registration)

The fees we are discussing are for permanent placement; the fees for On-call Nannies are relatively inexpensive! They can range from $12 to $25 per on-call placement.

What is the Agency's role?
Agencies are to provide excellent services to families in need of experienced childcare. They are there to walk you through the process of hiring the very best Nanny for your family. The family has unbiased people, aka the agency, to discuss each Nanny's portfolio should the decision become difficult. i.e. we're your sounding board! :-)


How do families benefit when using an Agency?
1. They have a knowledgeable staff to help guide them.
2. They know the ins and outs of hiring a Nanny.
3. They perform the interviews, backgrounds, reference checks.
4. They work side by side with Household Tax specialists. (who can teach the family how to pay Nanny legally AND help save on their taxes!)
5. They provide forms that help smooth out the hiring. (less confusion when there's a family-nanny agreement in place)
6. Most importantly your Nanny Placement Agency is there to help and encourage you through
the entire process so that the very best Nanny is found for your children.

Why can't families just use an inexpensive online Nanny locator?
They can....but there are many Agencies that would discourage that process and here are a couple of reasons why: Agencies screen potential Nannies with many methods: application, face to face interviews, reference cks, background checks, personal character references, etc.... Should any of those come up as a negative, Nanny isn't used within the Agency.

Some of these Nannies that have been turned away from an Agency will turn to an online Nanny placement service. And there's a real good chance they won't tell you why they were turned away from an Agency, nor is it probable the family will even know to ask if Nanny did apply with an Agency and then ask why she isn't with said Agency.

So a local Agency is your first defense in making sure Nanny is who she says she is and really has the experience she says she has.
These are the people that are coming into your home every week and spending time with your precious children and they should be who they say they are. Plain and simple.

Also, I'm not one to use a cliche' but, you get what you pay for......who do you turn to when "hired from the internet Nanny" decides to bail for the day or week or worse yet, totally? Do you have a backup plan/person to take over?
When you use an Agency, the Agency first makes sure Nanny is on the up an up and not only that, they also have meticulously weeded out the "not for us Nanny" and have given you only the best of the best. Not to mention....should the best of the best not feel well one day, Agency has backup Nannies that can be called out to help!

A call to your local Agency is the first step a family should take when hiring childcare.
Although, it is true that you can find great help online....Agencies just make it easier.

These are but a handful of Why's w/the questions answered....written in Our Own Words.

NannyMall is local to St. Louis and St. Charles, MO and offers many services to meet your childcare needs.

Awesome Nanny Support Group Meeting!

NannyMall's Nanny meeting was smaller in numbers than expected but it was mighty in strength due to the speakers!

Shirley McFadin spoke to the Nannies about her recent diagnoses of breast cancer.
She was able to tell us of the challenges and triumph of recovery and now being cancer free. She also shared with us the beauty of her doctor's words, "You do not need any further chemo or radiation." She is an inspiration to so many women and probably doesn't even know it.

Connie Houlihan also joined us and told the Nannies about her great service.
NannyNurse™ Network. * When your child is sick & you need to work, NannyNurse™ Network creates peace of mind for your family. They provide medically trained and screened caregivers, NannyNurses™, in your home to nurse your child back to health. They serve the Greater St. Louis area.

If you'd like to contact Shirley please shoot an email to us and we'll get you in touch with her. To visit NannyNurseNetwork, just click the link.

Our meetings from here on out will be held at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Chesterfield Valley. The conference room had more than ample room, it was clean and they served coffee and water. Plus it was very reasonable!

We hope that ALL Nannies will begin to attend. This group/meeting was started in order for all Nannies, ours, independents, from other agencies, newbies, etc.... could come and connect with other Nannies. No one knows the joys and challenges of a Nanny profession except another Nanny.

We're looking to redefine the public's view of a Nanny....it is a true profession that is seasoned with experience, laughter, patience,grace and joy; at these meetings the Nanny will learn, grow and experience understanding from leaders in the industry and from this humble agency. We invite all Nannies.
For more information please visit our site: NannyMall.com

Nurture your "daisies."

Agencies are much like a garden!

Lets break it down (like compost).

Any good/legal garden (agency) should:

* have perfect soil composition for the daisies (Nannies) to grow

* be nurturing from the very beginning

* take to time to talk with and encourage

* give water (praise)

* pull the weeds that try to shade them

* teach about negative growing conditions ( how to avoid dry, arid, stunt your growth areas )

* spray "weed stop" to keep the negative growing conditions at bay

* have genuine interest in finding the perfect "clay pot" for the daisies

* works the ground to ensure fertile growing conditions

* continue to give support after daisy has left the garden

Our garden totally supports our daisies because they are worth supporting!

What it means to be a Nanny...by a few of our Nannies

Recently our Nannies were asked to tell us why they love being a Nanny.
Their wonderful responses are posted below.

I like being a nanny because I love working with children. They remind me to smile and to stop and have fun! They remind me that life is precious and what is really important. I love being able to care for them however I can. I have enjoyed getting to know each child whom I have cared for over the years. Each is unique and special, their smile, their laughter and their personality. I have seen God's face in each one and each one has helped me to love a little more, smile a little more and have left an impact on me. I also love being able to help a family who needs childcare and I hope that brings them peace of mind. Jamie G.


What I love about being a nanny is that you get to share your compassion with other families and be able learn from them on how to become a better nanny/person. It is so exciting to meet new people and build new relationships. There is nothing more wonderful to see the smile on a person(s) face or the relief in the person(s) eyes that they found someone they can depend on trust them with their family...Its Great!!!!
Tara P.

Children are like sponges.....they pick things very quickly…..their smiles and laughs are adorable...gotta LOVE those!! they are so innocent and loveable......kids make my day!!
Anne B

Nannies! I love being a nanny and taking care of children because there are so much fun to be around. I love being able to see them grow as people and learn new thing everyday. Being a nanny is such a great experience for me. I always wanted to take care of kids and play with them. I love making them laugh and smile. This is the best job I could ever hope for!
Always Becky T

I love being a nanny because I love being with kids, I don't have to punch a clock every day, It’s not the same thing over and over everyday. Something new or different happens everyday with the kids that make me smile. It’s a very rewarding career that I feel very blessed to have.
Becky W.

I love being a nanny because it’s so personal. I love getting to know the kids and family so well that I become a part of their family. The family I am with right now I adore and couldn't be more thankful for everything they've done with and for me. I love picking up the kids from school and having them run up to me smiling and yelling Jessica! To give me a big hug! It is such a rewarding experience to be able to help raise children and encourage them to be wonderful little people! Jess F.

If you are in need of a Nanny or you know a family that could use some really great, professional childcare, please contact our office. We'd be happy to go through our hiring process with you!

St. Louis' unconditionally nice, customer service oriented Nanny agency.
NannyMall, LLC
314 769 -MALL (6255)

Gifting your Families this holiday season? ( Ideas for the placed FT/PT/Temp Nanny)

I recently had a NannyMall Nanny email to say she was giving gifts to the children of the family in which she was placed and she asked a really great question:
Is it appropriate to gift the parents and if so, what do you give them?
Etiquette dictates you don't truly need to gift the parents because after all, it's the children you are there for.....however.....if you'd like to give to the parents, here are a few easy, inexpensive ideas.

For the Permanent Nanny:

1. Make a coupon either on your computer or by hand for a "free of charge evening." Then give the dates on the back of when you are available to watch the children.
2. A small gift basket packed with popcorn and/or sweets and a child's movie; it encourages "family time."
3. A board game that has at least as many players as there are in the family.
4. A tin of cookies that were prepared by you and your charges.
5. A simple thank you note expressing how thankful you are for your position.
6. A framed finger-paint picture (done by the children of course!) :-)
   
7. A holiday themed "Welcome" mat.
8. A couple of holiday kitchen towels.
9. Gift card to their favorite restaurant.
   

For the Temp/On-call Nanny: (who probably has many Families)

1. Again, a coupon would suffice, however you probably want to limit it: i.e. "1 hour free" or "free trip to the zoo" for the children, etc...
2. Thank you cards with a nice written sentiment about the Family.
   
3. Small boxes of their favorite candy.
4. A gift card to their favorite coffeehouse.
5. Art projects completed by the children.
   
6. A small house plant, i.e. poinsettia. (animals should be kept away as they are poisonous)
7. A simple phone call to share holiday well-wishes.
   

There are many, many other ideas that won't set you back too much....just remember to have fun with the ideas and don't let it turn into a stressor! Holidays are meant to be joyful!

Please post your ideas in the comment section....after all, sharing is within the season!

Happy Holidays from NannyMall!

NannyMall suggests local Santa Parade to families!

This past weekend Historic St. Charles, specifically Main Street, began the annual tradition of their Santa Parade. Though the parade is truly quite short, it brings families and friends together in an atmosphere of celebration and festivities. The Santas are all in period dress and "come from" all over the world. My personal favorite is the Civil War Santa.
When you arrive, look for the parade characters, they all have collector cards to give to the children, something they can collect from year to year! It's a parade that shouldn't be missed!
More information about Main Street's Santa Parade:
Create Holiday Memories in Saint Charles, Missouri ~ Holiday festivities including carolers & authentically costumed Santas from around the world. Santa Parade every Saturday & Sunday at 1:30pm. The shops & restaurants on South Main Street stay open 'til 9:00pm on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday evenings with activities from 6:30-9pm. Weekend Presentations: Saturdays 11am-9pm & Sundays 12-5pm. Christmas Eve 11-2pm. Check the website for further information & more events.
To add to the festivities they've added an ice rink!
For the first time ever, and to honor the City's Bicentennial, St. Charles will erect an outdoor ice rink along the Missouri River in Frontier Park. The rink will operate from November 27, 2009, to January 4, 2010.
Other great things to see and visit are: Christmas window dressings, the real trolley you can ride for FREE, two horse drawn carriages, the Lewis & Clark huge bronze statue, the Lewis & Clark Museum, a true replica log house, and so much more!
Historic Main Street.....the place that allows you to step back in time.

NannyMall.com is THANKFUL for.....

NannyMall, LLC....what a great place to find great Nannies!

I'm thankful our Nannies are:

• Humble (they take a compliment very well and their heads don't swell!) yes, it rhymed.
  

• Sweet (they offer to help in any way that the agency may need it)
  

• Nice (these Nannies have never had a negative thing to say!) really!
  

• Thoughtful ( I get an email or two every week with encouraging words)
  

• Generous (they give of their time for different projects/meetings even when not getting paid)
  

• Giving (they give out information about the agency to anyone who will listen) yay!
  

• Professional (these Nannies take their positions seriously and strive to be the best they can be!)
  

• Creative (just ask them, they have a craft for every occasion and then some!)
  

• Grounded (there's no funny business going on in their heads)
  

• Smart (I've yet to come across one that I can't have a great "daily life" conversation with!)
  

• Goal oriented ( School? Professional Nanny? You betcha!)
  

• Funny (these girls always make me laugh! they have awesome stories and funny ways of explaining things!)
• Appreciated (I really, really appreciate them, they'll never know how much!)
  

• are THE BEST NANNIES EVER!

Nannies, Families, Visitors, have a wonderful Thanksgiving and make sure you tell someone how thankful you are for them!
If you'd like to find out more about our awesome Nannies please give us a call 314.769.MALL
or email: Info@nannymall.com

Some suggestions for "waiting Nannies"

If you are a professional Nanny or just breaking into the profession, waiting to get placed with a family can be extremely difficult! It's not an question of your experience, your talents, your availability, your age, your anything, it can be simply explained like this:
Families are extremely particular when it comes to choosing a Nanny for their family. (as they should be)
After all they want someone "just like them."

If you polled families the general consensus would probably look a little like this: Nanny must be fun, energetic, playful, loving, gentle, kind, and above all, must love our children. You see, it's everything they offer their children so they expect to bring in someone with the same actions and feelings they have towards their children.
And true, they might even hold a brighter candle to you to make sure you pass the grade due to "you being the professional."

It's not always an easy choice. There are times when a family meets with just one applicant and "tag you're it!"
happens. There are families that had a clear idea on what type of Nanny they would like for their home only to interview many and decide they need to change their criteria and start all over. Then there are families that interview 15-20 applicants and decide not to hire at all.

It's constant wait and see but understandably a Nanny can become discouraged and feel she doesn't have what it takes should she be passed by time after time. (side note: a good support group or agency can help in that area)

Here are some suggestions that may help keep your mind strong and your days busy during your waiting period.
#1 Post its ---write out a post it stating, "today is the day I get placed!" or "My perfect family is going to find me today!!" Place your post its on your mirror, in your car, on your computer, on the fridge, ON YOUR TV! Keep reading your notes, you will get placed!
#2 Call another Nanny or two, perhaps they know of some on-call work you can pick up.
#3 Post a simple flier around town informing the public what an awesome Nanny you are!
#4 Find your local support group and go to the meetings, there may be some Nannies in the same boat that could use an encouraging word from you!
#5 Use the time to update your resume and references. Touch base with your references and make sure they are still accessible for a phone call or email.
#6 Pick up a Part Time job at a mall, especially right now, there are many seasonal jobs to be had! (think of the connections you could make there!!)
#7 Take an 8 week class online or at your local community college, you'd be surprised how much that keeps your brain moving forward.
#8 Start a blog. Write about the ins and outs of being a professional Nanny. Someone may need to hear your words of wisdom and your words of caution. Try not to be too opinionated, that makes that writer sound negative and that's the last thing you want! :-)
#9 Create a Facebook page and invite your past families and Nanny friends to join. Make it a fun place where they can find links to local happenings, local restaurant coupons, local parks, etc....you'll find that they keep coming back to your page for good information, their friends will begin to ask, "where did you hear about that great deal?" and before too long you'll have new requests from people you don't know BUT THAT MAY NEED A NANNY, especially a wise Nanny that keep her page updated with fun stuff!!
#10 Perhaps choose a room in your house to paint, switch the furniture around in your apartment or even get a new haircut. It's amazing what a little change does for a person.
#11 Take a weekend road trip with friends or family. Check with Hotels.com, they probably have some great deals! Maybe you can't be hours away from your home, but you can certainly spend the night at a hotel and take advantage of their indoor pool and treat yourself to their hospitality! (and free breakfast!)
#12 Lastly, keep a positive attitude at all times. If you go in for an interview expecting they won't offer you the position, they will pick up 0n that and you probably won't get the position. So chin up, smile in place, shoulders squared, laughter ready, wisdom in check, answers firmly planted, ready-set-go!