FAQ

Is there a charge to access your services?
Our Consultation/Application fee gets you into our system and allows you to access our 24 hour On-Call system for up to one year whereby you could order instant in-home care giving as needed. Appropriate placement fees are also charged when a caregiver is to be placed.

Am I able to come meet with you?
Definitely! By meeting us, you could see who we are and how we conduct our business; and by meeting you we will have a better idea of the type of caregiver to recommend to you, however, we can arrange telephone registrations.


Where do you find your caregivers?
We find most of our caregivers by word of mouth by nannies as well as parents. We also advertise rather extensively in the yellow pages, parent magazines, and local newspapers to ensure we have an adequate reserve of qualified screened caregivers at all times.

How are your caregivers screened and what is your criteria for a "good" caregiver?
We personally interview all candidates to ensure they have the right attitude and aptitude for this kind of work. They first must fill out an application and go through an extensive interview. If they have the background and qualifications we are looking for, they are fingerprinted and background checked for any criminal record.They must complete infant,adult, child CPR, and first aid training. We require a negative TB Test, or Chest X-ray, that is current within a year. Although driving is not always required, They must submit a driving record issued by the DMV that is current within three months. They also must have previous child care or adult care references. A photo is also taken for identification. Only those who pass all these requirements qualify for placement.

How long does it take to hire a suitable caregiver?
It takes anywhere between two days to six weeks; because we work ahead of schedule, when you call in, qualified nannies may already be available. Caregivers could also be hired to work under the On-Call program on a "try-before-hire" basis.

How long can I expect the caregiver to stay on the job?
Caregivers normally will commit to a year at a time. On the average our fulltime caregivers stay in a home three to five years. Partime caregivers stay an average of one to 3 and a half years.

What happens if the caregiver leaves?
The caregiver is responsible enough to commit to staying. However, if for any reason the association is stopped within 90 days, the Employer is entitled to a credit towards the hiring of another caregiver. The credit amount is prorated as to the length of time the caregiver was on the job. The details are fully explained in the Employer-Agency Agreement. We will replace a caregiver up to one year from the start date.


What are the responsibilities of the caregiver?
Caregivers are responsible for the care and welfare of the children. Housekeepers are responsible for the total cleanliness and tidiness of the home. Home managers are largely responsible for the smooth running of the household and all related matters. The Employer is requested to submit a job description concerning the function and duties to customize what is expected of them.

Will we be able to interview the caregiver before hiring?
Absolutely! You get to meet the caregiver at your home and even negotiate the salary and conditions directly.

Do we pay a salary to the caregiver?
Since we are a referral agency we provide you with qualified candidates.You pay the caregiver directly, and as the Employer, you are responsible for deducting the social security and state taxes. We can refer you to separate agencies that can assist with this.

Are the caregivers licensed or bonded?
Caregivers are considered independent contractors. Typically, any person who is whithin the employer's household is covered under the homeowner/renter's insurance policy. This could be verified with the pertinent insurance agency. The Employer may require that the caregiver be licensed for specific tasks. A bond might be posted, as is mutually agreeable, between the employer and the caregiver. Since the Agency only refers the candidates they are not obligated to ensure licensing or bonding but exercise due diligence in screening the candidates. According to California State Law, any caregiver taking care of children must have their fingerprints on file with the Department of Social Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

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