Find the right nanny for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to find a nanny?
Our average nanny search timeline is 4-6 weeks from launch to hire. The length of each search depends on the specifics of the role, as well as the availability of qualified candidates.
How are nannies screened and vetted?
Pearl Nannies is one of the most selective nanny agencies in Portland, Oregon. Our nanny selection process includes two rounds of agency interviews, professional reference collection, employment and education verification, internet presence screening, and thorough background checks. We screen for experience, adaptability, professionalism, and enthusiasm for working with children.
We meet all of our nanny candidates in person before matching them with any families – something that sets us apart from some other nanny agencies in Portland.
How do you choose matches for positions?
While logistics are important, we look beyond schedules and responsibilities to match nannies with families. We believe your nanny should connect with your family and add value to your household. We gather information about childcare philosophies, unique experiences, nanny styles, and personality types to find the best fit for your family.
We match you with candidates who would be a great fit for your family, and you make the final decision about who to hire.
Why should I work with Pearl Nannies to hire a nanny?
Hiring a nanny is a tedious process. It takes countless hours to sift through applicants, coordinate interviews, speak to references, run background checks, and negotiate contracts. We are a full-service nanny placement agency, meaning we handle all of those details for you, so you can focus on making the right hiring decision. Our support doesn’t end when you hire your nanny – we will be there to assist with onboarding and answer any questions that come up throughout your employment relationship.
What are your agency fees?
Our agency fees begin with a $250 retainer to initiate your search, followed by a one-time placement fee equal to 10% of the nanny’s gross annual compensation. For short-term nannies (less than six months), our placement fee is equal to 12% of the nanny’s gross total compensation. All fees are paid by our client families to Pearl Nannies directly. We never charge any fees to nannies.
What services do you offer?
We focus exclusively on nanny placement services so we can provide an elevated experience and create thoughtful matches. We can do placements for full-time or part-time nannies (minimum of 20 hours per week). Most of our clients seek long-term care, but we can do placements for positions as short as 4 weeks.
For occasional or backup care, we recommend Spilt Milk Nannies. We have a partnership with SMN to offer our clients an introductory discount on their services.
What areas do you serve?
We serve families in Portland, Oregon and the surrounding metro area, including Lake Oswego, Beaverton, West Linn, Hillsboro, Tualatin, Tigard, Gresham, Happy Valley, Vancouver, and others. We are happy to initiate searches for families outside of the Portland metro area, but please note placement times may be longer while we source nannies willing to commute.
What can I expect to pay a nanny?
Pearl Nannies is proud to represent nanny candidates who have 3+ years of professional experience, glowing references, CPR certification, and unique skills and experiences that make them a valuable addition to any household. We assist you in creating your compensation package so your nanny can feel confident making a commitment to your family.
Pearl Nannies candidates are currently seeking:
- A minimum of $25-$30 per hour (rates vary according to candidate experience and specifications of individual roles)
- Industry standard benefits including: Guaranteed hours, paid time off, sick time, paid holidays, mileage reimbursement, and professional pay with tax withholding
How do I handle taxes for my nanny?
You will be your nanny’s employer, so you will be responsible for withholding employment taxes and providing pay stubs. We have a partnership with HomePay, a comprehensive household payroll service, to offer our clients a complimentary consultation and a discount on their services. HomePay can handle all of your employer tax obligations and provide a hands-off solution to paying your nanny. You can learn more about HomePay here.
Is there a trial period before I hire a nanny?
Pearl Nannies encourages families to do a short trial period with their nanny before making a long-term commitment, but it is optional. Trial periods can be as short as one day or as long as two weeks.
What if things don't go well after hiring my nanny?
We’re confident that our full-service nanny placement process will help you hire the right nanny for your family. We will stay in touch after placement to assist with onboarding and clearing any hurdles that arise. However, for peace of mind, we do offer one complimentary replacement search, subject to the terms of our referral services agreement, in case things don’t work out within the first 90 days of employment.
What household duties do nannies typically perform?
In addition to childcare, a nanny’s household duties include:
- tidying and organizing children’s spaces
- maintaining common areas
- meal preparation for the children
- washing children’s dishes and unloading the dishwasher
- folding/putting away children’s laundry
Many nannies are willing to take on more responsibilities for a higher hourly rate.
Can you help me find a nanny with a specific qualification, like fluency in a second language or Montessori experience?
Yes! We are happy to do specific searches to meet your family’s needs. Please keep in mind your search may take longer than average in order to source qualified candidates.
Are there minimum requirements for the number of weekly hours or the duration of positions?
We ask that our client families offer positions with at least 20 hours per week and a minimum duration of 4 weeks. This ensures we’re only working with reliable and qualified professional candidates.
Do you offer occasional or backup care?
No, we do not offer any occasional, one-time, or backup care. We recommend Spilt Milk Nannies for backup care in Portland. We have a partnership with SMN to offer our clients an introductory discount on their services.