Find the right nanny for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to find a nanny?
Our placement process typically takes 4-6 weeks. We screen new applicants for every role to ensure we provide the best possible matches. The length of each search depends on the details of the role and the availability of qualified candidates.
How are nanny candidates screened?
Pearl Nannies is one of the most selective nanny agencies in Portland, Oregon.
We screen every candidate through a 9-point application process: two rounds of agency interviews (including an in-person interview), professional reference collection, highest level of education verification, CPR status verification, vaccination status verification, online presence screening, a comprehensive background check, and a driving record check.
We screen for experience, professionalism, and enthusiasm for working with children.
Why should I work with Pearl Nannies to hire a nanny?
Hiring a nanny is a complex 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 makes Pearl Nannies different from other nanny agencies?
Other nanny agencies in Portland leave you to do the heavy lifting: writing your own job description, sorting through dozens of applicants, reviewing resumes, coordinating your own interviews, and figuring out how to manage your new employment relationship. You’re left to determine who might be good fit for your family, without any guidance.
At Pearl Nannies, we simplify the nanny hiring process by handling all of the details for you. We start by meeting with you to understand exactly what you’re looking for in a nanny. We provide a small, curated selection of ideal candidates– each with a clear, one-page profile highlighting their experience and qualifications.
We schedule your interviews with your favorite candidates, and we continue to serve as a liaison until hiring is complete. We create a custom employment agreement to provide a clear framework that reflects best practices for a long-term employment relationship. We stay in touch through onboarding to ensure things continue to go smoothly.
In short, Pearl Nannies takes the work out of hiring a nanny, so you can focus on choosing the right nanny for your family.
How do you choose matches for positions?
Making thoughtful matches between nannies and families is our main priority.
While logistics are important, we look beyond schedules and responsibilities to match your family with nannies. 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 screen new applicants for every role to ensure we provide the best possible matches.
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 (duration less one year), 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, excellent communication skills, and unique experiences that make them a valuable addition to any household.
All Pearl Nannies candidates are currently seeking:
- Hourly rates starting at $25-$35 per hour
- 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.