The Nanny Forum

A place for Families & Nannies to Learn & Connect!

Nanny Placement Agencies


What is a placement agency and how do they differ from web based services? Nanny placement/referral agencies are sprinkled all over the country. An in-home placement agency differs greatly from the web based companies in that they provide a much more in-depth service to include qualified candidates that must meet strict minimum standards that are fully screened; they only refer candidate they feel will be a good match for your family. (In other words, they weed out the weeds for you!) This is the main service they provide but they also include an in-depth interview with your family to answer questions about the process and what to expect. The good agencies provide a very personalized service and rightfully so, cost a lot more than the web based referral services that simply give you access to unscreened childcare providers that may or may not be qualified.


Am I limited to agencies in my area? No; a lot of the larger placement agencies are national and provide referrals for all types of in-home staffing needs all over the country. Families looking specifically for an au pair often use a large agency as a lot of the smaller ones do not even offer au placements (an au pair refers to a childcare provider from another country) If you are looking for a nanny or doula we recommend trying to find one that is close to you (if possible) because you will be able to meet face to face with a representative from the agency; many local agencies will even come to your home! (Please note: if you live in an area with little to no competition then going out of the area may be a wiser choice for your family.)

Is it important an agency have professional associations? Yes! Any credible placement agency that refers childcare providers should have membership to at least one of the professional associations listed below.
Most placement agencies that refer any type of in home childcare providers have memberships to at least one of the following


Professional Associations

  • International Nanny Association (I.N.A.):
    • Established in 1985, the INA is a non-profit, educational asociation for nannies and those who educate, place, employ and support in-home childcare providers. The Nanny Forum is a proud member of this association

  • Association of Premier Nanny Agencies:
    • Established in 1993, the APNA promotes best business practices in all areas of the nanny placement and household staffing industries. Only the most professional nanny placement agencies in the country belong to APNA. They require a minimum of 3 years in business to apply for membership.

  • National Association for the Education of Young Children
    • Founded in 1926, NAEYC is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 100,000 members, a national network of over 300 local, state, regional affiliates and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations.



    *Please Note:The placement agencies listed on this page are all members of the professional association A.P.N.A. which means they must uphold a strict standard of ethical practices. If there is nothing listed in your state it is because there are no agencies with this level of association located there; however, there are many more agencies out there and you can find the list of Internation Nanny Association members by clicking this membership list

    *No matter which agency you choose, please be sure to read our helpful nanny placement agency questionnaire. It is important that you understand what the agency will and will not be including with your placement.