FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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The Nanny Matchmaker specializes in four areas of household support: Childcare Professionals, Flexible Family Support, Household & Estate Staff, and Newborn Care Specialists. Searches may include nannies, family and personal assistants, mother’s helpers, house and estate managers, private chefs and family cooks, non-medical elder companions, Newborn Care Specialists, and other household professionals tailored to a family’s needs.
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The Nanny Matchmaker proudly serves families throughout California and has successfully supported searches in other states nationwide. While Los Angeles, California, is our home base, our matchmaking services are not limited by geography, and we welcome inquiries from families nationwide seeking our bespoke approach to household staffing.
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As an intentionally owner-operated business, we personally review and thoughtfully consider every inquiry. Email and text messages are the preferred methods of initial communication, allowing us to understand your needs before determining the best next step. Phone and Zoom consultations can then be scheduled as needed.
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Every search begins with getting to know your household, your needs, and what a successful match looks like to you. From defining the role and compensation to identifying, vetting, and introducing candidates, we guide families through each stage of the process, including interviews, meet & greets, trials, offers, and the transition into employment.
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Our fee structure is based on the scope and guaranteed weekly hours of your search rather than a percentage of your professional’s annual compensation. Fees generally range from $4,000 to $20,000+, depending on the schedule, structure, and complexity of the search. Temporary searches follow a separate fee structure based on the length and nature of the assignment.
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The engagement fee, ranging from $500 to $1,000 depending on the scope and complexity of the search, formally begins your search and enables us to develop the role, source and evaluate candidates, and thoughtfully build your candidate pool. The engagement fee is applied in full toward your final search fee - it is not an additional fee on top of it.
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Every search is different, with most searches averaging 3 to 6 weeks. Availability, schedule, compensation, location, responsibilities, and the level of specialization required can all influence the timeline. While we understand that families are often eager to secure support quickly, our priority is finding the right match, not simply the fastest one.
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Candidates considered through The Nanny Matchmaker undergo a thorough review of their professional background and experience, including direct conversations with previous employer references and driving record checks when applicable. Upon accepting an offer, candidates also complete comprehensive background screening and, for applicable childcare roles, TrustLine registration. Childcare professionals are also expected to maintain current CPR and First Aid certification.
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Absolutely. Many families know they need support before they know exactly what that support should look like. We’ll discuss your household, schedule, responsibilities, priorities, and challenges to help determine whether a nanny, family assistant, house manager, Newborn Care Specialist, or another type of professional would best serve your needs.
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Yes. We provide guidance based on the responsibilities of the role, schedule, experience required, location, and current household employment standards. We can also help families navigate guaranteed hours, paid time off, sick leave, holidays, overtime considerations, and other elements of a competitive compensation package.
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If you’re interested in a candidate, we help coordinate the next stages of getting to know one another. Depending on the role, this may include a Zoom interview, an in-person meet & greet, and a paid trial period before an offer is made. The process is designed to give both the family and the professional an opportunity to determine whether the match feels right.
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While our process is designed to create lasting matches, we understand that circumstances can change and not every working relationship develops as expected. Eligible searches include a replacement period as outlined in the client agreement, during which we can assist with identifying another professional if necessary.
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No. The Nanny Matchmaker is a referral and matchmaking service and does not employ the professionals introduced to families. Once hired, the professional works directly for the household, and the family is responsible for complying with applicable household employment, payroll, tax, and labor requirements.
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Experienced Newborn Care Specialists are often reserved months in advance, so we encourage families to begin their search during pregnancy whenever possible. However, every journey into parenthood looks different, and we are equally happy to assist families seeking support after their baby has arrived, subject to candidate availability.
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Never. There is no fee for professionals to join our network or be considered for opportunities through The Nanny Matchmaker. Our fees are paid by the families who engage our services.
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Candidates must have relevant professional experience, a current résumé, and verifiable references from previous employers. Requirements vary by role, but we look for professionals who demonstrate reliability, strong communication, sound judgment, professionalism, and genuine expertise within their area of service. We do not require candidates to use a specific résumé format or provide a template; instead, we encourage each professional to create and maintain their own résumé as a reflection of their individual experience, skills, and career history.
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Candidates invited to move forward complete our onboarding and vetting process, which includes reviewing professional experience, speaking directly with previous employer references, and, when applicable, checking driving records. Upon accepting an offer from a family, candidates complete comprehensive background screening and, when required, TrustLine registration. Childcare professionals must maintain current CPR and First Aid certification and are responsible for renewing it if it expires within 6 months of their anticipated start date.
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Candidates considered through The Nanny Matchmaker undergo a thorough review of their professional background and experience, including direct conversations with previous employer references and driving record checks when applicable. Upon accepting an offer, candidates also complete comprehensive background screening and, for applicable childcare roles, TrustLine registration. Childcare professionals are also expected to maintain current CPR and First Aid certification.
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Joining our professional network does not guarantee an introduction or employment opportunity. We thoughtfully consider candidates for searches based on each family’s specific requirements and only make introductions when we believe there is meaningful potential for a successful match. Ultimately, each family makes the final decision regarding which candidates they would like to meet, interview, and hire.
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Absolutely. Matchmaking works both ways. Professionals are encouraged to ask questions, carefully consider expectations, and be candid about whether an opportunity aligns with their experience, goals, schedule, and preferred work environment. Declining an opportunity that isn’t right for you does not prevent you from being considered for future roles.