When it comes to finding exceptional in-home childcare, families in Boston and beyond turn to The Washburn Agency for expert guidance and peace of mind. We specialize in placing professional, fully screened nannies who bring structure, warmth, and support into your home. Whether you’re looking for a full-time nanny or occasional help, we’re here to make the nanny hiring process smooth and stress-free.
Below, we answer frequently asked questions and share what makes The Washburn Agency Boston’s top choice for nanny placement services.
Why Hire a Professional Nanny?
Hiring a nanny provides your child with consistent, one-on-one care tailored to their unique routines, interests, and developmental needs. Unlike daycare, a nanny offers flexibility for your family’s schedule and focuses entirely on your child’s well-being. Whether you’re a busy professional or want extra support at home, a qualified nanny helps your household run more smoothly—while ensuring your child is safe, nurtured, and thriving.
How Does The Washburn Agency Find and Screen Nannies?
Our meticulous nanny screening process is what sets us apart. We maintain a strong network of experienced caregivers sourced from job boards, social media, direct referrals, and our newsletter community. Every applicant completes a detailed application and participates in a one-on-one video interview with a Placement Coordinator.
Before any candidate is introduced to your family, we verify their references by speaking directly with past employers and including summaries of those conversations in their profile. We also conduct a social media screening to help ensure candidates present themselves professionally across platforms.
If you choose to move forward with a candidate, we perform comprehensive background checks that include:
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- SSN Trace
- County Criminal Search
- Nationwide Criminal Search
- Federal Criminal Search
- Massachusetts CORI
- National Sex Offender Registry
- Driving Record Check
All Nannies must have current CPR and First Aid certifications before placement. These credentials are verified during our screening process to ensure your child’s safety.
What About Payroll and Nanny Taxes?
Nannies are legally considered household employees, and families are responsible for managing proper payroll and tax compliance. This includes Social Security, Medicare, unemployment tax, and issuing a W-2.
To make this process easier, we connect our clients with GTM Payroll Services—our trusted partner for nanny payroll, tax filings, and compliance. Their service helps you stay organized and in line with federal and state employment laws.
What Benefits Should I Offer a Nanny?
Offering a professional and competitive benefits package helps you attract and retain the best nanny for your family. Standard benefits often include:
- Guaranteed hours
- Paid holidays
- Two or more weeks of paid vacation
- Paid sick time
- Health insurance stipend
- Annual professional development stipend
Providing these benefits creates a respectful, long-term working relationship and shows your nanny they are a valued member of your household team.
What Does a Nanny Typically Do?
A nanny’s core responsibility is the care and well-being of your child. Their duties may also include:
- Preparing nutritious meals for the child
- Tidying up play and common areas
- Managing children’s laundry
- Organizing toys and child-related supplies
If you need additional help with errands or household tasks, consider hiring a Family Assistant—a hybrid role that combines caregiving with personal and household support.
What Are Common Nanny Work Schedules?
Most full-time nannies in Boston work 8–10 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Some families require coverage for evenings, weekends, or occasional travel. At The Washburn Agency, we tailor the job description to match your specific needs.
What If the Nanny Isn’t the Right Fit?
While our process is thorough, we know that sometimes a placement isn’t the perfect match. If you’re not fully satisfied, we’re here to help. We’ll listen to your concerns, offer guidance, and begin a new search as quickly as possible.
All placements include a 90-day replacement guarantee to ensure your family is supported every step of the way.
How Long Does It Take to Hire a Nanny?
On average, most families are matched with a nanny within 2 to 6 weeks. Your timeline will depend on availability, your family’s unique needs, and the speed of the interview and decision-making process.
Why Choose The Washburn Agency Over Hiring on Your Own?
Working with The Washburn Agency saves you time, reduces stress, and ensures a higher level of safety and professionalism throughout your search. Our experienced recruiters listen closely to your goals and preferences, and only present candidates who meet our strict standards. We handle everything from sourcing and screening to reference checks and background reports, so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Most importantly, we continue to support your family even after placement, helping to ensure a strong, lasting match. We know that a great nanny can make a life-changing difference in your child’s development and your overall peace of mind.
Areas We Serve
The Washburn Agency is based in Boston and proudly serves families across the Greater Boston Area and select cities nationwide.
Ready to Find Your Nanny?
At The Washburn Agency, we believe every child deserves exceptional care. Whether you’re looking for a full-time nanny, a babysitter, or a family assistant, we are here to help you hire with confidence.
Contact us today to begin your search—we look forward to supporting your family.
