Modern Minders FAQs.

 

What areas does Modern Minders service?

We provide nanny and childcare professional services in Los Angeles, New York City. Please check out WHERE WE WORK page for which services are available in your area.

What are the benefits of using an agency?

By hiring our services, you get a highly-qualified professional who has been vetted and verified multiple times. Our caregivers have undergone thorough background and reference checks and have been carefully matched with your family to ensure the best possible care. We only represent the finest caregivers available and take the stress out of finding the perfect match for you by doing all the work ourselves. With us, finding the right professional is easy!

How do I pay my Nanny?

Nannies are W2 employees and paid hourly for their time with your family. Modern Minders CCS has partnered with two great resources for families. Homework Solutions to provided our families the very best to set your family up for success when it comes to paying your household employee legally. We also recommend GTM Payroll Services. GTM Payroll Services has specialized in easy-to-use payroll solutions ever since our founding in 1991. They are a one stop shop for all your payroll needs.

*The IRS considers any nanny (or other person) that works in your home to be a household “employee” W2, and not an independent contractor 1099, no matter how you label them. You are responsible to withhold and pay certain federal employment taxes for all your household employees.*

What type of benefits should I offer my Nanny?

Benefits are not mandated by Modern Minders or by law depending on the state you are living in.  Offering your nanny benefits is a MAJOR plus and the reason why Modern Minders can maintain top talent in their homes. Additional benefits and industry standard that should be considered are full health and dental insurance or a stipend towards, use of a nanny car or transportation allowance (remember if you are having your nanny use their own car, you are responsible for milage on their vehicle), 2 weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave 6-10 days (number depends on the state), 401K, the opportunity for paid-travel and expenses on family vacations, and a continuing education allowance for childcare related education. 

If the nanny is relocating to accept a position with a family, the family should consider paying for one-way airline, train or bus fare and other travel-related expenses.

To attract the best nannies, offering a competitive benefits package for your area is recommended.  Feel free to call us directly to discuss what is common practice in your area (310) 435-9486

How do I find out what Modern Minders fees are?

Our fees are based on the competitive practices in each area that we service.  Feel free to contact one of Modern Minders' placement specialists for a complete fee schedule for each area we service at (310) 435-9486.

What is a typical hourly rate for nannies and caregivers through Modern Minders?

Rates vary from location to location, and are based on a number of factors.  Factors to consider are the age and number of children requiring care, the nanny's years of experience and formal education, additional household duties required, number of hours required per week, and the type of hours required (e.g., traditional, overnight, evenings, weekends, etc). Domestic workers are considered W2 HOURLY employees. Feel free to contact us at (310) 435-9486 to determine the wages applicable in your area.

Is Modern Minders a credentialed agency?

Modern Minders is a fully licensed, bonded and insured agency.  We are also a member of The International Association of Nannies (INA).

How long has Modern Minders been open?

Modern Minders CCS, LLC officially opened its doors on April 6, 2017, although we have been in the business of matching nannies with families for over a decade. Our agency was founded with the belief that a smaller size allows us to provide a more personalized touch to your search. We only work with a limited number of families at a time, which ensures that we can focus on providing high-quality, long-term placements.

Where is Modern Minders Located?

Our main office is located in Buffalo, New York with remote recruiters in LA, NYC, South FL and other locations globally.  We have trusted recruiting specialists on the ground in each city who personally meet with each and every candidate we represent.

Where does Modern Minders find their nannies, sitters and Newborn Care Specialists?

Modern Minders vetted community of nannies comes to us almost exclusively through referral.  Yep that's right, our nannies and professionals come to us by way of previous employers or other seasoned professionals in the industry!

How long does it take to find a Nanny?

This depends on the family. We don't like to "rush the party" as they say.  Finding the right person to care for your children is a really important processes.  It could take a 6-8 weeks weeks to do it right.  It really is all about what a family is looking for.  We take the time to ask what families' wish list is when conducting our searches, and in some cases what hasn't worked in the past.  We do our best to make the process as smooth as we possibly can.

What is a Nanny?

A nanny's primary role is to ensure a safe, caring, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children to thrive and develop. Generally, they are responsible for all tasks related to the children’s care. Depending on the family's needs, the ages of the children, and other factors, each nanny position may have slightly different responsibilities. However, typically, nannies are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and organization in the children's areas and doing their laundry. Besides providing attentive, high-quality childcare, nannies may also need to transport the children to and from activities, shop for groceries, and plan their daily schedule.

Although some families may require the nanny to take on additional household tasks, such as housekeeping and laundry for the parents, depending on the position, these duties may be better suited for a housekeeper.

What is a babysitter?

A sitter's primary responsibility is to keep the children safe and cared for in their parent’s absence. Unlike a nanny, a sitter isn’t typically involved in fostering the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of the children in her care on a daily basis.

What is a Newborn Care Specialist?

An Infant/Newborn Care Specialist is someone who can help you gain confidence, understanding, and practical skills to transition into parenthood. They typically come to your home before or just after the arrival of your baby to support you in the early days of parenting. Their professional knowledge can help you heal and recover quickly after delivery, providing you with the much-needed rest. Hiring one of our professionals will give you peace of mind, knowing that you have someone reliable to take care of your little one and provide the support you need. Our specialists have experience in various newborn tasks, working with all types of families, identifying infant milestones, regulating sleep schedules, sleep training, caring for multiples, and ensuring that parents are at their best.

If I return home earlier than my requested time for a babysitter, do I have to pay the whole time?

Yes, we require you to pay for the minimum of 4 hours for the sitter directly to the sitter. 

Can I contact the nanny directly?

NO and Yes. If a Nanny or Sitter is in your home on a placement or traveling with your children in their car, you can contact them to ask questions or check in. Please do not contact our Specialists to request them for another job or to meet casually outside of your home. To ensure we provide quality care and meet our guarantee, we need all placement requests to come through Modern Minders CCS,LLC. Feel free to contact us at (310) 435-9486.