FAQs - Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Full-Time Nanny

1.     Why should I hire a nanny?
Hiring a nanny gives your child personalized care in the comfort of your own home, allowing for a routine that matches their unique needs. With all of life’s demands, having a nanny to help with childcare can offer relief, enabling you to focus on being the best parent you can be.

2. Why use an agency instead of searching for a nanny on my own?
An agency saves you time and ensures quality by thoroughly vetting candidates, managing the screening process, and matching you with nannies who align with your family’s needs.

3. Are your nannies CPR-certified?
Yes, every nanny we work with is certified in CPR and First Aid. We confirm these certifications during our screening to ensure the highest level of safety for your child.

4. Do you conduct background checks on nannies?
Absolutely. We perform comprehensive background checks, including criminal, driving, and reference checks, to ensure that every nanny meets our rigorous standards before joining your family.

5. How do you find and screen your nannies?
Our 12-step screening process ensures only top-quality candidates. This includes:

• Detailed application review

• Phone and personal interviews

• Employment and reference verification

• State and national background checks

• Driving record and residency history reviews

• CPR & First Aid certification

5. How do I pay my nanny?
While Southern Coast Nannies does not employ nannies directly, we’re happy to guide you through our recommended payroll service for easy, reliable payments.

6. Am I responsible for nanny-related taxes?
Yes, as an employer, you’ll need to handle taxes for nanny wages, including Social Security and Medicare. We have preferred providers to guide you through this process.

7. Will my nanny help with household chores?
Nannies typically handle light housekeeping related to the children, such as tidying play areas or cleaning up after meals. For more extensive household support, you may consider a Family Assistant.

8. What if the nanny I hire doesn’t work out?
If you find that your nanny isn’t the right fit, we’ll work with you to resolve any issues. If needed, we’ll help you find a new nanny as quickly as possible.

9. How long does it take to find a nanny?
On average, our process takes about 4-8 weeks. This time frame can vary based on your specific needs and the availability of nannies in your area.

11. What kind of schedule can I expect for a nanny?
Most nannies work full- or part-time. A full-time nanny typically works 8 to 10 hours a day, Monday through Friday. Some may also be available for evening or weekend care, depending on your arrangement.

12. What are guaranteed hours?
"Guaranteed hours" for a nanny refer to a set number of hours each week that a family agrees to pay the nanny, regardless of whether all those hours are used. This arrangement ensures that the nanny has stable, predictable income and availability, even if there are occasional changes in the family’s schedule. For example, if a nanny is guaranteed 40 hours a week but only works 35 one week due to family travel plans, they are still paid for the full 40 hours. This practice helps create a reliable, professional work arrangement and is common in nanny placements to support long-term relationships.

13. Which areas do you serve?
While we are happy to provide nanny placement throughout North Carolina, our focus is in and around Carolina Beach, Hampstead, Holden Beach, Kure Beach, Leland, Oak Island, Ocean Isle, Southport, Sunset Beach, Wilmington, & Wrightsville Beach.

14. What’s the difference between a Nanny and a Family Assistant?
A Nanny’s primary focus is on childcare, while a Family Assistant can also take on household tasks like running errands, scheduling, and general home organization.