Your Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Nanny in Los Angeles, Part 2
The second half of the hiring process — screening candidates, running interviews, checking references, and making an offer that lands.
How to filter candidates before the interview
Before you spend time on interviews, do a basic phone screen. Ten minutes is enough to assess communication, confirm their schedule availability, and verify their experience matches the role. If you receive 20 applications, a quick screen gets you to 4-5 worth interviewing.
Red flags to watch for: vague answers about why previous positions ended, unwillingness to do a background check, or asking about pay before asking about the children.
What to ask in a nanny interview
The best interview questions are scenario-based. Instead of asking "are you good with kids," ask: "Tell me about a time a child in your care was upset and you couldn't figure out why. What did you do?"
Watch for candidates who talk about the children they cared for with genuine warmth and specific detail. Vague answers about "loving children" are not the same as real experience.
Reference checks are non-negotiable
Call the references — don't just email. Ask direct questions: Would you hire them again? How did they handle a difficult situation? Why did the role end? A hesitation or vague answer tells you as much as a direct response.
Minimum two references, both from direct supervisors or families they worked for. Character references from friends don't count.
How to structure a nanny offer
Put the offer in writing. Include: hourly rate, guaranteed weekly hours, overtime policy, start date, vacation and sick days, and any benefits. California law requires overtime pay for hours over 9/day or 45/week.
A written offer protects both parties and sets clear expectations before day one. Families who skip this step often revisit the same conversations months later.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to hire a nanny in Los Angeles?
Most full-time placements take 4 to 8 weeks from first consultation to start date. Part-time and temporary roles can move faster. Specialized roles like ROTA or newborn care typically take longer due to a smaller candidate pool.
Do you place nannies outside Los Angeles?
Our primary focus is Los Angeles and surrounding areas. We occasionally place for families with out-of-area or travel needs. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Do I need to pay a placement fee to hire a nanny?
Yes. Placement agencies charge a fee, typically 15 to 20% of the nanny's first-year gross salary. This covers candidate sourcing, vetting, TrustLine verification, reference checks, and the placement process. The fee is paid by the family after a successful placement.
What does Los Angeles Nannies charge for a placement?
Our placement fee is 20% of the nanny's first-year gross salary, paid once at hire. If we do not place a candidate within 30 days of starting the search, the search fee is refunded.
How long does hiring a nanny in Los Angeles take?
Most families working through a placement agency in Los Angeles complete a hire within four to eight weeks. The timeline depends primarily on how quickly the family can schedule interviews and whether they have a clear sense of what they are looking for before the search begins.
What are the real costs of hiring a nanny in Los Angeles?
Beyond hourly pay, expect: employer payroll taxes (roughly 10 to 12% of gross wages), paid sick leave (required by California law), 10 days paid vacation (competitive standard), and potentially a health contribution. Placement agency fees are typically 20% of first-year gross salary.
How do I keep a great nanny long-term?
Competitive pay, consistent communication, clear boundaries, and genuine appreciation are the biggest factors. Annual raises (3 to 5% is standard), acknowledging milestones, and giving adequate notice of schedule changes all contribute to long-term retention.
Should I hire a nanny through an agency or a job board?
An agency pre-screens candidates and presents only those who are a realistic match. A job board gives you a larger unfiltered pool to manage yourself. For first-time household employers or families who want the process handled properly, an agency is strongly recommended.
What should a nanny work agreement include in California?
A California nanny work agreement should include the hourly rate, pay schedule, guaranteed hours, overtime terms (1.5x after 9 hours per day or 45 per week), sick leave (5 days minimum required by law), duties, confidentiality terms, notice period, and termination conditions.
What is the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?
A nanny is a professional caregiver employed on a regular ongoing schedule with formal employment terms. A babysitter provides occasional, informal care. In California, nannies are household employees with legal obligations around pay, taxes, and benefits. Babysitters typically are not.
Ready to find the right nanny?
We handle sourcing, screening, background checks, and introductions. You only meet candidates worth your time.
No hire within 30 days — your search fee is refunded.