How do I start the process?
The first thing would be for you to contact us by either telephone or e-mail.
International Nannies & Homecare Ltd. has offices and local nanny coordinators
in place from coast to coast. The coordinator or office nearest your location
will then contact you—and listen closely to exactly what you are looking for in
a caregiver—in order to gain a better understanding of your family's specific
requirements. This enables us to match candidates to your needs
more successfully. We are pleased to offer you a free childcare consultation either
over the telephone or in person.
Back to top
What can your agency do that I cannot do myself?
International Nannies & Homecare Ltd. functions primarily as a matching
service, finding the right caregiver for your family's needs. Our expert
coordinators evaluate and screen prospective candidates for you. By using an
agency, you will save not only time, but our expertise will also help to
guide you through the various stages of the hiring process. We, as an agency,
will save you the time and energy it takes to find a qualified caregiver.
Back to top
Where do you find your nannies/caregivers?
Local nannies and caregivers already in Canada apply with us based on our
reputation for placing qualified caregivers with families, usually through word
of mouth. We also run advertisements. We are also the only caregiver agency
with offices coast to coast, so we are able to recruit and place caregivers
from across Canada. Overseas caregivers are recruited and pre-screened by our
partner agencies. We also try to travel overseas as often as possible in order to meet
with many of the overseas caregivers in person.
Back to top
How do you screen your local nannies/caregivers?
We personally interview each and every local applicant to assess his or her
suitability. To qualify, the applicant must have recent childcare experience
accompanied by at least two strong references. We speak to each of the
references and carefully record their comments. In addition, a lengthy
application is completed by each applicant along with documentation of legal
status. Only candidates that pass our screening process are entered into our
network. Furthermore, we will recommend a candidate only if the references and interview
indicate that our high standards have been met.
Back to top
How do you screen overseas caregivers?
Ultimately, overseas caregivers are screened and approved of by the Canadian
Government through the “Foreign Live-in Caregiver Program.” Once the Canadian
Immigration Department has checked the legality of their education, previous
work experience as a caregiver, language skills, police clearances and after they complete a thorough medical exam, then, and only then, will
Immigration issue a legal work-permit. All overseas applicants are meet in
person by one of our overseas recruiters and we at International Nannies &
Homecare Ltd. also try to fly overseas as often as possible in order to meet
with our overseas applicants.
Back to top
How long does it take to hire an overseas caregiver?
After the employment offer/contract is validated through Human Resources
Development Canada—depending upon where the caregivers are coming from—it can
take anywhere from 3-9 months. It depends primarily on the country where the
work authorization is processed.
Back to top
How much does a nanny/caregiver cost?
Depending on the city and province you live in, the average cost for live-out
nannies and caregivers can range anywhere from $8-12 for Saskatchewan &
Manitoba and from $10-17 for all other provinces. Live-in caregivers are the
the most cost effective way to have a nanny. A live-in nanny usually costs an average of
30% less than live-out caregivers. Live-in caregivers can also be placed
anywhere in Canada, even rural and remote areas. Please call us for a free telephone childcare consultation.
Back to top
How long does it take to find a nanny/caregiver?
Overseas nannies can take anywhere from 3-9 months. Local nannies are usually
available much sooner depending upon availability and compatibility, sometimes as little as a
couple of weeks. Generally, we are only able to place local nannies in larger
cities, due the severe shortage of qualified caregivers in more rural areas.
Back to top
What are the typical duties I can expect from my nanny?
A nanny’s primary responsibility is to care for the
children. The duties generally include tending to their daily physical,
emotional, social and intellectual needs. A nanny will also perform light
housekeeping duties when the children do not require her attention. Each nanny,
as well as each family, is different; duties a nanny is willing to perform are
dependent upon the individual. Nannies promote quality childcare and provide an
environment that nurtures the well being of the children.
Back to top
Is there a placement guarantee if things do not work out?
Absolutely. Our placement guarantee is anywhere from 3 months and up provided
you obey with your provincial labor standard laws.
Back to top
What about post placement support?
It is our company policy to provide intensive follow-up to the family and the
caregiver after the placement. We believe that continuous follow-up is the best
way to avoid problems down the road.
Back to top
What is the next step for families to take?
You can call or email us any additional questions that you may have. Your
closest local coordinator will then contact you in order to go through your
specific requirements.
Back to top
| 
