FAQ's

If you have a question that isn't answered below, please feel free to give us a call or send an email to info@ourlovingarms.com.

How long have you been in business? We started our agency in 2001.

What areas do you service? We are located in Sarasota, FL, however, we service from Tampa south to Port Charlotte. We also have a partner agency in San Antonio, Tx that offers Babysitters per our contract. We plan on continuing to grow throughout the state of Florida.

What is a nanny? The International Nanny Association defines a nanny as one "employed by the family on either a live-in or live-out basis to undertake all tasks related to the care of children. Duties are generally restricted to childcare and the domestic tasks related to childcare. May or may not have had any formal training, though often has a good deal of actual experience. Nanny's typical work week ranges from 20-50 hours per week. Usually works unsupervised."

What experience do your nannies have?  First and foremost, they have childcare experience. From there, it can vary from extensive from babysitting to having been a nanny before. Some nannies have teaching backgrounds or worked in day care centers or preschools. Other nannies are mothers and grandmothers who love working with children. There are nannies with formal nanny training or formal college education as well. Most of our candidates have some college experience. We are finding an increase in the number of candidates applying to us who have related college degrees.

Where do you find your caregivers?  We only recruit locally. Most of our caregivers come by word of mouth and are friends or relatives of current caregivers. Other caregivers find us through ads we place in parenting magazines and occasionally we will post an ad with colleges, Craigslist or newspapers to find new caregiver candidates.  All of our candidates are US citizens or can legally accept work in the United States.

How do you screen your caregivers?  First, if possible, we screen the candidate over the telephone to qualify them for an interview.  Next, the candidate completes a comprehensive 6-page application form. Then we schedule an in-depth interview, in person. Next, we check the references that are comprised of a detailed conversation with related employers and a verification of education and all other types of employment. Lastly, we pay a private security firm to do a criminal, DMV, social security number check and Sex offender registry screening.

What is a job contract?  A job contract is simply a written summary of the terms of employment. It is also referred to as a "work agreement." Experts agree that every caregiver and family should take the time to document the terms of employment. The work agreement, at a minimum, should address the following:

• Work Schedule: Days and Hours

• Compensation: Salary in gross terms, understanding on payroll taxes, pay frequency, and overtime compensation.

• Holiday and Vacation Schedules: Caregivers typically expect 2 weeks paid vacation after the first year, understanding that it often will be timed to coincide with family vacation schedules, and paid holidays. Sick day arrangements vary.

• Childcare Duties : Be specific!

• Housekeeping Duties : Be specific and realistic!

Live-in caregivers should also have a written agreement regarding the living arrangements. Items such as curfew [a touchy subject], phone bills, overnight guests, out of town guests, and privacy expectations [of both parties] should be articulated.

What about taxes and social security? You'll need to discuss that with your accountant. All household employers are required by law to pay their employees taxes. We have a tax service in which we can refer you.  It is GTM Associates 888-432-7972, be sure to tell them that Loving Arms, LLC referred you.

How long does it take to hire a caregiver? Typically, we like to say leave 3 to 6 weeks from start to finish. We have made placements in one day and there have been times that it takes two or more months. We will not compromise our screening quality to make a quick placement. A lot also depends on how quickly you are able to work with us. If you return our calls promptly and call the caregivers immediately, time is compressed. If you wait several days to return our calls or be in contact with a caregiver, it draws out the process. Our highest priority is to hire the right caregiver for your family. Many of our clients find that they find her in the first few candidates they interview.

Can I get references on your service? Our clients and caregivers volunteer readily to talk with new clients and caregivers. After a caregiver begins her job, we do follow-up, to be sure things are going well. We occasionally ask questions about our service and how we performed. We receive “rave reviews” and almost everyone says they will be available as a reference. Ask for a few names and numbers of people to call.

Am I able to meet with you personally? Absolutely. We meet with every client hiring a Nanny. We have are located in Sarasota, Fl however we are open to travel. We come directly to your home once you have completed our application to meet with you and to go over the application so we all know we are on the same page.

What benefits should I offer the caregiver? In addition to salary, the caregiver gets room and board if she lives-in with the family. Typically, families offer two weeks paid vacation and paid major holidays. For live-in caregivers, use of a car during their time off and a private telephone line are sometimes offered. More and more families offer health insurance, if able. Some families offer Gym or Club memberships. True appreciation and remembering to Thank your caregiver is one of the best benefits you can offer. An occasional gift card to a favorite store or spa is a great way to show your caregiver that she is appreciated.