I lift my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
Shared Values
All our nannies are committed to creating a nurturing, positive, and wholesome environment. They respect and support the spiritual and moral upbringing of your children in alignment with your family’s beliefs.
Expert Screening
Leveraged by the reliability and integrity of military spouses, our screening process includes thorough background checks, personal interviews, and skill assessments to ensure the safety and compatibility of all parties involved.
Community and Support
Join a community that supports each other like family. Our network of Christian families and nannies provides a supportive environment, sharing experiences and growing together in faith and love.
Hear from the families who have welcomed our nannies into their homes and hearts, sharing their experiences of increased joy, support, and faith.
“Joining Heart for the Home was the best decision I have made for my career! As a nanny with only 2 years of experience, I was looking for a team that prioritizes the well-being of both nannies and families. Thanks to Heart for the Home, I was able to quickly and effortlessly find a family that aligns perfectly with my values and childcare approach.”
Matilda D. (Nanny)
“Using Heart for the Home has been a game-changer for our family. We were in desperate need of finding reliable childcare for our two young children, and within a very short period of time, we found the perfect nanny match. I love that a military mom met and screened each candidate for us, and used our shared values as a guide. Our family feels confident in our choice and couldn’t be happier with the care our children receive.”
Lauren P. (mother)
What’s the difference between a Nanny and an Au Pair?
We specialize in finding junior nannies who are just like an Au Pair in experience level,
but are not international. What are the advantages?
Factor | Junior Nanny | Au Pair |
Motivation | Gaining experience as a professional caregiver | Young adults from a foreign country on a cultural exchange program |
Experience/Training | Varies from just babysitting experience to 1-2 years in a nanny role or preschool position | Typically has babysitting or childcare experience, but may lack formal training. |
Age | Can vary, but most are under 30. | Legally, an au pair must be between 18-26 years old to secure a visa. |
Start Date | Available immediately. | Depends on availability and timeline of securing a J-1 visa, typically 8-10 weeks |
Living Arrangement | Lives with the family. | Lives with the family. |
Language/Culture | May or may not offer opportunities for language or cultural exchange. | Offers opportunities for language and cultural exchange. |
Flexibility | Often more flexible; hours/duties negotiated based on agreement. | Limited to 45 hours per week***; set hours and duties. |
Length of Stay | Flexible: a minimum of 1-year contract, but no limit to length | Restricted: Legally, minimum of one, but no more than 2 years. |
Driving | Must have a US Driver’s License - easy to background check | May have an international driving permit - hard to background check |
Background Checks | Easy to do using a nanny’s Social Security Number prior to hire | Difficult to obtain, if possible.(varies by country) |
Expense | $3,000 One-time Placement Fee$400-550 Weekly Stipend+domestic plane ticketTtl Estimate: $24,000+ | $11,000+ Placement Expenses*$200-300 Weekly Stipend**$500 Educational Grant+international plane ticketTtl Estimate: $24,000+ |
Risk | Contract provided by Heart for the Home, and pricing/terms are agreed to between the family and nanny. | Terms are dictated by the law. Pending legislation threatens to increase the weekly stipend to $720 per week (with a maximum $130 deduction for room + board) |
*Au Pair pricing pulled from this link and is as of 5/14/2024.
**Current Legislation threatens to increase this to the state’s minimum wage, as much as $720 per week
***Legislation threatens to limit this to 40 hours and then overtime pay
Hear from the families who have welcomed our nannies into their homes and hearts, sharing their experiences of increased joy, support, and faith.
How do I find the right nanny for my family?
Talk through with your spouse the qualities and qualifications that are important to you. You might want someone with experience in early childhood education, or someone who shares your family values or faith. Our agency can help match you with candidates who meet your criteria and have been pre-screened for their experience and background.
What kind of background checks are conducted on nannies?
We use a third party to run a criminal background check, verification of previous employment and references, a sex offender registry check, and possibly a driving record check (if the nanny has a driver’s license). Since we source nannies domestically instead of internationally, this information is much easier to obtain.
How do we handle nanny contracts?
A nanny contract is crucial as it outlines the expectations and responsibilities of both the nanny and the employer. A Heart for the Home will provide the contract, editable to your needs, for signature by both parties. Typical items included are hours of work, salary, overtime, benefits, job duties, house rules, and conditions for termination.
What if the nanny isn’t the right fit for our family?
It’s important to address any issues early with clear and respectful communication. If the arrangement isn’t working out despite efforts to resolve differences, our agency can assist in mediating discussions or finding a replacement nanny to better suit your family's needs. All nannies start on a provisional basis for 10 weeks and if it isn’t a fit in that timeframe, we will find you a replacement nanny free of charge.
