What is the normal rate of pay for your candidates?
Our nannies and mother's helpers will make a minimum of $15 per hour. Rates can be higher based upon the nanny's experience level, job description, and willingness to perform additional duties.

Other domestic employees (chefs, personal assistants, estate level housekeepers, etc) rates will vary great depending on the position, please contact us for a quote.

Why do you charge a retainer fee?
Sterling Domestics charges a non-refundable retainer fee in order to cover costs incurred before and during your candidate search. The retainer guarantees that you have full access to our services until you have hired a nanny that you are 100% satisfied with!

What if our chosen employee does not work out or we are not satisfied with their performance?
f Client is not fully satisfied with thier chosen candidate within 90 days of placement, Sterling Domestics will refer to the client at least two qualified candidates or refund a pro rated portion of the finders fee.

How do you find your candidates and what is your screening process?
Most of our nannies and domestic staff candidates come to us through referrals from other nannies who have successfully used our service, some contact us after hearing about us from a friend or relative who is familiar with our company, and occasionally we advertise and recruit nannies directly. Regardless of how a candidate comes to us our screening process is the same. First, the candidate must submit a resume along with references showing a minimum of 5 years in their chosen field, or a college degree. Next, the candidate is interviewed by a company representative. During the interview we ask a series of questions regarding his/her feelings toward discipline, safety issues, different working situations, and we also ask the candidate to describe his or her own childhood and current relationship with his or her family. If we feel we that the candidate has potential we proceed by contacting all references. When speaking to references we ask questions like ?was this person punctual and reliable?? ?were there any issues that needed to be resolved during his/her employment with you? what? How was it resolved??

If checking a nanny's referece we will also ask if the child(ren) looked forward to seeing this nanny. Answers to all questions are transcribed and kept on file. We also take 2 copies of ID as well as a copy of the social security card. Additionally, all candidates must submit to a background investigation. If we are comfortable with the results of this screening, we will accept the candidate for referral.

What should we do about Taxes?
Your domestic employee is entitled to the benefits of being paid on ?The Books?. You as an employer will also reap tax benefits by paying your nanny or other domestic staff above board. The company we recommend is Breedlove and Associates www.breedlove-online.com they are wonderful about answering questions regarding household employer taxes! Please feel free to contact our offices if you would like to receive additional information regarding nanny taxes.

What if my question isn?t here?
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact our office. We are happy to assist you.