For over 30 years, APNA has served as a professional membership organization and resource for serious business owners who establish and enforce standards of professional industry practices in the placement of nannies and household staff. Just as the agencies that are admitted vigorously screen their applicants, APNA applies those same strenuous assessments to their agencies. This encompasses all areas of the agencies’ business practices – from the interview and screening processes, to contracts, to background checks, to legal obligations, to overall professionalism. A high bar is set for applicants and only the best of the best are granted a membership. As a testament to this, the APNA seal states, “Only the most professional Nanny Placement Agencies in the country belong to the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies.”
2. APNA is the Household Equivalent of the Good Housekeeping Seal! When families and nannies choose an agency, they want one that will treat them fairly, with honesty and integrity. When they choose an APNA member, families and nannies can feel comfortable knowing the agency has standards that must be followed, and that they are accountable to a code of ethics. They know that the APNA board monitors agencies for infractions, and that they will ensure that the agencies maintain fair principles. When asked why a family should choose an APNA agency, one family replied, “Because when you want an honest, thorough, ethical business partner to help you with the most sensitive of decisions, you want an APNA agency.”
3. Networking and Resources
When you are an APNA member, you have access to practical business information. This comes through industry conferences, website resources, an association newsletter, and a directory of agency contacts (including many veteran owners). These platforms allow agencies to exchange ideas, learn about advances in technology, and gain access to training, such as APNA’s new Placement Counselor Certification. APNA members are trendsetters, and this idea exchange has guided the household industry to where it is today.
4. Raising Awareness and Setting Industry Trends
The APNA board members are extremely active in speaking to local and national media in order to educate the public about the household staffing industry. They stress thorough screening, comment on childcare and household staffing issues, and distinguish APNA agencies from online services, sitter co-ops, and other “similar” businesses. This raises awareness of the organization, as well as ensures that our nannies and household staff are seen as true professionals. In addition, many of our members and sponsors are active in shaping household staffing legislation, regulation and law.
5. The APNA website provides valuable resources for thousands of parents across the country. Many families start by doing nanny research before they even engage an agency. As they review articles and recommendations, families utilize the “Find an APNA Agency” link to locate an agency in their area. As these leads are directed to your website, families have already given you added credibility because of their existing confidence in the association.
