Experts Offer Advice on Selecting In-Home Childcare

Agencies that place nannies say the big difference between nannies and au pairs is experience. Au pairs are usually exchange students who tend children in exchange for a place to live. Nannies are trained for their work. Nannies also go through extensive background checks, which au pairs do not, necessarily.

Whether they're playing, walking, brushing teeth or reading, nanny Karlee Roberts says the key to working with a child such as 14-month-old Lily is patience and maturity.

It wasn't her personality alone that got Roberts her current job. She had past work experience, 2 years of early childhood education and first aid training. She was referred to her employers by an agency which checks criminal records, driving records and job references. Agency Director Michael White says the checks are very thorough.

White says parents entrust their most precious resource to a nanny. Referring them is a responsibility he takes seriously.

Since nannies are paid better than au pairs, experts say families can attract a higher quality of care.

Photographer:Ed Wilson