Is Care for Kidz Nanny Agency a licensed Agency?

Yes we are! Every nanny or babysitting agency in Queensland must be licensed through the Department of Industrial Relations according to the Private Employment Agents Act 1983. Our licence no is 6392. For more information you can contact the Department on +61 7 3225 2000 or www.dir.qld.gov.au.

Is Care for Kidz an approved in-home care provider, what does that mean?

Care for Kidz has not seeked approval to become an in-home care provider. It means that the Department of Families & Community Services has approved certain in-home child care providers to receive CCB (child care benefit) on behalf of families. The benefit is passed on to families as a reduction in their child care fees. Care for Kidz has investigated the matter for us to become approved. We have decided not to seek approval because there are very limited number of places available in Australia. We also believe the criteria that parents must comply with to receive the benefit is far too strict. And it is financially not viable for Care for Kidz to be approved. For more information you can contact the Department on 1300 653 227 or www.fac.gov.au.

Do we have to pay any more money after we pay the placement fee?

After payment of the permanent placement fee, your nanny is exclusively allocated to work for you as agreed when you and the nanny signed the workplace contract, for the period and hours stated. However if your nanny is sick or on leave or is unable to do an extra Friday or Saturday night and you contact the agency, a casual agency fee will apply, which is included in the first three hours.

Do we offer a guarantee?

Yes we do. If the carer leaves or is removed from employment during the first 6 weeks of employment we will make every effort to replace him/her at no charge. We will only make one replacement per placement

Do we accept any nanny / childcarer?

No we don't. All our carers must have a minimum 3 years experience (other than looking after their own children) and a first aid certificate. Being a good nanny means more than having qualifications. In fact, some of the best nannies may not have any childcare qualifications but do have years of experience.

Do we accept any family?

No we don't. We believe at Care for Kidz that our carers must be treated fairly, not exploited or paid less than a fair wage. When a client does not adhere to the workplace contract, then we inform them that we can no longer assist them. We believe that nannies are childcare workers and not cleaners. If a family insists that the nanny is to do housekeeping duties then we can recommend the name of an agency that supplies cleaners or less qualified carers that may be able to assist them.

How long has Care for Kidz been in the business?

I've been in the business for twenty years now. I have cared for children from newborns to 16 years of age. I know all the ins and outs, the good and the bad for being a nanny/babysitter. I set up Care for Kidz in 2000 due to an increasing demand for my services.

How do we screen nannies / babysitters?

We ask all applicants to complete a detailed form. We check references, even if it means calling overseas. We must also be able to verify that the nannies/babysitters have a minimum of three years experience. Any new babysitter must also undergo a "working with young children check" which has been brought in by the Queensland government to check that they are suitable to wok with children. We interview all applicants in great depth, usually 45 minutes - 1.5 hours. If we believe that they don't have the skills to be a great nanny/babysitter then we won't put them on our books, regardless of their qualifications or experience.

Do we charge the nannies / babysitters a registration or membership fee?

NO! WE DO NOT. IT'S ILLEGAL!! Under Victorian law a employment agency cannot charge any job applicant a registration or membership fee! It is totally unethical and immoral. Job applicants are generally out of work and not in a financial position to pay fees. If the number of positions is less than the number of applicants, then no matter how much you pay, not everyone will be employed and your money will be wasted. It's unjustifiable and totally unfair. If an agency asks for a registration/membership fee you should advise the Department of Industrial Relations immediately on 07 3225 2000

Do we take any Agency fees out of the childcarers wage or hourly rate?

NO! WE DO NOT! There is no Agency fees as part of our carers wage whatsoever! The quoted hourly rate is paid to the employee. Our casual Agency fee which is included in the first three hours is totally separate from the carers wage. Childcarers work hard for their money and they deserve every cent.