The Rio HouseNANNY PLACEMENT AGENCY

THE RIO HOUSE EXPERIENCE

Carefully Chosen.
Personally Matched.

Finding the right nanny is personal. We make the search feel clear, focused, and supported.

OUR APPROACH

Every Family Is Different.
Every Search Should Be, Too.

We begin by understanding your household, schedule, parenting preferences, and the qualities that matter most to you. From there, we conduct a tailored search instead of simply sending a list of available names.

01 · Discovery

We discuss your family's routines, needs, responsibilities, ideal start date, and expectations.

02 · Curated Search

We source candidates aligned with your position and conduct initial conversations about experience, fit, and availability.

03 · Interviews & Screening

We coordinate family interviews and explain screening status. Applicable background checks and professional reference verification are completed before a paid working trial.

04 · Hiring & Next Steps

Choose the caregiver who feels right. We support communication around next steps, working trials, and hiring expectations.

OUR PLACEMENT PROCESS

What Your Search Includes.

We handle the search and introductions so you can focus on finding someone who feels right for your family. Here’s what our placement service covers.

Personalized Sourcing

A targeted search shaped by your family's unique priorities rather than a one-size-fits-all shortlist.

Candidate Conversations

Initial interviews to discuss professional experience, childcare approach, scheduling, and compatibility.

Screening With Clarity

We coordinate professional reference checks and background screening through our screening process, including GoodHire where appropriate. We tell you what has been completed and what is still pending before you decide to hire.

Introductions & Hiring Guidance

Meet candidates, ask questions, and consider a mutually agreed working trial. We support the logistics and communication; you make the final hiring decision.

TRANSPARENT PRICING, PERSONALIZED SERVICE

One Flat Fee. A Personalized Search.

PREFERRED PLACEMENT RATE

$3,000

Newborn care and postpartum doula placements start at $500.

Flat placement fee for live-in, full-time or part-time nanny placements. It includes targeted sourcing, initial interviews, screening coordination, candidate introductions, and support through hiring.

$250 search deposit

A $250 nonrefundable search deposit is credited toward the $3,000 preferred placement fee. The remaining $2,750 is due only when you successfully hire a candidate through The Rio House. Standard placement fee: $5,000.

Caregiver compensation and applicable payroll costs are separate. This preferred rate is available for a limited time. Full terms will be provided in a written agreement before the search begins.

A CLEARER WAY TO COMPARE FEES

Exceptional Care. Thoughtfully Priced.

We believe finding the right nanny should come with personalized attention, a thoughtful search, and transparent fees. Here is an illustrative comparison for a nanny earning $80,000 annually.

THE RIO HOUSE · PREFERRED RATE

One flat placement fee

$3,000

$250 search deposit credited toward the fee

ILLUSTRATIVE PERCENTAGE-BASED FEE

15% of annual salary

$12,000

On an $80,000 first-year nanny salary

ILLUSTRATIVE DIFFERENCE IN PLACEMENT FEES$9,000

This is a hypothetical 15% fee example, not a claim about every agency. Actual agency fees, services, and placement protections vary.

PLACEMENT SUPPORT

A 60-Day Replacement Search Window.

If your placed nanny leaves or the placement ends within the first 60 days, we offer one replacement search, subject to the eligibility, notice, and other terms in your signed placement agreement. This is a replacement search, not a refund or guarantee of a particular outcome.

LET’S CONNECT

Book a Complimentary Consultation.

Choose an available 15-minute introductory call to discuss your family’s needs and learn about our placement process.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION

NANNY AGENCY FAQ

Everything You Need to Know Before Hiring.

Here are answers to the questions families ask us most often, from finding the right fit to understanding fees and next steps.

Does the fee change for part-time care?

No. Our limited $3,000 preferred placement rate covers live-in, full-time and part-time nanny placements. The standard placement fee is $5,000.

Is the search deposit refundable?

The $250 search deposit is nonrefundable and credited toward the $3,000 preferred placement fee. The remaining $2,750 is due only upon a successful hire. Review the written agreement before payment.

How long does a search take?

It depends on your location, schedule, role, and candidate requirements. We'll discuss realistic expectations after learning about your needs.

Can we interview more than one candidate?

Yes. We coordinate introductions so you can get to know suitable candidates before making a hiring decision.

Are background and reference checks included?

Yes. We verify professional references and coordinate authorized background screening before a paid working trial. We share the status of applicable checks with the family.

Can we arrange a paid working trial?

Yes. Once applicable background screening and professional reference verification are complete, you and the candidate can agree on the trial's timing, responsibilities, and compensation.

Who pays and employs the nanny?

The family directly hires and compensates its caregiver. We recommend a written employment agreement and appropriate household payroll guidance.

Do you have a replacement policy?

Yes. Eligible placements include one replacement search within 60 days, subject to your signed placement agreement. See the replacement support section below for details.

How does The Rio House help families find a nanny?

We get to know your family, find candidates who fit your needs, coordinate introductions and interviews, and guide you through the hiring process.

What does your placement service cost?

Our preferred placement fee is $3,000 for live-in, part-time and full-time searches. A $250 nonrefundable search deposit is credited toward the total, and the remaining $2,750 is due upon a successful hire. Our standard fee is $5,000. Nanny wages and household employment expenses are separate.

Do you work with families in Los Angeles?

Yes. We help families in Los Angeles, Orange County and throughout Southern California find experienced live-in, full-time, and part-time caregivers.

Do you help families in San Francisco and Northern California?

Yes. We work with families in San Francisco, Sacramento, the greater Bay Area and throughout Northern California.

Can you help us find a live-in nanny anywhere in the U.S.?

Yes. We work with families nationwide to find live-in caregivers. We discuss your household's schedule, responsibilities, and living arrangements to guide the search.

Why work with The Rio House instead of searching on my own?

On a caregiver marketplace, you usually handle the search yourself. We take a more hands-on approach: learning what matters to you, sourcing candidates, coordinating screening, and helping arrange interviews.

How are nanny candidates screened?

We begin by discussing experience, availability, responsibilities, and family fit. Reference checks and background screening are incorporated into the placement process, and we explain the specific checks completed for each candidate before hiring.

Can you help with newborn or overnight care?

We can discuss searches for night nannies, newborn care specialists, and postpartum doulas. The right type of support depends on your needs, the professional's qualifications, and availability.

Do you place part-time nannies?

Yes. We work on both part-time and full-time searches. The $3,000 preferred placement fee is the same for both because each search requires a similar level of care and attention.

What should we prepare for a live-in nanny?

A live-in arrangement works best when everyone understands the schedule, private accommodations, household expectations, days off, and boundaries from the start. We help you discuss these details during the search so candidates can assess whether the position is right for them.

Does a live-in nanny work around the clock?

Not automatically. Living in the home does not mean a caregiver is always on duty. Working hours, overnight responsibilities, breaks, time off, and compensation should be agreed upon in writing and follow applicable employment laws.

Can we request a nanny with specific experience or language skills?

Absolutely. Tell us about your children’s ages, preferred experience, language needs, and any relevant care requirements. We will discuss what is realistic based on candidate availability and your location.

When should we begin searching for a newborn or postpartum caregiver?

If you know you will want support after your baby arrives, reaching out during pregnancy gives us more time to understand your due date, schedule, and preferred type of care. Availability varies, so earlier conversations can be helpful.

What is the difference between a newborn care specialist and a postpartum doula?

A newborn care specialist generally focuses on hands-on infant care and helping parents learn newborn routines. A postpartum doula typically supports the family’s adjustment after birth through practical and emotional support. Individual training, duties, and overnight availability vary, so we clarify the role before beginning a search.

Can we meet candidates before deciding to hire?

Yes. You can interview candidates via video chat or in person, depending on schedules and location. There is no obligation to hire someone who does not feel like the right fit.

Do you help us prepare for the nanny’s first day?

We can help you think through the details to confirm before a caregiver starts, including daily routines, emergency contacts, responsibilities, household expectations, and a written work agreement. The family manages the nanny’s day-to-day employment.

Will you share our family’s information with every candidate?

We use the information you provide to assess your search and coordinate suitable introductions. We aim to share only details relevant to the opportunity and handle personal information according to our Privacy Policy.

How do we get started?

Tell us your location, ideal schedule, start date, and childcare needs. We'll discuss your search and provide a written placement agreement before we begin recruiting. The $250 nonrefundable search deposit is due when you begin your search.

OUR CANDIDATE SCREENING & MATCHING PROCESS

The Rio House Match Method.

Finding the right caregiver means looking beyond a résumé. Our Match Method brings professional recruiting practices together with personal attention to each family’s needs. We review experience, professional references, communication, reliability, and compatibility so families can make informed hiring decisions.

Application & Experience Review

We review relevant childcare roles, employment history, qualifications, availability, and the responsibilities each candidate has held.

Initial Conversation

We discuss experience, scheduling needs, compensation expectations, and the type of household and role the caregiver is seeking.

In-Depth Personal Interview

We interview candidates via video chat or in person, exploring caregiving philosophy, communication, professional judgment, and real childcare situations.

Professional References

We contact professional references to learn about previous responsibilities, strengths, dependability, and performance.

Professionalism & Qualifications

We consider responsiveness, reliability, relevant certifications, and job-related publicly available professional information, using consistent and lawful criteria.

Background Screening

With appropriate authorization, we coordinate background screening through a professional provider. Applicable checks and reference verification are completed before a candidate begins a paid working trial.

Family Compatibility

We consider childcare needs, schedules, parenting preferences, household expectations, and the candidate’s experience and goals.

Introductions & Hiring Support

We present promising matches, coordinate family interviews and, after required screening is complete, help arrange a mutually agreed paid trial and hiring next steps.

Screening requirements and timing may vary by role and location. We explain the status of checks to families and do not describe a candidate as fully vetted until applicable checks are complete. No screening process can guarantee future conduct.

FAMILY RESOURCES

Helpful Guidance for Hiring a Nanny.

How to Interview a Nanny

Ask about experience with your children's ages, daily routines, safety scenarios, communication preferences, and how the candidate handles challenging moments.

What to Discuss Before a Working Trial

Agree on the schedule, responsibilities, compensation, and expectations for a paid trial so both sides can evaluate the fit.

What Belongs in a Nanny Work Agreement?

Discuss duties, regular hours, wages, overtime, paid time off, confidentiality, transportation, and how changes to the role will be handled. Consult appropriate employment and payroll professionals.

Budgeting Beyond the Placement Fee

Plan separately for your nanny's wages, payroll obligations, benefits, paid leave, and any transportation or job-related expenses.