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Best Nanny Agencies in Los Angeles

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(credit: Magda S/sxc.hu)

For most parents, running errands, enjoying dinner a deux or working late requires a simple call to a neighborhood teen or borrowing a friend's trusty sitter. But when life changes leave you unable to pick up the kids up from school, much less ferry them to their activities, make their meals, and otherwise entertain them every day, it's time for a nanny.

The following local domestic agencies can help you find the perfect nanny.

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(credit: westsidenannies.com)

Westside Nannies

8685 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 9
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 359-5300
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Don't let the name fool you. Any SoCal or Bay Area family or nanny can recruit the services of this longtime darling of domestic care. Unlike many agencies that provide a variety of household help, Westside is all about matching families with childcare givers. Founder Katie Vaughan knows what she's talking about -- she worked in households for years before starting the agency, giving her a powerful perspective on creating positive nanny/family dynamics. (You can also see Katie giving Tips of the Week to potential employees on You Tube!) One happy client said they provided "our very own Mary Poppins." Can it get any better than that?

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(credit: rosesagency.com)

Rose's Agency

6105 West 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 937-3169
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When a Los Angeles-based domestic agency posts on Twitter "the road to domestic bliss starts here for those of you that can afford us," you know you're dealing with the who's who of Hollywood home help. And with over two decades of elite service "in the homes of celebrities and prominent families throughout Southern California and nationwide," the Rose Agency has the distinction of being LA's longest running nanny and babysitting agency. Cindy Crawford and Salma Hayek sing their praises and if you're also looking for a personal acupuncturist, a closet organizer or even a consultant to "green" your stately home, Rose's is one stop shopping.

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(credit: care.com)

Care.com

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For parents who would rather log in than phone in, this online database is the perfect way to meet your nanny needs. Seekers can peruse thousands of caregiver profiles that include references and parent reviews. Care.com is the only online nanny agency that earned 5 stars in Consumer Reports and users claim it's easy to navigate with the valuable option of fine-tuning your search criteria. They also offer a free background check – that's usually extra. Keep in mind that while profiles are reviewed, there is no personal screening like traditional agencies and no one will be following up with a phone call to make sure things are working out. But if you put your trust in parent reviews and would rather pay $35 a month instead of the standard 15% of your nanny's gross salary to an agent, you'll find plenty to like about this modern approach to childcare.

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(credit: collegenannies.com)

College Nannies & Tutors

12925 Riverside Dr., 3rd Floor
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 817-5389
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When only the most educated nanny will do, look no further. This nationwide agency uniquely plays to a parent's desire not only for reliable childcare but also for providing an active role model for her children, especially when it comes to the value of higher learning. College students, grads and even certified teachers fill their roster ensuring the minimum bonus of reliable homework help. The agency places tutors separately but if you'd like a tutoring nanny, they'll happily work out an arrangement. Worried about the legal implications of being a nanny's employer? College Nannies takes the load off – they employ their nannies directly so you can just contract for services as needed. For parents already in need of simplifying their lives, that's one less thing to worry about.

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(credit: vipnannyagency.com)

VIP Nannies & Household Staffing

11950 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 2
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 980-6269
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It's hard to deny the influence of unfailingly stellar personal recommendations, especially when it sounds like the founding president is every client's best gal pal and domestic savior. A former nanny herself, Rebecca Stewart apparently has a golden touch when it comes to pairing compatible nannies with families. Perhaps it's because her screening process is considered one of the more rigorous in the industry. Stewart herself conducts all interviews in person and her mom-friendly blog and much 'liked' Facebook page drive home a fun but professional vibe while offering a peek at a genuinely VIP clientele.

Noelle Wright is a freelance writer and producer living in Los Angeles. When she's not working, she's looking for cool things to do with her 7 year old son Theo.

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