HELP: Persian Nanny?

SaveTheDate6-7-8

Hi All,

I'm paying way too much in daycare, as I'm sure many other moms can relate.

I'd like to start looking for a Persian speaking Nanny and would REALLY appreciate any referrals or advice on how to get a reliable, and trustworthy person.  The nanny websites in the area are kind of expensive and I didn't see many matches in the preliminary search.

I'd prefer someone middle aged, with their own transportation, and with fair English skills as my own Persian skills are mid-level.

Thanks in advance for any help you may provide.

Artslvr

A couple of thoughts - generally speaking, nannies are usually the most expensive option in this area.  I don't know what you have for daycare now, but the progression is usually in-home daycare is cheapest, then centers and nanny shares, then nannies are most expensive.  Again, I'm speaking in total generalities here. 

So if you have two objectives - cheaper daycare, and Persian speaking daycare provider - you may consider looking for in-home daycare or a nanny share.  In-home you could find through your city/county department of children's services, and nanny share or nanny you could look on Craigs List and DC Urban Mom on the nanny forums.  Also, if you are in MD, the MD ladies on here can tell you about the locate services that match you up with daycare providers (I'm in VA, I can't remember the name of the MD service).

What is your current situation?

tomandcourt

Where do you live? I know someone whose LO goes to an in-home daycare where the DCP is Persian, but they're in Rockville.

VAJuneBride07

Have you posted on DC Urban Mom?  I'd start there.  That's how we found our nanny.  There's a section specifically to post ads for hiring a nanny. Also, does your neighborhood have a listserve.  Mine does and there are families posting all of the time to help place their nannies as their kids have gone to school.  You could also send out an email seeking referrals.

How much are you willing to pay?  I found that $16/hour (plus time and half for anything over 40 hours) is pretty standard - at least in my close-in neighborhoo - for 1 child.   It works out to about $33,000/year plus employer taxes before any overtime.  A nanny share is a great option if you can find a family to share with.

Also, just a word of caution about valuing language skills.  I valued a Spanish speaking nanny very highly, but ultimately just wanted the best nanny I thought we could get (and afford).  Our nanny does not speak Spanish - but she's fantastic.  I didn't find anyone I liked as much who did speak Spanish.  That's not to say that you won't find a great Persian speaking nanny.  Just a thought that you might want to interview others as well.

vtmezzo

Do you want someone who speaks Farsi, or someone who is actually Iranian? It might be an easier task to actually find a daycare center with Farsi-speaking staff members than finding a nanny. Just a thought.