Los Angeles Nanny Agencies & Babysitter Services: The 2026-2027 Parent Guide!
Hiring someone to care for your kids might be the biggest "job interview" you ever run, and you don't even get an HR department. Whether you're heading back to work after parental leave, need a reliable babysitter for date night, or want a full-time nanny who'll love your kids almost as much as you do, this guide to nanny agencies in Los Angeles, babysitting apps, and childcare resources will help you find the right fit.
We gathered verified LA nanny agencies, the most popular babysitting platforms, real rates and fees (with sources), and the legal must-knows that trip up so many LA families, from minimum wage to nanny taxes. Plus: how to run a TrustLine background check, where to get free childcare referrals, interview questions, and a nanny contract checklist.
A quick note: this is general information, not legal or tax advice. Check with a tax professional and the official sources.
Key Takeaways
Agencies: More than 20 agencies place nannies with LA families, from Westside Nannies and Colonial in Beverly Hills to VIP Nannies in Sherman Oaks, My Asian Nanny in Monterey Park and South Bay Nannies in Redondo Beach.
Agency fees: Most charge 18%–25% of a nanny's annual pay plus a $450–$1,000 registration fee; Rainbow Nannies lists 10% for local placements, and The Nanny Edit charges flat fees from $4,000.
Apps and sitters: Care.com, Sittercity, UrbanSitter, Bambino, Wyndy, Babysits and SitterTree serve LA, and hotel sitters from Destination Sitters start at $35/hr.
Typical pay: Westside Nannies lists professional nanny rates of $30–$40 gross per hour; Care.com's LA averages are $25/hr for babysitters and $27/hr for nannies.
Minimum wage: $18.42/hr in the City of LA as of July 1, 2026 (California's statewide rate is $16.90).
Nanny taxes: In 2026, paying one household employee $3,000 or more in cash wages triggers Social Security and Medicare taxes, reported on Schedule H.
Background checks: Check a caregiver through TrustLine at 1-800-822-8490.
Free help: Connections for Children, Child Care Resource Center and other Child Care Alliance of LA agencies offer childcare referrals.
Nanny Agencies in Los Angeles
A good agency does the heavy lifting: recruiting, screening, checking references and presenting candidates who match your family. In return, you'll pay a fee, often 18%–25% of your nanny's first-year salary. We've listed the agencies serving LA County by area, starting in Los Angeles, then West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Westside, the Valley, the San Gabriel Valley and the South Bay, followed by regional agencies that cover LA. Agencies that don't list fees online will walk you through them in a free consultation.
7805 Sunset Blvd., Suite 209 Los Angeles, CA 90046 323-845-1433
Areas served: Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Malibu, the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County
Services: Nannies, baby nurses, housekeepers, chefs, personal assistants, chauffeurs and senior companions
Screening: Personal interviews with every candidate, verified references and a criminal background check
Fees: Not listed online, so ask for the fee schedule and replacement guarantee when you call.
This Sunset Boulevard agency has matched LA households with domestic staff for more than 30 years. It's a handy one-stop shop if you need a nanny now and might want a housekeeper or chef down the road.
Parent Tip: Come to your first call with a written job description (hours, duties, driving, pets, cooking). The clearer your brief, the better your matches.
115 Barrington Walk Los Angeles (Brentwood), CA 90049 310-828-4111
Areas served: Los Angeles, plus New York, San Francisco and Santa Barbara
Services: Nannies, newborn care specialists, family assistants, housekeepers, chefs, estate staff and senior care
Screening: Not detailed online; ask how candidates are interviewed and background checked.
Fees: Not listed online. Email help@thehelpcompany.com for details.
Founder Claudia has run this Brentwood agency for more than three decades, and it calls itself LA's first professional household matchmaking agency. Its recruiters don't work on commission, so the focus stays on finding the right fit for your family.
Parent Tip: Ask each agency whether its recruiters earn commission; it can shape which candidates you see first.
10100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 900 Los Angeles (Century City), CA 90067 310-277-8188
Areas served: Los Angeles, with offices in New York, San Francisco, Miami, Dallas and Greenwich
Services: Live-in and live-out nannies plus luxury household and estate staff
Screening: Not detailed online; ask during your consultation.
Fees: Not listed online.
With more than 40 years in staffing, Career Group's domestic division focuses on high-end private households. It's a good match for families who also need house managers, estate managers or other household staff.
Parent Tip: Ask whether a trial period is included and exactly how the replacement guarantee works if a placement ends early.
Los Angeles office 212-966-2247 | info@bahs.com
Areas served: Pasadena, Bel Air, Brentwood, Encino, Calabasas, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades and Malibu
Services: Nannies (live-in, travel, rotational, bilingual and Norland-trained), newborn care specialists, night nurses, governesses, in-home teachers, household and estate staff, and eldercare
Screening: Candidates are interviewed and screened, and references are checked before placement. Ask for the full process.
Fees: Not listed online.
BAHS has placed household staff in Los Angeles for more than a decade and has sister offices in New York, London and Dubai. Travel and rotational nannies are a specialty, which makes it a strong pick for families who travel often or keep entertainment-industry hours. One recruiter manages your search from start to finish.
Parent Tip: Want a Norland nanny (a graduate of the famous British training college)? Say so up front, since few LA agencies place them.
Serving Los Angeles families 310-571-8744 | info@thenannyleague.com
Areas served: Los Angeles, plus New York, San Francisco and Austin
Services: Full-time, part-time and temporary nannies, newborn care specialists, household managers, private educators, special-needs nannies and nanny shares
Screening: A college degree is required, plus a driving record, Megan's Law check, transcript verification, references and TrustLine
Fees: $1,000 registration for full-time, long-term searches ($500 for part-time, temporary and newborn care searches), plus a placement fee. Up to two complimentary replacements within 90 days. See the services page for the full fee schedule.
Lindsay Thomason, a former professional nanny in LA, founded The Nanny League in 2010, and its database now tops 30,000 college-educated nannies. A favorite perk: if your nanny is out sick or has a family emergency, the agency sends a professional back-up nanny at no extra fee.
Parent Tip: Trials longer than 24 hours require a $500 nonrefundable deposit, so plan your trial days accordingly.
Serving Los Angeles families
Services: Long-term, full-time nanny placements only (at least one year and 40 hours a week)
Screening: Multi-jurisdiction criminal searches, a 7-year county check, a driving record on request and TrustLine for California placements
Fees: 20% of the nanny's total gross annual pay, with one replacement within 180 days. Specialty searches may cost more. See nanny pricing.
Elite Nannies specializes in career nannies trained in a second profession and presents only the top 5% of applicants. It's owned by former LA nannies, so they know what makes a nanny-family match last.
Parent Tip: Because Elite only handles full-time, long-term roles, use an app or sitter service for date nights and summer-only help.
Serving Los Angeles families 310-857-4985 | hello@educatednannies.com
Areas served: Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Hancock Park, Los Feliz, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Studio City and West LA, plus Orange County
Services: Full-time, rotational and temporary nannies, newborn care specialists and postpartum doulas, family assistants and household managers
Screening: Interviews, reference calls, a criminal check upon hire and TrustLine
Fees: 20% of annual pay for full-time, rotational and family assistant roles, with one free replacement within 90 days. Temporary nannies and newborn care specialists are 25% ($1,500 minimum).
Former teacher Ryan Jordan launched Educated Nannies in LA in 2013, and the agency focuses on nannies who support learning and development. Hiring on your own? It also offers a $200 virtual consultation to guide you through the process.
Parent Tip: That $200 consult is a smart middle ground if you found a candidate on an app but want expert help with interview questions and the contract.
Serving Los Angeles families 310-435-9486 | hello@modernminders.com
Areas served: Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Venice, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Los Feliz and more
Services: Nannies, newborn care specialists and night nannies, travel and temporary nannies, family assistants and babysitters
Screening: 7-year criminal, federal, driving, sex-offender and warrant searches, a social media review, a Social Security trace and fingerprinting where required
Fees: Call for the LA nanny fee schedule. Newborn care specialist searches have no registration fee and cost 25% of the specialist's wages. Childcare placements come with a three-month replacement period and a prorated credit if your nanny leaves within the first year.
Modern Minders opened in LA in 2017 and has a sister office in New York. It covers everything from newborn support for adoptive and surrogacy families to travel nannies for family vacations.
Parent Tip: Expecting? Start your newborn care specialist search a few months before your due date, since experienced specialists book up early.
Serving Los Angeles County 213-908-5996
Areas served: Los Angeles County, including Encino, Calabasas, Malibu, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge and Glendale, plus Orange County
Services: Nannies, newborn care specialists and night nannies, travel and rotational nannies, housekeepers, personal assistants, estate managers and chefs
Screening: Long-term experience is required, plus a personal interview, phone reference checks and a background check
Fees: Not listed online. Ask about the length of its replacement guarantee, which the agency says is one of the longest in the industry.
Founder Michelle is a former LA nanny and Cal State Northridge graduate, and her agency is built around LA County families. It's a solid option in the Valley and the foothill communities, where fewer agencies have a local focus.
Parent Tip: Ask to talk through each candidate's references with the recruiter before you interview, so you can tailor your questions.
Serving Los Angeles families 213-277-7172 | info@rainbownannies.com
Areas served: Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Diego counties
Services: Nannies, newborn care specialists, travel and temporary nannies, plus on-call babysitters through Rainbow Sitters
Screening: TrustLine and agency screening; ask for the full process.
Fees: $500 nonrefundable registration fee. Placement fees are 10% of annual gross pay for local part-time or full-time nannies, 15% for out-of-state and travel nannies, and 20% for temporary nannies and newborn care specialists (up to 180 days). Replacement terms are explained during your consultation.
Rainbow Nannies has served Southern California families since 2007, and its 10% local placement fee is one of the lowest we've seen from an LA agency. Its Rainbow Sitters program adds on-call babysitters for date nights and gaps in coverage.
Parent Tip: Get the replacement guarantee in writing before you pay the placement fee.
750 N. San Vicente Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 213-412-3175
Areas served: Los Angeles and the West Coast, with 12 offices across the U.S.
Services: Nannies and governesses, baby nurses and newborn care specialists, temporary staff, housekeepers, chefs, personal assistants and estate managers, plus household payroll and benefits
Screening: In-person interviews, extensive reference checks and background checks
Fees: Permanent placements are 20% of projected gross annual salary with a 30-day replacement period; temporary placements are 30% of gross earnings; every placement has a $5,000 minimum fee. See fees and terms.
Founded in New York in 1962, Pavillion is one of the largest household staffing agencies in the country and opened its West Hollywood office in 2019. Its in-house payroll service is handy if you'd rather not handle nanny taxes yourself.
Parent Tip: With a $5,000 minimum fee, Pavillion makes the most sense for full-time or high-salary roles.
West Hollywood, CA 310-276-2555 | info@elizabethroseagency.com
Areas served: Los Angeles
Services: Nannies, newborn care specialists, housekeepers, personal and house assistants, chefs, estate managers and domestic couples
Screening: Criminal background, Social Security and DMV checks, in-depth interviews and extensive reference checks
Fees: Not listed online.
In business for more than 30 years, Elizabeth Rose pays its own staff salaries rather than commissions. It also represents nannies trained in Montessori and RIE approaches.
Parent Tip: If your family follows a specific philosophy like RIE or Montessori, mention it on your first call so you only meet nannies who share it.
8570 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-359-5300 | info@westsidenannies.com
Areas served: Greater Los Angeles, plus nationwide searches
Services: Full-time, part-time and rotational nannies, newborn care specialists, special-needs nannies, private educators and family assistants, with help on payroll and taxes
Screening: A 10-point screening process, at least three years of experience, verified references, a background check and TrustLine fingerprinting for California roles
Fees: $500 engagement fee to start. Placement is 20% of gross annual compensation for LA families (25% for nationwide and private educator searches), and short-term or newborn care searches may carry extra fees. See rates and placement fees.
Katie Provinziano founded Westside Nannies in 2004. Professional nanny pay runs $30–$40 gross per hour, and typical benefits include two weeks of paid vacation, paid holidays and sick days, and a health insurance stipend. Its One-Year Placement Protection gives you a prorated credit toward a new search if your nanny leaves in the first year.
Parent Tip: Budget for benefits (paid vacation, holidays and a health stipend) on top of the hourly rate when you compare costs.
221 N. Robertson Blvd., Suite C Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-276-7606 | info@colonialdomestics.com
Areas served: Beverly Hills and greater Los Angeles, plus nationwide
Services: Nannies, family assistants, and household and family-office staff
Screening: Background and security checks; nannies need at least three years of experience with a private family
Fees: Not listed online.
Serving families since 1963, Colonial is one of the longest-running domestic staffing agencies in Los Angeles, and its owner has led it for 30 years. It's a good fit if you want a seasoned nanny with private-family experience.
Parent Tip: Ask for at least two references from families with kids the same ages as yours.
1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403 310-855-3444
Areas served: Los Angeles (including Beverly Hills and Brentwood), all of California and nationwide
Services: Nannies, rotational nannies, newborn care specialists, personal assistants, chefs, housekeepers and estate managers
Screening: An in-home working interview of one to three days, plus an enhanced background check (7-year criminal history, national criminal search, Social Security trace and DMV report), reference checks and TrustLine where applicable
Fees: $500 search fee. Permanent placements are 18% of annual compensation; temporary placements (one day to six months) and newborn care specialists are 25% of total pay. Free replacement within the first three months.
Formerly Lexington Nannies, this Santa Monica agency has about 20 years of experience and turns away more than 90% of candidates. Owner Brooke personally oversees each search.
Parent Tip: The in-home working interview is gold. Watch how the candidate handles nap time, meals and a little sibling drama before you commit.
Serving Malibu and the Westside 818-640-5381
Areas served: Malibu, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica, plus visiting families across Southern California
Services: Full-time and part-time nannies, newborn care specialists, temporary nannies, travel and vacation care, and event and wedding childcare
Screening: The founder interviews every nanny and checks references herself, plus background screening
Fees: Full-time: $750 engagement fee and 20% of first-year pay ($7,500 minimum), 90-day replacement. Part-time: $500 and 18% ($4,000 minimum), 60-day replacement. Newborn care: $500 and 20% ($1,500 minimum). Temporary: $300 and 20% ($750 minimum). The engagement fee is credited toward your final fee. Event childcare starts at $750 and weddings at $1,500.
Founder Brooke Menyuk was a Malibu nanny herself, and her agency is built for coastal families. It's also a great call if you're hosting a wedding or big event and want the kids happily entertained.
Parent Tip: Book event and wedding childcare as early as you book your venue, especially for summer weekends.
13636 Ventura Blvd., #237 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 818-980-6269 | info@vipnannyagency.com
Areas served: Los Angeles and all of California, plus New York and international placements
Services: Live-in and live-out nannies, newborn care specialists, on-call sitters, personal assistants, chefs, housekeepers and other household staff
Screening: At least five years of experience, an in-person interview, TrustLine, and an enhanced background check (7-year criminal search, national wants and warrants, driving record, Social Security trace and social media check)
Fees: $450 nonrefundable registration fee. Nannies are 18% of gross annual pay or $3,500, whichever is greater, with a 180-day replacement period. Temporary placements, including baby nurses, are 25% ($500 minimum).
Rebecca Stewart founded this woman-owned Valley agency in 2006, and it lists the LA Rams and LA Chargers among its childcare clients. Nanny placements include a year of free sitter placement to cover your nanny's vacation or sick days.
Parent Tip: That free sitter coverage is a real perk, so ask how much notice the agency needs to send someone.
216 W. Garvey Ave., Unit G Monterey Park, CA 91754 626-537-1191 | cs@myasiannanny.com
Areas served: Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Gabriel and South Pasadena, plus nationwide for live-in roles
Services: Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking nannies (live-in or live-out), postpartum confinement nannies (yuesao), night nurses, housekeepers and elder caregivers
Screening: Background check, reference verification and an in-person or video interview
Fees: A retainer at application and a one-time referral fee at placement (amounts not listed online), with a 60-day replacement guarantee in Southern California. Its pay guide lists SoCal live-in nannies at $170–$300 a day and night nurses at $37–$65 an hour.
Since 2011, this Monterey Park agency has helped families find bilingual caregivers. It's a wonderful resource if you want your kids to grow up hearing Mandarin or Cantonese every day.
Parent Tip: Ask candidates to describe a typical day with a toddler in their language of choice; it shows how naturally they'll weave it into play.
1711 Via El Prado, Suite 301 Redondo Beach, CA 90277 424-247-8507
Areas served: The South Bay, Westside LA and Orange County
Services: Permanent and temporary nannies, plus senior in-home care
Screening: Reference checks, local and national criminal checks including the sex offender index, a DMV report and TrustLine
Fees: Quoted after a consultation. Permanent placements come with a 90-day guarantee.
Based in Redondo Beach, South Bay Nannies has placed nannies with Southern California families since 2008. It's one of the few agencies with a home base in the beach cities.
Parent Tip: Beach-city commutes can be tough, so ask candidates where they live and how they'll get to you.
Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego
714-716-7036 | info@thenannyedit.com
Areas served: Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego, plus Austin and Orlando
Services: Nannies, newborn care specialists, travel and rotational nannies, private educators, family assistants, household managers and senior care
Screening: Ask for the full screening process during your consultation.
Fees: Flat fees instead of a percentage: $500 search fee, then $5,500 (30-day replacement), $7,000 (60-day) or $8,500 (90-day) for full-time roles, and $4,000 (60-day replacement) for part-time. Optional 180-day protection is $2,000 more.
Formerly Pacific Elite Nannies, the agency was founded in 2016 by Kady Kearns. Flat fees mean you know the cost up front, which can save a lot on higher-salary roles.
Parent Tip: Do the math: a 20% fee on a $70,000 salary is $14,000, while a flat fee here tops out at $8,500 for full-time placements.
Serving Los Angeles from the Bay Area 415-567-0956 | info@tandcr.com
Areas served: Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Hidden Hills, Calabasas, San Marino and Manhattan Beach
Services: Nannies, on-call, event, hotel, overnight and travel nannies, newborn care specialists, family assistants and estate staff
Screening: Background checks; ask for the full process.
Fees: $500 membership fee (nonmembers pay $100–$250 per search). Placement fees run 20%–35% of annual pay depending on the role, with a one-year replacement search under its credit policy. See placement fees.
Town + Country has staffed California households since 1982. Its on-call, hotel and overnight nannies are handy for families who need occasional help as well as a full-time hire.
Parent Tip: If you only need occasional sitters, compare the membership cost with a babysitting app before you sign up.
Serving Los Angeles and other U.S. markets 877-553-4231
Areas served: Los Angeles plus 11 other markets
Services: Direct-hire nanny placement, or a staffing option where Crunch Care employs the nanny for you
Screening: TrustLine plus a background check
Fees: Direct placement starts at 15% of salary plus a $500 deposit, with a 60-day replacement. Staffed nannies start at $38 an hour, with Crunch Care acting as the employer.
Founded in 2006 by Stacie Steelman, Crunch Care offers something unusual: a nanny who's on the agency's payroll, so you don't become a household employer yourself.
Parent Tip: With the staffing option, ask exactly what the hourly rate covers (taxes, workers' comp, sick days) so you can compare it fairly.
Insider tip: California's TrustLine program requires nanny agencies to register the nannies and babysitters they place on TrustLine. Ask any agency to confirm that a candidate is registered with TrustLine.
Babysitting Apps and Childcare Services in LA
Need a sitter for Saturday night or a part-time helper after school? These apps let you search sitter profiles, read parent reviews and book, and several include background checks. With most of them, you're still the one hiring, so interview carefully and run your own TrustLine check.
Online and app
How it works: Post a job or search caregiver profiles, then message and hire. Care.com doesn't employ caregivers, and profile details are written by the caregivers themselves.
Screening: Caregivers get a required criminal check that's renewed each year, and families can buy extra checks (criminal, social media and driving).
Cost: Free to browse; check the site for current membership pricing.
The biggest name in sitter search. As of October 2026, Care.com lists an LA babysitter average rate of $25/hr and an LA nanny average of $27/hr, with more than a thousand babysitters listed. Filters help you find after-school, bilingual, infant and overnight sitters.
Parent Tip: Treat every profile as a starting point: interview, call references and run a TrustLine check yourself.
Online and app
How it works: Post a job, sitters apply, and you message the ones you like.
Screening: Profiles can show badges for ID verification, a background check or an enhanced background check, and parents can buy checks.
Cost: Check the site for current membership plans. It's free for families with Bright Horizons care benefits.
Sittercity shows more than 1,900 active babysitters near LA and an average rate of $27.48/hr as of October 2026. Enter your zip code to see sitters near you, including special-needs, bilingual, ASL and overnight sitters.
Parent Tip: Check whether your employer offers Bright Horizons benefits before you pay for a membership.
Online and app
How it works: Browsing and posting jobs are free; booking and paying through the app requires a paid membership.
Screening: Annual background checks and review by its Trust & Safety team
Cost: Check the site for current membership plans. Sitters keep 100% of their pay.
UrbanSitter's LA averages are $26.67/hr for one child and $31.95/hr for two as of October 2026. Profiles show how many families have rebooked a sitter, a handy signal that other parents liked them, and you can see sitters connected to your school or parent group. Browse LA babysitters or LA nannies. It also lists daycare openings.
Parent Tip: Ask your kids' school or parent group if they have an UrbanSitter network; sitters who already know local families are a great place to start.
App
Areas served: Central LA, Brentwood, Larchmont, Westchester, Northeast LA, Mar Vista and other LA neighborhoods, plus Santa Monica
How it works: Book sitters recommended by friends and neighbors and pay in the app (no cash).
Screening: Sitters need a referral from a local family and positive parent feedback, plus phone verification, an ID check for members 18 and older, and sex-offender and watchlist screening. A full criminal and DMV check is optional for sitters.
Cost: Free to join, with a service fee added to each booking. Optional Premium is $19.99 for one month, $39.99 for three months or $99.99 for a year and waives service fees.
Bambino is a neighbor-referred sitter app, so you see sitters already trusted by families nearby. Sitters can be as young as 13 (with a parent's permission if under 18), which makes it popular for mother's helpers and early evenings.
Parent Tip: For a teen sitter, check their profile for an optional background check, and do a short paid meet-and-greet first.
Online and app
Areas served: About 50 LA County cities, including Burbank, Glendale, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Torrance
How it works: Post a job and it goes to nearby college-student sitters; you rank your favorites and sitters accept or decline.
Screening: Student status is verified, sitters are background checked and approved by the Wyndy team.
Cost: Sitters set their own rates; check the site for any booking fees.
Wyndy connects families with college students from schools like UCLA, USC, LMU, CSUN, Cal State Long Beach and Pepperdine, with more than 1,000 sitters in LA. Some sitters have special-needs experience, and many are available for summer and holiday care.
Parent Tip: College sitters' schedules change each semester, so line up two favorites for regular weekly care.
Online and app
How it works: Search sitter profiles and message directly. Everyone must verify their ID before messaging.
Screening: ID verification is required; basic background checks are optional and show up as a profile filter.
Cost: Free to search and to reply when a sitter contacts you. Starting a conversation requires Premium: $24.99/month, $49.98/quarter or $99.96/year, and plans auto-renew. See pricing.
Babysits has close to 200 active babysitters in LA. It's a simple, budget-friendly option if you're comfortable doing your own vetting.
Parent Tip: Use the background-check filter, and remember to cancel auto-renew once you've found your sitter.
Online and app
How it works: Browse and post jobs for free; a Sitter Pass lets you message, book and pay.
Screening: Every sitter passes a background check to join, and badges show CPR and disability-care credentials (RBT, ABA, BCBA and special-education certificates).
Cost: Sitter Pass is $29.95/month, or $19.95/month on a 3-month plan and $14.95/month on a 12-month plan. See pricing.
SitterTree stands out for families of kids with special needs, thanks to its credential badges for behavior and special-education training.
Parent Tip: Filter by credential first, then interview for personality fit; both matter.
Online | LA line: 323-421-7479
How it works: Mostly offered through employer benefits and government programs, with a Care Navigator who helps you find daycare, nannies or babysitters.
Screening: Caregivers who pass a background check are marked verified, and parents can request a check on any caregiver.
Cost: Free for families whose employer covers it; you pay the provider's rate. Check the site for pricing without the benefit.
Upwards lists Los Angeles among its cities. It's worth asking HR about, since employer-sponsored access can make the search much easier.
Parent Tip: Ask your HR team whether Upwards, Bright Horizons or Care.com benefits are part of your package before you pay for any app.
Babysitting Agencies, Hotel Sitters and Event Childcare in LA
Need a sitter tonight, a fill-in when your nanny is out, or childcare at a hotel or wedding? These services send vetted sitters to you, so you skip the job posts and interviews.
Four LA-area offices | 323-645-7000
Areas served: Santa Monica (1541 Ocean Ave., Suite 200; serving Santa Monica, Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach), Pasadena (301 N. Lake Ave., Suite 600; serving Pasadena, Burbank and Glendale), Sherman Oaks (14500 Roscoe Blvd., Fourth Floor, Panorama City; serving the Valley and Westwood) and Hollywood (serving Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Hollywood and West Hills)
Services: Nannies, babysitters, special-needs care, and event, wedding, hotel and vacation-rental childcare
Screening: Multi-step screening with background checks, reference checks and in-person interviews
Cost: Free consultation; rates aren't listed online.
Jovie (formerly College Nannies + Sitters) has operated since 2001, and each office is independently owned. Jovie handles the employment side, including payroll, taxes and insurance, so you don't have to. It's also the largest provider in the Bright Horizons Back-Up Care network.
Parent Tip: If your employer offers Bright Horizons Back-Up Care, you can request Jovie when you book.
Serving Santa Monica and the Westside 310-306-5437 (310-306-KIDS)
Services: In-home babysitters for days, nights and weekends, fill-in care when your nanny is sick or on vacation, and sitters for hotels, churches and synagogues
Screening: Owner Laurie Kline personally interviews each sitter; sitters have background checks, professional childcare experience and CPR and emergency training. The agency is licensed and bonded.
Cost: Rates aren't listed online; call for pricing.
This old-school Westside agency is the kind of number LA parents pass along to friends. Laurie Kline took over in 2004 after working with the original owner for 12 years, and the agency books by phone only (no texts).
Parent Tip: Save the number in your phone now, so you're ready when your regular sitter cancels.
Hotels, vacation rentals and homes across LA County 888-748-5439
Services: Babysitters who come to your hotel, resort, Airbnb, VRBO or home, plus wedding and event childcare
Screening: National, state and child-abuse background checks, current CPR and First Aid, reference checks, verified experience, an interview and a drug test
Cost: LA County rates are $35/hr for one child, $38 for two, $41 for three and $44 for four. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead per day booked, or you'll be charged a 4-hour minimum.
Visiting grandparents or out-of-town family coming to LA? Destination Sitters is built for travelers, with clear published rates and sitters who meet you right at your hotel or rental.
Parent Tip: Booking for a wedding weekend? Reserve sitters when you send invitations, not the week of the event.
Serving Los Angeles and Orange County 888-407-7822
Services: Sitters for homes, hotels, events and travel, including last-minute requests
Screening: An interview, supervised training, CPR certification, a background check and a drug test
Cost: Hourly rates aren't listed online. Bookings have a 4-hour minimum and 12-hour maximum, the first hour plus booking fees are charged up front and are nonrefundable, and there's a 48-hour cancellation policy.
This upscale agency can often get a sitter to you within the hour for last-minute requests (extra fees apply), which makes it a lifesaver for surprise work dinners or hotel stays.
Parent Tip: Ask for the full price, including agency fees, before you book a last-minute sitter.
Back-Up Childcare Through Your Employer
If your company offers back-up care, it can cover the days when your nanny is sick or school is closed. Here's what to ask HR about.
Employer benefit | 877-BH-CARES
Services: In-home and center-based child care, camps for ages 3–12, tutoring, plus adult and pet care
Screening: Licensed, experienced and vetted caregivers
Cost: Copays are set by your employer.
This one is offered through employers, not sold directly to parents. If your nanny is sick or school is closed, back-up care can be a lifesaver, and Jovie's LA offices fill many in-home bookings. Book through your Bright Horizons employee portal.
Parent Tip: Large employers often include this benefit, so ask HR even if you've never heard it mentioned.
Employer benefit
Services: Background-checked in-home caregivers, centers and camps, or reimbursement when you hire your own caregiver
Cost: Your employer sets the number of days and the copays.
Care.com's employer program works much like Bright Horizons: your company covers part of the cost when your regular care falls through. Check your benefits portal to see if it's included.
Parent Tip: Register before you need it, so you're not filling out forms on a sick day.
Nanny Shares and Nanny Payroll Services
Sharing a nanny with another family can cut costs, and a payroll service takes the stress out of nanny taxes. Here are the options LA families use most.
Online nanny search and nanny shares
How it works: Match with other families and a nanny for a nanny share, hosted at one home or alternating between both. Its payroll service can split shared pay and taxes between families.
Cost: Check the site for current membership options.
A nanny share lets two families split the cost of one nanny, and Nanny Lane is built for exactly that. Its LA page lists an average nanny rate of about $25 an hour.
Parent Tip: Put the share agreement in writing: whose home, how sick days work, and what happens if one family drops out.
Nanny payroll | 888-273-3356
Services: Household payroll, tax filings and year-end forms
Cost: Essentials is $59/month and Plus is $75/month, and the first month is free.
HomePay is one of the best-known nanny payroll services and handles the paperwork that trips up many families, from withholding to Schedule H support.
Parent Tip: Set up payroll before your nanny's first day so the very first paycheck is done right.
Nanny payroll
Services: Household payroll and tax filings, with HR add-on plans
Cost: EasyPay starts at $70/month for one employee (plus $20 for each additional employee). HR Platinum starts at $132/month and Diamond at $232/month, both with a 12-month minimum and a $75 setup fee.
GTM is a good fit if you want extra HR support, such as help with employment agreements, along with payroll.
Parent Tip: Compare what each plan includes; HR support matters more if you employ more than one household worker.
Nanny payroll
Services: Household payroll and tax filings
Cost: $49/month for one employee, no setup fee, and the rest of your first month free. Extra fees may apply for things like amended filings.
Poppins Payroll keeps pricing simple, which makes budgeting easy for single-nanny households.
Parent Tip: Ask what's included at year-end, like W-2s and state filings, before you sign up.
Nanny payroll (formerly NannyChex)
Services: Household payroll, including Schedule H
Cost: $39/month for one employee.
SurePayroll by Paychex absorbed NannyChex and offers one of the lowest monthly prices we found for nanny payroll.
Parent Tip: Whichever service you pick, keep copies of every pay stub and tax form for at least four years.
How Much Does a Nanny Cost in Los Angeles?
Here's what the sources we checked actually say (always confirm current numbers with each one):
Professional nanny (agency): $30–$40 gross per hour, per Westside Nannies.
Nanny (platform average): $27/hr in LA, per Care.com (October 2026).
Babysitter (platform average): $25/hr per Care.com (October 2026) and $27.48/hr per Sittercity (Oct 18, 2026).
Agency placement fees: Most LA agencies charge 18%–25% of the nanny's gross annual pay plus a $450–$1,000 registration or engagement fee. Rainbow Nannies lists 10% for local placements, and The Nanny Edit charges flat fees starting at $4,000.
The legal floor: Anyone working in the City of LA must earn at least $18.42/hr, and some nearby cities are higher (see below).
Don't forget the extras. Employer taxes, paid sick leave, any paid vacation or holidays you offer, and overtime can add up, so budget beyond the hourly rate.
Legal Must-Knows for LA Families Hiring a Nanny
This is the part most parents skip, and it's the part that can cause the biggest headaches. Once you hire a nanny, you're usually a household employer. Here's your checklist. Again, this is not legal or tax advice; check with a tax pro and the official sources linked here.
2026 Minimum Wage Checklist
California: $16.90/hr for all employers, effective Jan 1, 2026 (DIR).
City of Los Angeles: $18.42/hr effective July 1, 2026. It covers anyone who works at least two hours in a week inside city limits, including part-time and temporary workers, regardless of immigration status (Office of Wage Standards).
Unincorporated LA County: $18.47/hr as of July 1, 2026 (DCBA).
Santa Monica: $18.47/hr effective July 1, 2026 (City of Santa Monica).
Pasadena: $18.57/hr beginning July 1, 2026, for employees who work 2+ hours per week in Pasadena (official notice).
Other cities: Some cities set their own rates, so check your city's website if you live outside the areas above.
Overtime for Nannies
Personal attendants: Under California's Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, nannies who mainly supervise, feed and dress a child (with other duties under 20% of their time) earn 1.5x pay for hours over 9 in a day or 45 in a week.
Nannies with more household duties: If a nanny spends more than 20% of their time on things like housekeeping, regular overtime rules under Wage Order 15 apply instead.
Who's excluded: Family members, babysitters under 18, and "casual babysitters" who work irregularly rather than as a profession.
Paid Sick Leave
California: Generally 5 days or 40 hours per year for employees who work 30+ days in a year for the same employer (DIR).
City of LA: 48 hours per year (front-loaded) or 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. When a local rule requires more, the local rule applies.
Santa Monica: Its ordinance also mandates paid sick leave.
Nanny Taxes
Social Security and Medicare: For 2026, if you pay one household employee $3,000 or more in cash wages, you withhold 6.2% (Social Security) plus 1.45% (Medicare) and pay a matching employer share (IRS Topic 756).
FUTA: Federal unemployment tax applies if you pay more than $1,000 in any calendar quarter, on the first $7,000 of wages.
Schedule H: You report household employment taxes on Schedule H with your tax return. IRS Publication 926 (2026) is the go-to guide.
California EDD: Register within 15 days after you pay $750 or more in cash wages in a calendar quarter. At $750–$999.99 per quarter, withhold SDI; at $1,000 or more, withhold SDI and pay UI and ETT. Employers paying $20,000 or less a year can elect annual filing (DE 89) (EDD household employers).
Workers' Compensation
The rule: The DIR says California employers are required by law to have workers' compensation insurance, even with only one employee.
Your next step: Many homeowner's policies include some coverage for household workers, so call your insurance agent and ask what yours covers.
Insider tip: several agencies and payroll services handle household payroll and taxes for you. For many families, it's worth every penny.
TrustLine: California's Background Check for Nannies and Babysitters
TrustLine is California's registry of in-home and license-exempt childcare providers, including nannies and babysitters. It's run by the California Department of Social Services with the nonprofit California Child Care Resource & Referral Network.
What it checks: Fingerprints against California DOJ and FBI records, a name check of the California Child Abuse Central Index, and the CDSS Community Care Licensing database.
How parents check a caregiver: Call 1-800-822-8490 or email trustline@rrnetwork.org with the caregiver's full name and ID number.
What it costs the applicant: A one-time $43 application fee to CDSS, $64 to DOJ for fingerprints, plus a Live Scan rolling fee that varies by vendor.
Agency rule: Nanny agencies are required to register the nannies and babysitters they place.
Bonus freebies: TrustLine's For Families page offers free interview questions and a nanny contract template.
Free Childcare Referral Agencies and Licensed Childcare Search
Prefer a daycare, preschool or family child care home? Or need help paying for care? LA County has a network of free resource and referral agencies.
2700 E. Foothill Blvd., Suite 300 Pasadena, CA 91107
CCALA connects families with its 10 member agencies, which provide referrals and handle childcare subsidies countywide. Its site also has Find Child Care, Universal Pre-K and Emergency Child Care Bridge pages. Call (323) 274-1380 or (888) 922-4453.
20001 Prairie Street Chatsworth, CA 91311 Mon–Fri 8–5, Wed until 6
CCRC serves the San Fernando Valley from its Chatsworth main office (lobbies open by appointment) and has an Antelope Valley office at 250 Grand Cypress Ave. in Palmdale. Call 818-717-1000.
Westside resource and referral
The Westside's childcare referral agency can help you find care and help eligible families pay for it. Call the referral line at (310) 452-3325.
A few more CCALA member agencies worth knowing: Crystal Stairs (finding or paying for care, the Child Care Assistance Program and Emergency Child Care Bridge), Pathways LA (childcare search and CalWORKs payment help), and Options for Learning in the San Gabriel Valley (626-699-8070).
Check any licensed program yourself: The state's CCLD Child Care Facility Search lets you look up licensed centers and family child care homes, including inspection and complaint history.
Nanny Interview Questions to Ask
Think of the interview as a first date for your family. Mix practical questions with ones that reveal personality.
What ages have you cared for, and for how long?
Why do you love working with kids?
How would you handle a toddler tantrum? A sibling fight?
What does a great day with a child this age look like to you?
How do you handle discipline, screen time and food?
Are you trained in pediatric CPR and first aid?
Are you TrustLine-registered, or willing to register?
What would you do in an emergency if you couldn't reach us?
Do you drive, and are you comfortable with car seats?
What are your pay expectations, schedule needs and long-term plans?
May we contact two or three references from past families?
Do a Paid Trial Day
Before you commit, schedule a paid trial day (or a few hours) while you're home. Watch how the candidate connects with your kids, follows your routines, and handles the little surprises (because there are always surprises). Pay at least the applicable minimum wage for the trial, and check in with your kids afterward. Little ones are surprisingly honest critics.
Nanny Contract Checklist
A written agreement prevents misunderstandings and protects everyone. TrustLine offers a free template, and your contract should cover:
Schedule: Regular days and hours, plus how overtime is handled.
Pay: Hourly rate, pay schedule, and how you'll handle taxes and payroll.
Time off: Paid sick leave (at least what the law requires), vacation and holidays.
Duties: Childcare responsibilities, plus any light housework, cooking or driving.
House rules: Screen time, food, discipline, phone use and visitors.
Driving: Whose car, mileage reimbursement and car seat expectations.
Guaranteed hours: What happens if your family travels or cancels a day.
Ending the job: Notice period and how a trial period works.
Reviews: When you'll check in and revisit pay.
Red Cross Babysitting and CPR Classes
Whether you're vetting a nanny or your tween wants to start babysitting, the American Red Cross has you covered. Its Babysitting & Child Care classes include Babysitting Basics Online, designed primarily for youth ages 11 and older. For caregivers and parents, the Red Cross offers Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED in online and blended formats, plus a pediatric-only online course. Use the class search to find options and pricing near you.
Insider tip: offer to pay for your nanny's CPR and first aid class. It's a small cost that builds trust and gives you peace of mind.
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The Takeaway
Finding childcare in Los Angeles takes some legwork, but you have plenty of help. Agencies like Westside Nannies, VIP Nannies, Educated Nannies and Rainbow Nannies handle the screening for a fee, apps like Care.com, UrbanSitter, Bambino and Wyndy put sitters at your fingertips, and services like Destination Sitters have you covered on vacation. Free referral agencies like Connections for Children and CCRC can point you to licensed programs and even help with costs.
Whichever route you take, run a TrustLine check, do a paid trial day, put everything in writing, and know your obligations as a household employer, from LA's $18.42 minimum wage to Schedule H. Rules and rates change, so always confirm with the official sources and a tax professional. Then enjoy that first night out. You've earned it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a nanny cost in Los Angeles in 2026?
It depends on experience and duties. Westside Nannies lists professional nanny rates of $30–$40 gross per hour, while Care.com's October 2026 LA average for nannies is $27 per hour. In the City of LA, the legal minimum is $18.42 per hour as of July 1, 2026.
How much do nanny agencies charge in LA?
Fees vary widely. Most LA agencies charge 18%–25% of the nanny's gross annual pay, and many add a $450–$1,000 registration or engagement fee. Rainbow Nannies lists 10% for local placements, and The Nanny Edit charges flat fees from $4,000. Get the fee schedule and replacement guarantee in writing.
Do I have to pay taxes for my nanny in California?
Often, yes. For 2026, if you pay one household employee $3,000 or more in cash wages, Social Security and Medicare taxes apply and are reported on Schedule H, and California's EDD requires registration after you pay $750 or more in a calendar quarter. Talk to a tax professional about your situation.
How do I run a background check on a nanny in California?
Use TrustLine, California's registry for in-home caregivers, which checks California DOJ and FBI fingerprint records and the Child Abuse Central Index. Parents can check a caregiver by calling 1-800-822-8490 or emailing trustline@rrnetwork.org with the caregiver's full name and ID number.
Do nannies get overtime in California?
Yes. Under the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, nannies who mainly care for children earn 1.5x pay for hours over 9 in a day or 45 in a week. Nannies who spend more than 20% of their time on other household work fall under Wage Order 15's regular overtime rules instead.
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