Message from Kim
This is the time of the year when the families we work with are making summer travel plans (to leave the rain behind!), their children are involved in summer camps, and are otherwise adjusting to two months without the structure of school. It can be a slightly anxious time of year for those of us in the household service industry, but never worry—MBF is here to support you through this fun, if slightly less structured, season.
Now that July 4th is over and we find ourselves heading into the thick of the summer, I’m calling on all nannies to get out of the house for some interactive stimulation! Nanny Playdates are not only a lot of fun, these playdates, which we host throughout the year, also serve an important purpose—they help break feelings of isolation on the job, feelings which too often force good nannies into other lines of work. Much as you may love the children you care for, we understand it’s common to feel like you aren’t spending enough time around adults. In response, we offer events like Nanny Playdates, Nanny Nights Out and educational opportunities to support you and make sure that you’re satisfied in your career for a long time to come.
Have a great summer!
Kim Winblood, MBF President
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Announcements
Corporate Nannies Pay Increase
Temporary Nannies who provide backup childcare services to our corporate clients will receive $12/hour effective July 1st. Please contact your Temporary Placement Counselor to join their "short list" of corporate caregivers.
Updated Travel Fees
As gas prices have risen, the cost for our temporary nannies to drive to areas outside of the city has become greater. In order to cover the cost to our nannies, our Travel Fees will be increasing to $8 in the following areas: Weatherford, Midlothian, Rockwall, Aledo, and Heath. As always, this fee is paid directly from our clients to the nanny.
San Antonio Office is Live!
We are very excited to announce that MBF Agency has launched our San Antonio office! We will be bringing the same quality service and caregivers to a fourth major Texas city. So, whether you are visiting the Alamo in San Antonio, the Zoo in Dallas, the Galleria in Houston, or coming to Austin for the SXSW music festival, you can count on MBF Agency to have amazing nannies and sitters. Please pass on the news to any family or friends that you may have in San Antonio or any of our other three local markets.
The new contact information is:
11503 Jones Maltsberger Road, Ste. 292
San Antonio, TX 78216
Phone: 800.204.2681 (Clients), 210.858.5040 (Candidates)
Fax: 210.858.6406
Congratulations to Veronica Ezell for being hired in Anna ISD as a new fouth grade teacher! We will be a wonderful teacher and we wish you the best!
Congratulations to the following nannies on their engagements:
Amy Greckel 
Summer Ferguson
Amber Jessee 
Sarah Jessee
Congratulations to the following nannies as they are newly expecting mothers: Kristi Kersey, Stephanie Davilla-Norris, and Bridgette Akins.
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- July 19-20, 2007: All MBF Offices will be closedfor an all staff retreat. Our emergency pagers will still be available for the sitter service: Austin 512-775-5437 Houston 281-782-1880 Dallas 972 971 9022
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Job Openings at MBF
We have an excellent full-time internal opportunity for a talented Household Staffing Specialist to start immediately at our corporate headquarters in Austin, TX.
The ideal candidate will enjoy a rewarding, high visibility, high growth position in a fast-paced, supportive work environment. The core responsibilities involve making high-level household staffing placements on a local and national level (including estate managers and couples, household managers, personal chefs, personal assistants, and executive-level housekeepers), as well as handling all permanent placements for our new San Antonio market.
The placement specialist is dedicated to recruiting, screening, processing, and matching qualified candidates with our valued client families as well as serving as an ongoing resource/support. The staffing professional will also work directly with our high-end clientele, monitoring each match carefully through the placement process, and providing troubleshooting and post placement support. Customer Service, Client Care, and Quality assurance are core focuses.
As you know, Mom's Best Friend / MBF Agency is an exceptional household staffing firm serving families and caregivers for 13 years. We are offering a competitive salary, realistic bonus earning potential, and comprehensive benefits package. Excellent and upbeat team environment. Qualified and interested candidates, apply TODAY for immediate consideration by submitting a brief cover letter and resume to emmelyn.wang@mbfagency.com.
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Referral Program
Please remember to refer your qualified caregiver friends to MBF! To thank you for your referral, MBF will send you a $50 check for all temp nannies you refer after their first 2 jobs worked. You will receive a $100 check for all PT nannies and a $200 check for all FT nannies referred to MBF after they have been placed with a family. In addition, your name will be entered into a quarterly drawing for a spa gift certificate. Cathleen Gready was the winner from last quarter and received a spa gift certificate- Congratulations, Cathleen! We value our relationship with you and greatly appreciate your recommendation.
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Ask the Expert
By Tiffany Keeton, Nanny Manager and Nanny Network Organizer
Q: “My employer has charged me with the task of planning her child’s 3rd birthday party and she wants a face painter. How do I locate and choose an entertainer who is safe, talented, and affordable?"
A: First of all, WOW! How exciting that you, the nanny, get to be involved in this momentous occasion!! Of course, the next thing that comes to mind is, “Yikes! How do I find a GOOD one?!” You know you want to give it your best effort, but this can really be tricky.
Even if you are on a tight schedule (ie: the party is this weekend), it is essential you do your research. Ask your peers…who have your nanny friends (and their employers) hired? How did it go? Tap into your local Nanny Network as there are usually several nannies who have done things for their charges that will help you. Next, use your local city resources such as the Kid’s Directory for a great place to start.
While these are great resources, it is still your responsibility to choose wisely. What do I mean by that? Well, let’s say you hear about a face painter from somewhere and you book her to come out on Saturday. Think about it: this is someone you’ve never met and they are going to be putting paint on your charge’s face. Be sure to ask some very important questions:
- May I see your portfolio?
- May I call your references (preferably people they ’ve worked for in a similar situation and recently)?
- Are the materials you use FDA approved? (One of my friends is a former Chanel make-up artist and professional face-painter and warns that there are only a couple of brands that are FDA approved. This is also important if there is a clown or other entertainer and he/she uses bubbles or other items that may be harmful if accidentally ingested.)
- If they work for a company, they are probably insured through the company, but I ask anyway if they carry liability insurance.
- What is your cancellation policy? If you do not show up for some reason, will I get a refund on my deposit? **Be sure to sign a contract!**
Hiring entertainment can be fun and easy!! Whether you guys want to have a huge slip-n-slide delivered or invite Winnie the Pooh over for tea, these are just some general guidelines. Be savvy and prepared and get ready to throw a shindig like no other!! Your employers will be very impressed by your attention to detail and superb planning.
Party On, Nannies!
Tiffany
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MBF Superstars
Dallas Area Nanny
Annette |
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| Annette has only been with our agency since April, but she has already won the hearts of many of our clients and their charges. She is currently getting a Master's degree in social work. Annette has taught high school English in the U.S. as well as in Russia. She has also worked with young children in church settings and in orphanages overseas. She speaks some Russian and knows some sign language. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, painting, and drawing. She has been such a valuable asset to Mom's Best Friend. Thank you for all your hard work and for how well you represent the agency! |
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Ft. Worth Area
Nanny
Meredith
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Meredith Sapp has been with our agency since May. She has been there for last minute jobs, corporate jobs, and for anything we have needed her for! She is originally from Quincy, IL. Meredith attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. She previously worked as a temporary nanny for St. Louis Metro families. As the second oldest of four children, Meredith comes from a rather large family. She loves to play outdoors and is very active. Meredith likes to be on the go. She is very outgoing and loves to meet new people. Each family we have sent Meredith to, has been so impressed with her service. Thank you Meredith, we are so glad you joined the Mom's Best Friend team!
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Craft Activity
By Lisa Vines, MBF Director of Sales Operations
RAINBOW IN THE SKY (perfect for the weather we've had!)
Have children create a sky scene with a rainbow out of paper and tissue paper
Supplies
- Construction paper (white, gray, yellow)
- Blue construction paper or poster board
- Multi-colored tissue paper
- Glue
Instructions
1. Cut out clouds from white paper, rain drops from gray paper, and lightning bolts from yellow paper
2. Have the child(ren) paste the clouds, rain drops and bolts of lightning onto a piece of blue paper or poster board
3. Cut out strips of multi colored tissue paper and have the child(ren) paste the strips into a rainbow coming from the clouds down to the ground
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