Nanny on Call keeps watchful eyes on kids for locals and tourists

Some of the most recognizable images of nannies range from Julie Andrews’ angelic nanny in the Walt Disney movie “Merry Poppins” to reality television’s advice-wielding “Supernanny,” who swoops in to assist frazzled parents with their discipline-challenged offspring. In the real world, or what passes for it in the Sonoma Valley, nannies are available for hire through Nanny on Call.

Nanny on Call is a professional referral childcare service that offers convenient care for both local families in their homes and for out-of-town clientele in their temporary lodging. The service has on its roster many trustworthy and loving nannies, who are willing to provide for nearly every childcare need. The roster includes women who are educators, registered nurses grandmothers, mothers, and students.

Virginia Collins started Nanny on Call 12 years ago when the owner of the on-call nanny service she was working for retired. That service had been based in Santa Rosa. Collins continued to be the nanny who many Sonoma Valley hotels and inns would call when their guests required help with their children. Soon she had more clients than she herself could handle, so she enlisted the help of some friends.

“I had never considered starting my own business, but circumstances seemed to lead me in that direction and once the idea took root I went with it,” said Collins, who raised six children of her own with her husband. “I began the task of gathering as much information as possible through other child care referral services, the International Nanny Association, and the Trustline registry.”

Collins’ computer skills were limited, so she asked a friend to help put together her Web site. In addition to all the pertinent information about Nanny on Call and its qualified nannies, the site includes charming old photographs of Collins’ family. One photograph features Collins’ grandmother, who is now 94, with her sister and brother at the beach. Another photograph is of Collins’ father as a child dressed as a Native American.

The Nanny on Call roster has grown over the years and now includes 30 childcare providers. Collins has never found the need to advertise, because prospective nannies have always found her through her Web site, other nannies, and other agencies. The screening process includes a detailed application, a personal interview, a thorough background check, and CPR certification for infants and children.

“I look for such qualities as warmth, kindness, and patience,” explained Collins, who has lived in Sonoma since 1988, but always considered the area her second home because she often visited her grandmother who lived here for many decades. “Candidates who are serious about doing this kind of work also show a willingness to go through the process to qualify.”

Nanny on Call has become a crucial part of local tourism, working with local establishments such as The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, the Lodge at Sonoma, and MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa when their guests need babysitters. Last year, Nanny on Call served more than 200 out-of-town clients. Nannies may either stay in hotel rooms or take the kids to places like Train Town or Sonoma Plaza Park for a day of fun.

Some out-of-town clients started to request elderly companionship. They found themselves in need of an extra pair of hands with an elderly relative. Collins added the service to her business. Companions take their older adult clients out to dinner, or play cards with them, or just visit with them in their rooms. Collins noticed that the care Nanny on Call was giving requires the same qualities regardless of age.

“I enjoy working with and find it rewarding to be associated with a group of women who take pride in their work and strive to give their very best,” said Collins. “It is their hard work that has contributed to the excellent reputation and success of my business.”

Nanny on Call may be reached at 707.933.9550 or by visiting their Web site at nannyoncall.com.