A thorough vetting process. It sounds intimidating and yet, as an agency owner, it’s part of the day-to-day of running your business. Agency owners who are aligned with the mission of maintaining ethical business practices and supporting quality child care typically have a smooth screening experience. If the idea of gathering up your agency’s materials and putting yourself under the microscope has kept you from becoming an APNA member, this blog post is for you.
It’s easier than it seems to join APNA if you’re already one of the best agencies in the country. You might as well let everyone know it.
What are the screening steps?
Step 1: On the APNA Website, submit your application and application fee. Then, submit your materials to admin@apna.org.
Step 2: APNA solicits internal feedback from our community of members.
Step 3: APNA contacts 3 Family and 3 Nanny References.
Step 4: Have a one-on-one interview with the Membership Chair.
Step 5: A written recommendation (no more than a single page recap) is presented to the board for a vote.
Step 6: You are notified of your acceptance and recognized at the upcoming conference. If your application is not accepted, you will be provided with feedback and instructions regarding future re-submission.
Who sees my agency’s submitted materials?
Only two people see your materials, the Membership Chair and APNA Executive Assistant. Since the materials being shared are proprietary in nature, an NDA can be provided upon request. Other members on the APNA board will not have access to your screening materials, including your agreements or proprietary documents.
What materials do you review and what do you use them for?
Your agency’s marketing and promotional materials.
- What: All marketing and training materials for both families and nannies, such as welcome letters, brochures, training manuals, newsletters, etc.
- Why: We’re looking to see that you are marketing your company honestly (no false claims of “America’s Most Trusted Agency!”, “100% Success Rate!”, etc) and that any press claims or accolades are verifiable, and that you are maintaining a level of professionalism that is in line with the other agencies in our membership. We also look to see that your procedures and policies are ethical and that you align with the mission of the APNA. Every agency has a different volume of material to submit, and each is evaluated case by case.
Proof of the date your agency was founded.
- What: Typically Articles of Incorporation or another official document that proves you’ve been in business for a minimum of three years.
- Why: In our quest for excellence, we accept members who have been operating their business long enough to have garnered a range of experiences.
Written agreements used by your agency.
- What: Family/Agency agreements and Nanny/Agency Agreements, Employer/Employee Agreements and any others that apply to your core service.
- Why: Well, for starters we want to make sure that you have agreements in place! In addition to that, we’re looking to ensure that your policies and procedures align with our values of ethics and excellence.
Nanny Application
- What: This is your main application for nannies, babysitters, or employees. You can simply submit screenshots from your website or a PDF of each screen.
- Why: We are confirming that no discriminatory employment questions are being asked and that you’re complying with federal or state regulations regarding things like ban the box, protected characteristics, and fair employment practices.
Family Application
- What: This is your family intake form. You can simply submit screenshots from your website or a PDF of each screen.
- Why: Again, we are verifying that you have an initial intake process in place that upholds the APNA mission and collects information in a lawful and compliant manner.
Written description of your agency’s fees and refund/replacement policy
- What: This can be a screenshot from your website and/or a screenshot from your contract.
- Why: To be sure that you are providing families with fair terms and policies that are in line with industry standards.
Copy of any business or agency license required by your state
- What: A PDF of your photo of actual license, or a letter stating licensing is not required by an attorney, or links and PDFs from your state’s licensing office indicating that there is no license required.
- Why: To ensure that you have determined your own compliance based on a) your business model and b) the laws that govern your state.
What if something in my materials or process needs to be changed? Will I be declined membership?
No, not necessarily! Our goal is to elevate your agency through the screening process. Many agencies have made adjustments as a result of something brought to light during the APNA screening process. It is a partnership and we look forward to working together.
How long does it take to join?
APNA has three review periods each year. To view the dates, click here. You’ll be notified of your status by the end of the corresponding window. All materials and application fee must be submitted for us to begin screening.
What benefits do I get for joining?
- Powerful community of experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of your business
- Switch gears from working in your business to working on your business.
- Training and continued education opportunities that are relevant to your business
- APNA provides networking and leadership opportunities to its members
- Monthly Business Building Webinars and Agency Masterminds are included with membership
What are you waiting for? Set aside a few hours on a single morning or afternoon to collect your materials and submit your formal application. Shining a light on your business now and gaining access to a network of experienced and invested peers will pay endless dividends in years to come. If you have any questions about members requirements or process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to suzie@smartsitting.com. We look forward to learning more about you and your wonderful agency!
Suzie is a mom of two boys who co-owns SmartSitting and serves as APNA’s Membership Chair. When she’s not running her company, you can find her dodging matchbox cars, playing piano, and aspiring to do something crafty with a hot glue gun (but rarely succeeding).