What is Nanny Poaching?

Nanny Poaching

Working as a TLC caregiver means that every family you meet through TLC should continue to book you through the agency. Families should not hire you directly for babysitting, ongoing care, or future shifts outside of TLC. This is known as nanny poaching, and it is not allowed.

TLC puts a great deal of time and care into connecting caregivers with families, coordinating schedules, providing support, and helping protect everyone involved in the relationship. When care is arranged outside of the agency, it takes away from the system that created the opportunity in the first place and can damage your relationship with TLC.

Sometimes these situations come up in a casual way. A parent may ask for your phone number, mention paying you directly, or suggest setting up future care outside of TLC. Even when it seems harmless or informal, it is important to stay professional and respond clearly. Protecting your relationship with TLC means keeping all bookings where they belong—through the agency.

You can say:

“Thank you so much. I really enjoyed working with your family, but I need to keep all bookings through TLC.”

Or:

“I’d be happy to work with your family again, but it does need to be arranged through the agency.”

You can also say:

“The best way to have me back is to request me by name through TLC.”

These responses are warm, professional, and firm. They make it clear that all work with TLC families must stay within the agency. It is important for you to set a boundary.

Keeping bookings with TLC protects the agency, supports future job opportunities, and helps maintain strong professional standards. It also allows TLC to continue providing training, PTO, and ongoing support. If a family asks to work with you outside of TLC, or continues to push the issue, please let us know right away.