First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend is the premier full service domestic placement agency in Illinois. First Class Care places exceptional nannies, newborn care specialists, babysitters, housekeepers, personal assistants, house managers and chefs throughout Illinois. When working with First Class Care expect the highest level of service, professional screened candidates and a full staff walking you through the process. All candidates are rigorously screened, personally interviewed and reference checked by licensed placement counselors. Completed references, background checks and physicals are provided before you hire. Have peace of mind you hired the best for your family!
Business highlights
19 years of trusted experience
Emergency Services Offered
Services we offer
First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend is the premier domestic placement agency in Illinois for Nannies, Newborn Care Specialists, Housekeepers, Babysitters, House Managers, Personal Chefs and Personal Assistants. We provide exceptional candidates to make the process of hiring a care specialist seamless. Your family deserves the BEST! FULL-TIME, PART-TIME, LIVE-IN, BABYSITTERS AND CORPORATE BACK-UP CHILDCARE AVAILABLE.
Description of Work: Even though I wish the price was lower, it was worth every penny. For the fee, they interviewed us and learned about our childcare needs, and then pre-screened well-qualified interested candidates according to our specifications, and sent us the best of the bunch until we found "the one," who has turned out to be excellent and just right for us. No one wasting my time, etc. once we found the one they stayed in the picture through the offer and negotiation process, and then conducted the background screening. A very timely, professional, and seamless service.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$6,000
Beverly S.
12/2015
5.0
home child care
+ -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: connected two bathroom sinks and leveled a toliet |
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$550
Claire I.
04/2015
2.0
child care, home child care
+ 0 more
Except for one Nanny all the nannies were quite professional. However, one of the owners of this agency whom I dealt with the most seemed to think that her employees rights to privacy were more important than letting me know if the child care person/Nanny/Baby Sitter she was assigning to take care of my unvaccinated baby had received their measles shot or were immune to measles. My baby was at the time too young to be vaccinated and when I asked for this information or requested that she ensure that whoever she was sending to my home was vaccinated she refused to ask her employee this question because it would violate their rights or something to that effect and said she could not staff my request. I have not used her agency since then and do not intend to as I am also expecting another baby and I think it is ridiculous that a nanny placement agency that charges such high fees doesn't think that providing this information or screening their staff to make sure they are up to date on all their shots is common sense and part of good service. If I wanted less I would send my child to day care not hire a private nanny. All of this happened during the recent measles outbreak in Illinois. Per the owner's response to my review. I was expressly told that they could not ask one employee about their vaccination status and not ask every employee and since it was not their policy to ask every employee about vaccination status they would not be able to ask just the employee or temporary nanny/baby sitter they were sending to my home. I contacted other nanny placement agencies giving them the same time frame and everyone was pretty understanding and willing to provide this information given the fact that I explained that my baby was not eligible to be vaccinated yet against measles. I did not ask for any documentation, I just asked them to verbally confirm with whoever they sent to my home that they had either had the measles already or they received the measles shot. I am sure most people can remember (especially any female who has had a child, since every pregnant woman is tested to see if they are immune to measles or not) if they have been vaccinated or are immune to measles already. I made it very clear that verbal confirmation would be sufficient but the owner still refused to do that bit and even ignored my last email to her inquiring whether she would be providing me with a nanny or not.
Description of Work: Provided nannies and child minders for my baby.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
3.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
4.0
$17
Response from First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend
Thank you for your review. All of our nannies are required to have doctors physicals as well as valid CPR certification and full background checks. With the limited time you gave us to find a temp we could not verify all the documents you needed. Most people would have to find their childhood vaccination reports which would take many days and you did not have the time to wait. We did disclose this to you right away to allow you to find a vaccinated nanny. It was not about our nannies privacy, but the time it would take to get you the documentation you requested was not possible. We fully understand your concern and would never want to put anyone in harm which is why we told you we could not help you. We wish you the best with your baby.
Sami C.
09/2014
3.0
home child care
+ -1 more
The initial contact has always been good. However, this time after I moved, I did not receive the follow up I was looking for. I had hired a nanny in August of 2013 through this agency. At that time, they provided me with several appropriate candidates. The coordinator called me back in a timely fashion and assisted with setting up the interviews. I moved, and needed a new nanny as the first one would not drive that far. I received 1-2 potential candidates. I did not hear from the agency except to ask if I was still looking. I did not interview the candidates as their English was not up to my needs. I explained this to the agency, but this continued to be a problem. Then, I did not hear back from them except to ask if I am still looking. The price is high for the quality of candidates. I realize that this is fairly usual cost for the industry, but I was not satisfied with the service.
Description of Work: I would have to look up the exact cost, however, I had hired a caregiver for my child which lasted for a few months due to an unforseen move.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
3.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
4.0
$2,000
Response from First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend
Thank you for your review. We appreciate your feedback. We are very sorry your second search with us was not as successful as the first. Due to your new location and needed schedule we did not have the same number of candidates to present to you. We did keep checking in with you as we were not receiving feedback on the candidates we did send and when we do not get a response we assume the client is no longer searching. We hope you found an awesome nanny and will think of us in the future.
Howard D.
08/2014
5.0
home child care
+ -1 more
I was very hesitant at first about hiring a nanny to help with the kids and give my wife some extra time during the week. First Class Care gave me the comfort that their screening process, requirements (CPR Training is a must!) and other training would deliver the best care and safety for my kids and peace of mind for both my wife and me. While other approaches netted us zero candidates we would hire, we were provided with 5 qualified interviews and could have chosen several finalists. Ultimately we chose one and my daughter now treats her as part of the family. Her favorite days are the ones when the nanny comes to go to the park and do arts and crafts projects. I recommend First Class Care to all of my family and friends. I couldn't justify any other way to find someone that is going to be a part of your household and family routine.
Description of Work: Hired a nanny for our children. Full vetting process, interviews, background checks and more.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,000
Response from First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend
Thank you for your review! We loved serving your family!
Elizabeth P.
08/2014
2.0
home child care
+ -1 more
The contact was only available sporadically and so we never did business. There was also a lot of documents, waivers and exceptions which sounded like they were more interested in protecting themselves than helping find a house manager.
Description of Work: We were trying to find a house manager. It was really hard trying to have a conversation.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
2.0
Response from First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend
[removed member name] - Our process typically takes about 20 min to complete for a client. We take domestic searches very seriously and require lots of information about your needs to make sure we find you the best possible match. We have a full staff in the office Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm to answer calls and our phones are forwarded to our cell phones after hours and weekends. We are highly available. Our contract explains our process and is important as we are a company referring people to work in your home. It protects both of us. If you would like to discuss your needs we are here.
Amanda M.
02/2014
5.0
child care, home child care
+ 0 more
.
Description of Work: Acted as an agent in the finding of nanny candidates, assisted in salary establisment, background checks, etc.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,000
Jason J.
05/2013
5.0
child care, home child care
+ 0 more
We were traveling through Chicago and needed a babysitter for 1 night to watch out kids (needed to take my wife out for her birthday). First Class Care sent Rebecca over . . . she arrived at 6:55pm (5 minutes early), bonded with our kids really well and had our kids asleep right on time. EXCELLENT service.
Description of Work: We were traveling through Chicago and needed a babysitter for 1 night to watch out kids (needed to take my wife out for her birthday). First Class Care sent Rebecca over . . . she arrived at 6:55pm (5 minutes early), bonded with our kids really well and had our kids asleep right on time. EXCELLENT service.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$80
David C.
05/2013
5.0
home child care
+ -1 more
My experience with First Class Care was outstanding. My client rep Erin was very helpful, patient, understanding and willing to answer all of my questions. As a first time parent I was very nervous to hire anyone as I had only used family in the past. Erin made me feel very comfortable with the process. Once I filled out the paperwork explaining my needs I received a call within one hour to go through it so they would fully understand my needs and wants. I was very clear about the years of experience that we wanted the nanny to have as well as great English skills. Within 24 hours I had already received 4 nanny profiles to view. They came complete with a full work history, essay questions and more. I also received all the nannies references so I could see what their previous families said about them. I especially liked that they asked questions like what where the nannies strengths and weaknesse, how would you rate her safety, initiative and more. Everything was very thorough. Once I reviewed the profiles I told Erin what times we were available and she scheduled all of the interviews for us. It was super easy. We didn't have to stress about calling people or giving directions to our house. First Class Care took care of it all. We me t with 6 nannies and they were all GREAT. It was harder than we thought to pick one and Erin suggested that we have our top 2 back for trial days to better gauge how our child responded to them. It was just what we needed to make up our minds. And if that wasn't enough, they helped us craft an offer appropriate for this nanny. She had a college degree and we wanted to pay her fairly for her experience.and education. We could not be happier. Our nanny has been with us for over a year and continues to grow with our family. We are expecting our second child in a few months and we could not imagine anyone else to care for both of our kids. We were so fortunate to have found First Class Care and thank our friend every time we see her for referring us to them. Even after a year, they are still in touch with us to check in and have even helped us in a pinch. Our nanny was very sick and we called First Class Care at 11:00 p.m. one night and they answered their phone. They were able to find us a great temp nanny to work for 2 days while our nanny recovered. It was AMAZING! I will definitely use First Class Care again when I need to hire someone else.
Description of Work: Provided us with a professional nanny seearch and found us an amazing nanny!
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,200
vicki J.
04/2013
1.0
child care, home child care
+ 0 more
We've had a very poor experience with First Class Care, and we would NOT recommend them.
Description of Work: Searching for Household manager/ Nanny
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0
$3,600
Response from First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend
[member name removed]- We understand your frustration, but sent you over 10 replacement candidates all qualified for your job. We did send you candidates a little outside your price range to show you what an even more qualified candidate would look like. You have been a client since 2008 and have hired many employees from us who lasted many years including a housekeeper who has been with you going on 5 years now. We have followed every part of our contract with you and went above and beyond with your replacement search. We wish you the best of luck in your future searches.
Maggie P.
02/2013
5.0
home child care
+ -1 more
Erin scheduled multiple interviews for me, answered all my questions, and matched us very well with our nanny. Initially, we did find their service fee to be a little on the pricey side when compared to their competition. In the end, because of the difference in experience with Erin (and First Class Care), we honestly felt the price difference was worth it...
Description of Work: We used First Class Care to hire a full-time nanny for our 3 month old. Erin was just wonderful, listened to all the concerns of this 1st time mom and found us an absolutely WONDERFUL nanny!
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,000
HAROUT D.
12/2012
5.0
child care, home child care
+ 0 more
Great experience
Description of Work: Great service. Professional
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Bryan B.
11/2012
5.0
home child care
+ -1 more
A great experience from the beginning. I called Erin and she spent time talking with me about my family's needs. She made sure she understood our expectations. All of the candidates she sent were well-qualified for the job. Whenever I contacted the service with a question, I was answered almost immediately. All of the interviews were set up for me and background checks were provided as we moved along the process. I feel that her services are totally worth the expense. Providing appropriate and safe childcare is priceless.
Description of Work: Erin Krex worked with me to find a domestic live-in nanny. The candidates she sent to me were well-screened and were clearly made aware of our expectations. The service was timely and the communication was great. Background checks were completed and I felt completely comfortable with the process. All of my calls and emails were answered very promptly. I would highly recommend Erin's services.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000
Lizette A.
10/2012
4.0
home child care
+ -1 more
We were able to find a reliable person to help us when needed. We really liked that there was a full background check on our sitter prior to her coming over.
Description of Work: We used First Class Care to find an occasional babysitter.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Joane R.
06/2012
5.0
home child care
+ -1 more
I contacted First Class Care, the afternoon before I needed a sitter. They worked until 9:00pm to find someone that could come the next day. The sitter, was very professional and did a great job with my kids.
Description of Work: They provided me with a last minute babysitter that was fantastic!
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$100
kristin S.
11/2011
4.0
home child care
+ -1 more
The work was fine. I was really happy with the service and also with the company itself. The administrative was great as well as the baby nurse.
Description of Work: I used them to hire a baby nurse.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
WILLIAM H.
11/2011
5.0
home child care
+ -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: They seemed like they were a fine company, but we decided not to use service of that nature.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
ERIN D.
10/2011
4.0
home child care
+ -1 more
They provided a night time nurse nanny for us immediately after my son was born because I had medical conditions that made it difficult for me to take care of him.
Description of Work: We used them four years ago. They provided the services for us to find a nanny; her name/information. The work was fine and she was great.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
John N.
10/2011
4.0
home child care
+ -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: They provided fine service. I didn’t find a nanny through them but not because of them. But the process of the service was fine.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
Rose R.
06/2011
5.0
child care
+ -1 more
They are a nanny referral service. I pay them $30. They are very reliable and they are prompt to respond and provide the service that is requested. They have very high quality nannies that they work with.
Description of Work: I use First Class Care to source high quality babysitters for in-home employment for house manager and sometimes cleaning service and babysitting.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$200
KATY G.
02/2011
1.0
home child care
+ -1 more
Erin is extremely rude and patronizing. On the initial call, she seemed okay. However, with each subsequent call, she has been extremely unhelpful. Instead of sending nanny applications with all relevant information on them, she sends form emails with attachments that consist of checkbox forms. Very impersonal. When I asked where on the forms important information such as what hours a person worked for each job (full-time/part-time), she responded, "didn't you login?" I had no idea I was supposed to login. During the stressful time of trying to find the absolute right person to care for our children while we work, she did nothing but add stress. I had never done anything to offend her in any way, and I have always worked well with nanny agencies. Of all the agencies I have worked with, this one is the absolute least helpful, most rude/sarcastic, least sympathic, and most impersonal. I would not recommend this company to anyone. All of the other agencies are much much better.
Description of Work: Sent us applications from nannies.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0
Response from First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend
Member- I am very sorry you feel our service was not satisfactory. Our candidate profiles are extremely detailed and our high tech system does send out an email that explains you must login to review the profiles and that the candidates reference checks are attached. During our phone call I realized you had not logged in to your account and were only reviewing the reference checks. All you needed to do was to login to the account you created and review all the candidates. Our emails which we send all say the same thing.."After screening applicants for your position, we have the following candidate(s) profile that match your requirements. Please click on the link below to view the profile of ..." I apologize if this was not clear. As for the nannies saying we are unethical.. many nannies are not eligible through our agency because they are not legal to work, do not have glowing references or do not present themselves as a professional. We only accept 3% of applicants to represent and because of that have to turn down many applicants seeking work. We wish you the best in your search.
Jason Z.
05/2010
5.0
child care, home child care
+ 0 more
Honestly the name says it all "First Class". We spoke with some other agency's that were recommended by friends. They all seemed a bit pushy and cheap. Erin at First Class took the time to listen to our needs and interview the appropriate candidate before presenting them to us for an interview. Well worth the price. Excellent everything on this one, a few steps above the rest.
Description of Work: They found a live in Nanny for us.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,300
PAULA B.
09/2008
5.0
child care
+ -1 more
When I contacted First Class Care I spoke to the owner Erin. She was very nice, helpful and informative. I described what I needed and how fast and she explained the process and how to get started. I completed all paper work in 20 minutes and we were on our way. Erin called me later that day to discuss my needs that I had put in my work order and she had already started to find me candidates. Within 24 hours I had 4 nannies' profiles sent to my email. I could see everything about the nanny and told Erin I wanted to interview all 4. She scheduled all the interviews for me and were conducted in my home. I interviewed all the nannies and fell in love with 1. When Erin called to check in and see how the interviews went I told her about the one I liked and she helped me through the offer process. She ran the background check for us and emailed us a full copy; this was very helpful. I made the offer to the nanny and she accepted. Within 8 days I had a new nanny. It was so nice to deal with a company who was responsive and really understood my needs in a nanny along with my time frame. I would HIGHLY suggest First Class Care to any family. They are professional, personable and everything a busy family could ask for.
Description of Work: I contacted First Class Care to find a full time nanny. My nanny had given me 2 weeks notice and I was in a rush.
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
Service Categories
Child Care - Family/In Provider Home,
Child Care - Other,
Chefs,
Errands,
House Cleaning
FAQ
First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend is currently rated 4.3 overall out of 5.
Monday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
Yes, First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend offers free project estimates.
No, First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend offers emergency services.
Yes, First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend offers warranties.
First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend offers the following services: First Class Care by Mom's Best Friend is the premier domestic placement agency in Illinois for Nannies, Newborn Care Specialists, Housekeepers, Babysitters, House Managers, Personal Chefs and Personal Assistants. We provide exceptional candidates to make the process of hiring a care specialist seamless. Your family deserves the BEST! FULL-TIME, PART-TIME, LIVE-IN, BABYSITTERS AND CORPORATE BACK-UP CHILDCARE AVAILABLE.