I would never work for an agency. There are 2 agencies here, and one (wee watch) only has ONE provider left in the city - everyone else has left and gone private. The other agency does better, and is more professional, but their providers are constantly advertising spaces - they can't fill them. The reason is that the agencies charge parents considerably more than private providers charge, but the providers themselves get paid less, because of the agency's cut. Some parents NEED an agency, because they need a childcare subsidy, but most don't want to pay more than they need to. Not to say it's not worth it, but as a parent as well as a provider, I would want my money to go to the person actually taking care of my children. Some agencies claim to offer equipment and craft materials, but I've spoken to the heads of both agencies, as well as providers with both agencies here, and there's no way that would be enough of an incentive. Highchairs, playpens, and toys I find good deals on second-hand (and had tons from my own kids) and the only big-ticket purchase I have made in the last couple of years is my quad stroller, and both agencies confessed they don't have any; the most you might get is an old double stroller.

Basically, if you run a legitimate, above-board business, and are open and transparent with your clients, have a well-written, professional contract that you enforce and take seriously, and basically are doing more than "just babysitting," then I don't see any advantage to going with an agency. I have had zero problems filling up on my own, and in fact get enquiries constantly from parents.

A disclaimer, though - the main agency here is a for-profit model, so perhaps a non-profit would treat their providers better. It couldn't hurt to have a meeting and ask questions, but take their sales pitch with a grain of salt - how much do they pay you vs. how much do they charge the parents per day? What about sick days and vacation days? If they claim they offer you equipment, what kind? What about extended hours or premium hours - a lot of subsidized clients need care out of regular hours for shift work coverage. Would you be willing to do that, and if so, would you get paid extra for it? Have a look at local daycare ads in your area and find out what people are charging and what they are offering. If the agency doesn't offer you enough to make it worth it, you'd probably be better off going at it privately. Just my 2 cents.