Private childcare agencies are becoming a more common solution for families who struggle to find after-school care for their children. These companies focus on recruiting and managing caregivers, emphasizing their ability to provide reliable and professional services. As public after-school programs face limitations, more parents are turning to these private services, which have been available for decades but are now gaining more visibility. These agencies offer a service where trained caregivers pick up children from school and stay at the family home until the parents return. Parents typically pay between 19 and 25 euros per hour, though public assistance programs can reduce the monthly cost. These services are especially popular among working parents, particularly mothers, who need help balancing their careers with family responsibilities. The agencies aim to build trust by showcasing their expertise, using professional websites, advertising, and trained recruiters to highlight their ability to match families with suitable caregivers. Despite the marketing of a "customized" and flexible service, the investigation reveals that agencies often struggle to meet the high expectations of their clients. The available workforce is frequently underqualified, with many caregivers working part-time or in temporary roles. These caregivers are often retired individuals, part-time workers, or trainees who are not yet fully qualified in early childhood care. The working conditions for these caregivers are challenging, with low pay, limited hours, and uncertain schedules. The study also highlights a growing mismatch between what parents expect and what the market can provide. To remain profitable, agencies often adjust parental expectations, steering them toward more standard service options. This creates a system where private childcare becomes a default solution when public services fall short. However, this approach does not fully address the long-term needs of families or the sustainability of the workforce. The findings suggest a need for a more comprehensive, publicly funded after-school care system that better meets the needs of working families and supports the caregivers who serve them.