I was a long term nanny for an infant. I think that it is a great way to have your child cared for. But here are the pros and cons I came up with.
Pros: getting to know the person taking care of your children on a personal level
knowing that your child is the focus during the day (care is not divided between many children)
having someone really get to know your child, and be able to be there for them when you unable
your child can have wonderful experiences when with one adult
Cons: feeling jealousy towards someone becoming extremely close with your child (I found this with the mother of the infant I nannied for, she definitely resented the relationship I developed with her baby, she eventually worked through this, and we became quite close)
your child can be somewhat isolated when they are with just one other person all day, they miss that kid to kid interaction
definitely finding a good one is tough——I would not recommend an agency, I think that it is better to do the legwork on your own.
making sure the person can make the commitment for AT LEAST a year, so as not to disrupt your child (and your) lives too much.