Why is a contract necessary?
When you
hire someone, it's always recommended to
define in writing the nature of the job, the expected
responsibilities, and the relationship between the two parties. This
is true as well when hiring a
nanny
who is expected to handle and be responsible for various tasks.
A
nanny
contract is helpful in case
of a future a dispute between the two sides. Also, a well-written
contract will help put you on the right trace to a solid, long-term
relationship between you and your nanny. You can easily find
a sample nanny contract over the web. All you need to do is type the
right keywords. For example - "nanny employment
contract", or - "sample nanny contracts".
What should a nanny contract include?
·
Working days and hours
– Define clearly when you want your nanny to work during the week,
and if there are any specific days or hours you need her to work
longer or shorter.
·
Nannies Cost:
Salary should include pay rate and frequency, and how overtime and
taxes will be handled. If you find it suitable, you can include a
performance review(s) as well. For example,
in a live in nanny contract you should specifically mention
the nanny salary and what does it includes.
·
Responsibilities and duties:
A good contract
for nanny
should have a clear definition of the nanny duties and
responsibilities. This is
a key success factor for a strong, healthy relationship with your
nanny. By agreeing on these, you minimize the chances for future
disagreements and disputes.
Nanny duties
related to
childcare
should be defined separately from
housekeeping and other
duties.
·
Emergency situations:
We recommend thinking ahead and planning scenarios, which, while we
don't want them to occur, we must be prepared for them. For example,
in an emergency, who should be contacted first? What steps and
actions should be taken? Specify any special instructions you find
important to be carried out.
Contracts for
nannies should clearly define these important issues.
·
Car policy: When your
nanny
services
include driving the kids to school and other
places, define whether your nanny will use a family car or her own.
If the latter, the nanny is entitled to mileage reimbursement. Also,
a safety statement should be included, such as seating arrangements
and car seat and seatbelt usage, as well as an in-car eating policy
and cell phone use policy in accordance with your state’s laws.
·
Benefits: Normally nannies receive up to ten paid vacation days per year, which
includes sick and personal days, and federal holidays as well. It's
also customary to share the cost of the nanny's medical insurance.
·
Behavior: An area where
families and nannies occasionally find themselves in dispute is the
nanny’s behavior both in the house (live-in
nannies) and outside the house (live-out
nannies), e.g., hosting friends, phone
use, and smoking.
·
Termination:
How each party should terminate the relationship between the two
sides and how much notice is needed.
A contract for a
nanny must address this issue.
Another issue that you may consider including
in the
nanny contract
is that of confidentiality. A nanny may be exposed to private and
sensitive information that you don't want shared. If you feel it
necessary, you can mention which information should remain within
the family. look for free nanny
contracts, compare and then write your own.
The Nannies Cost
If you’re wondering how much the
nanny salary
should be, first take into consideration various parameters, such
as: Is your nanny a
live-in nanny, or a
live-out
nanny?
a
full-time nanny,
or a part-time nanny?
What is her previous experience?
According to the
International Nanny Association, less
experienced nannies should earn from $250 to $400 a week.
Professional
nannies with more experience may earn
from $400 to $1,000 a week. If you’re looking for more detailed
information about wages, you can find it on various sites such as
that of the International Nanny Association.
* Popular variations and misspelling of "nanny
contract":
nanny contract example, nanny work
agreement, contract for a nanny, free nanny contract,
nanny contract of employment, nany