Pregnant with my first and starting to think about options for childcare. I'm not due until May, but curious to know how far in advance you should line up a nannie? Also, as we think about our options any guidance or key things to think of when hiring a nannie? Having never done this before, I'm curious about:
Full-time nannie vs. nannie-share? Do you create an annual contract with a nannie with set vacation days? Are nannie's on salary or paid by the hour? Any and all thoughts welcome. Thanks! |
Nannies are by law (FLSA) hourly employees. This means they are entitled to OT for all hours over 40/week - excepting live-in nannies (in most states). However, most nannies expect guaranteed hours which means if you want her to be available 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, you'll be paying her for 50 hours every week, even if you ended up staying home one day and didn't need her. This can sometimes confuse the initial negotiations because your nanny may be more interested to know her weekly take-home rather than her hourly rate but make sure you are explicit regarding her hourly rate and OT rate, along with the guaranteed weekly pay, in case you need her to work extra hours now and then. Some parents are able to pay a slightly lower hourly rate for jobs that come with a guaranteed ten hours of OT, while other nannies will not accept a cut.
The only benefit to a nanny share vs. your own nanny is to save money. If the cost of a nanny is prohibitive, a share is a great idea. You'll want to start looking for a nanny 4-6 weeks before you need her to start. Realistically 2-4 weeks is usually adequate but since this is your first time, practice interviewing nannies you're only lukewarm about so you're even more prepared (have a list of questions you know to ask, have heard some curious answers you'd want to clarify your nanny-of-choice's opinion on) when it is time to buckle down. Most nannies won't be able to commit to a position more than 2-4 weeks out because they either need to give notice or are working out the end of their former contract. Also please use the search function here, you will find a lot of old threads to answer other questions you might have. And congratulations! |
I'm curious why you spelled nanny correctly in the subject, and then continually misspell it in the post? |
Sorry, missed one of your questions.
Yes, you'll make a contract that outlines paid holidays (all major ones that fall on regular working days is the minimum respectful offer, while some employers give all federal holidays), PTO (most common is 5 sick/personal days and two weeks of vacation - one that you choose and one the nanny will choose), and any other benefits you're offering (contributing to her health care is not yet common but is starting to be expected by the best/most qualified nannies). |
Extremely helpful guidance and information - thank you very much! |