Advice on drafting a nanny contract

[Anonymous]

My husband and I have found a great nanny. We would like to have a nanny contract to minimize any confusion. Any recommendations on what to include in the contract beyond the obvious like pay rate, hours, and time off?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

* Guaranteed hours (or not) and how pay is handled when her schedule changes (including OT rate)
* Flexibility required/how it's handled (for example, I offer 5 hours per week of flex hours but my NF must schedule them one month in advance so that I can make my own plans as well) including if you expect to be home late occasionally (will you text to warn her? pay her in 15/30 minute increments? etc.)
* What happens in inclement weather if she can't get to you (PTO day? day off without pay? day off with pay?)
* What meals are provided vs. brought by the nanny
* What tasks she is explicitly responsible for
* How to request time off (how much notice she should give)
* How to call out sick (how much notice, for what reasons - including your preference of her coming in with a bad cold and having an uncharacteristically lazy day, even with TV, vs. missing work)
* Expectations regarding cell phone/TV usage
* Expectations for communication (keep a log? text you photos?)
* Expectations regarding socialization/play dates (do you want her to get permission before going to someone's house, or send you their name and address before going? are you comfortable with her having people to your house for play dates?) and other activities (can she suggest paid activities to you?)
* Driving expectations (and if she's not driving, explicitly stating that she won't drive the children anywhere except to the hospital/ER)
* Notice given for termination of the relationship (on both sides) plus severance guidelines
* Reasons for immediate dismissal (e.g. neglecting child's safety)
* Schedule for job/pay reviews - 6 months, 12 months - where you can discuss changing responsibilities as your child grows
* Any special family philosophies re: food, language, discipline, sleep training - anything you are particular about that she should know upfront

Basically anything that could ever come up as an issue! If you lay it all on the table now you'll be rewarded with an easy relationship and a happy nanny (we mostly just want to know what's expected of us and be able to count on consistency).

[Anonymous]

IMO, you'll never think of everything, so hire the most intellegent person you can afford.