What are realistic rates for a "nanny" for school aged children?

[Anonymous]

We are currently in the au pair program, but are getting to the point where we are not sure we need that type of care anymore.

I'm trying to figure out where we go next...

Family has 3 kids: 1st, 5th, and 7th graders.

the 5th and 7th graders are pretty independent, but we would need someone to drive them to activities, help make (or supervise) snacks, get homework started. The care is really needed for the 1st grader (who, obviously, is far less independent).

Ideally we only need someone from 3-6 p.m., 5 days a week -- plus school holidays, summers, snow days, etc... but we know this perfect unicorn doesn't exist.

What is realistic? And what should we expect to pay?

I'm kind of resigned to the fact that we'll need to pay someone for more than 15 hours a week, or no one will want that job. And then -- are there people who want a "part-time" job in the school year, and then a more "full-time" job over the summers?

Would especially love hearing from people who have "aged out" of the Au Pair program. What did you transition to?

[Anonymous]

Depends on what kind of person you have in mind. Please do a search here. Tons of discussion already about nanny rates.

[Anonymous]

The important thing to remember here is that you are paying both for the nanny's time, and for any prior experience. And you are right, part time positions have a higher hourly rate than full time because the commuting costs and opportunity costs (not available for FT work) are considered. A 3 hour a day gig where metro costs eat up the first hour's wage is not terribly attractive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The important thing to remember here is that you are paying both for the nanny's time, and for any prior experience. And you are right, part time positions have a higher hourly rate than full time because the commuting costs and opportunity costs (not available for FT work) are considered. A 3 hour a day gig where metro costs eat up the first hour's wage is not terribly attractive.

Same poster - remember you are asking this person to be available FT at very random intervals, so not only does their schedule need to accommodate that but also they are precluded from picking up a morning gig for example to cobble together FT income.

[Anonymous]

You want a mother's helper. I would advertise on university job boards and on Care and Craigslist. Include that you are ideally looking for someone who would be interested in full time over the summer, but be open to the idea that you'd just keep your afternoon person and supplement.

If you can swing 20 hours/wk, it's not a bad gig. You could add some errands or housekeeping, or starting dinner if that would help, for the hour before school pick up.

[Anonymous]

I think you'll end up paying about the same as for an Au Pair, but I would probably look instead for someone willing to do some housekeeping/cooking, too. That seems like more value with older kids.

[Anonymous]

Nannies don't clean your house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You want a mother's helper. I would advertise on university job boards and on Care and Craigslist. Include that you are ideally looking for someone who would be interested in full time over the summer, but be open to the idea that you'd just keep your afternoon person and supplement.

If you can swing 20 hours/wk, it's not a bad gig. You could add some errands or housekeeping, or starting dinner if that would help, for the hour before school pick up.

A mother's helper works while the parent is home, which is not what OP is describing. If you can swing 4-5 hours of work per day, you'll be fine. Pay about 15-25% more per hour than you would if it was full-time, and remember that the rate stays the same when hours are full time late.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nannies don't clean your house.

Who are you? You post this on every thread where someone mentions looking for someone to do a combination of child care and housekeeping. Some people actually like that kind of job. If you would like us to call that person something different, please advise.

It sounds like you can't find the kind of job you want. That's not the fault of people looking to hire someone to do both.

[Anonymous]

I do this for a family in MD. I start after school, pick the kids up, play, help with homework, make dinner for the children, and start the bedtime routine. I actually work the same general hours year round as the kids do day camps, except some weeks we plan for full time. I also cover as many sick/snow days as I can by taking off from my full time job (paid days off I don't use on my own). It works out great for everyone involved, I love the family, and I get $25/hr. So, it's not impossible, just have to look.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nannies don't clean your house.

Who are you? You post this on every thread where someone mentions looking for someone to do a combination of child care and housekeeping. Some people actually like that kind of job. If you would like us to call that person something different, please advise.

It sounds like you can't find the kind of job you want. That's not the fault of people looking to hire someone to do both.

Would you call Alice a nanny? I doubt it.

[Anonymous]

I have four kids and was a SAHM when I had a part time nanny from 2-7pm. I really mostly needed someone to help with laundry and then the two younger ones while I focused on the two older after school, and then to switch and bathe the two youngest before leaving. We started out paying $15 an hour and gave a $1 raise every six months.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have four kids and was a SAHM when I had a part time nanny from 2-7pm. I really mostly needed someone to help with laundry and then the two younger ones while I focused on the two older after school, and then to switch and bathe the two youngest before leaving. We started out paying $15 an hour and gave a $1 raise every six months.

Sounds like a mother's helper if you were home most of the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have four kids and was a SAHM when I had a part time nanny from 2-7pm. I really mostly needed someone to help with laundry and then the two younger ones while I focused on the two older after school, and then to switch and bathe the two youngest before leaving. We started out paying $15 an hour and gave a $1 raise every six months.

Sounds like a mother's helper if you were home most of the time.

I was running the older two around a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have four kids and was a SAHM when I had a part time nanny from 2-7pm. I really mostly needed someone to help with laundry and then the two younger ones while I focused on the two older after school, and then to switch and bathe the two youngest before leaving. We started out paying $15 an hour and gave a $1 raise every six months.

Sounds like a mother's helper if you were home most of the time.

I was running the older two around a lot.

You directed her every day. When I do my nanny work, I determine the plan for the day. Big difference.