Looking for advice/feedback on planned childcare plan
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Anonymous
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Hi,
I am not currently employing a nanny but was hoping I could get some advice from all of you who are working with nannies who might be able to help me figure out next steps. I am pregnant with a singleton and my office is offering a hoteling program (basically work at home). As a result of this flexibility I think the best idea/most cost effective plan is to hire a part time nanny. I am thinking it will be from 10am-3pm M-F and want to pay around $15 an hour. Some questions I've had, sorry if some seem stupid, we're brand new to this: - I am open to paying for some vacation days/sick days but wondering if there is a legal max/min for a PT worker versus a FT worker - Are these hours reasonable? Would I find someone willing to do that? - Is this price reasonable if I expect no housework/food prep from the nanny? - Are there PT nanny shares? Or is this an arrangement that is really only for FT people - How far in advance of start date should I start advertising? - Any other questions you think I should be thinking about but haven't asked? I am due in October and planning on taking approximately 3/4 months of leave so will be |
Anonymous
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1) There is no legal requirement, typically PTO is calculated according to the weekly hours worked.
2) Yes you will be able to find someone. If you can be a little more flexible (9-2, 11-4) it will be even easier - you may be hiring someone who has a mornings-only or after-school position as well. 3) Yes, that is a reasonable rate. 4) I have never heard of a PT nanny share, but they might exist. It would probably be very difficult to align schedules that aren't standard FT hours though. 5) 4-8 weeks before the job starts. |
Anonymous
| 99% of na,nies wa,t full time. For 25 hours a week at $15/hr, then you neec to find someone who nannies as a hobby. |
Anonymous
| ^^ or someone who is a mom of school age kids. Sounds perfect. |
nannydebsays
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OP, do you anticipate being able to get 100% of your work done during nanny's work hours? If so, then a PT nanny might work out well for you. However, if you anticipate having last minute phone calls 5 minutes before nanny HAS to leave, you may be working while juggling your unhappy infant. PT nannies who work 2+ jobs to make FT pay will not be able to be flexible with their schedule for any of their families. They may have jobs at 8 -1, 1:30 - 5, and 6:30 - 9 and have no wiggle room. That said, - I am open to paying for some vacation days/sick days but wondering if there is a legal max/min for a PT worker versus a FT worker ****There are no legal requirements, but PTO is a benefit that will make your job more appealing. Most people offer 15 "days" of PTO, with 5 of those "days" being taken when you take your vacation. You might also consider offering guaranteed hours, paying nanny 52 weeks a year and having her attend to small child related duties at your home during any "extra" vacation time you take. - Are these hours reasonable? Would I find someone willing to do that? ****It's possible, especially if you can flex your hours to work with other jobs the nanny already has. - Is this price reasonable if I expect no housework/food prep from the nanny? ****Without knowing your location, and what sort of nanny you are seeking, I can't say. I will say that PT jobs tend to offer slightly higher wages to offset the lack of OT and the need to add other jobs to make a secure living. You might also consider if having nanny do baby laundry and deal with bottles she uses would be worth a bit more money. - Are there PT nanny shares? Or is this an arrangement that is really only for FT people ****You might find a family seeking FT care (with an infant of similar age) that would like to pair with you to cut their costs slightly. The main issue would be that you would have to take your child to that family's home, which would either add hours to the job, or cut your available work hours . The savings *might* be $5 per hour, likely a bit less than that. - How far in advance of start date should I start advertising? ****3 months, simply because I think PT positions are harder to fill. Plus, you want to make sure your new nanny can give proper notice to her current employers. - Any other questions you think I should be thinking about but haven't asked? ****I would advise you to outline the job requirements, write out a description of your "perfect" nanny, and network with fellow moms-to-be at your OB's office, at birthing class, hospital tours, etc, as well as through your neighborhood list-serve to see if you can find a nanny who is seeking work or a family seeking a share. |
Anonymous
| Maybe a retired person could use the pocket change? |
Anonymous
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Sure, you can find a lot of candidates seeking part-time hours. And your pay is fair as well.
Keep in mind however that there will be some candidates who won't be too thrilled with the IDEA of working in a home where the parent is there too. During your interviews, make sure you have excellent chemistry with whoever you hire and assure her you will not be micromanaging her every second. Why? Because you will be working hard. If possible, have your work space/station as far away from the main living and playing areas too. Good luck, I hope things work out for you! |