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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]-How much is reasonable to pay for two young kids? 
~A good range is $15-$20/hour depending on the experience and qualifications of the nanny.

-Is 40 hours a week the usual amount of hours? Will they occasionally work a bit later in evenings, or is that too much? 
~A lot of nannies actually work over 40 hours a week, some up to 50 or 60. Yes they can work later in the evenings but make sure the hours are determined ahead of time, so you know nanny will be available.

-Do we have to pay for health insurance? or do some nannies have benefits from their husband's job? 
~You don't have to do anything. Some families offer health insurance, some don't. Not all nannies are married. I am a single nanny and have always bought individual health insurance and paid for it myself. Now that is required by the new healthcare law.

-What happens if the kids get a cold, will the nanny still watch them or do the parents need to stay home (as with daycare)? 
~Yes nanny will stay with the kids when they are sick. I would ask and expect the parents to stay home if the kids are really sick - very contagious, high fever, vomiting.

-How much vacation or paid time off is typically expected? What about sick days (if the nanny or a family member of hers is sick?) 
~For a full time nanny, the typical benefits include 2 weeks paid vacation, 1 week paid sick, paid federal holidays. You should also be paying legally, on the books.

-Will the nanny take the kids to an occasional music class, or anything like that? Do I need to provide a car, or will they use theirs? 
~Of course, the nanny will want to take the kids out to activities and classes. They want to get out of the house everyday. Some families provide cars, some don't. Lots of nannies drive their own car for work. Just provide car seats and mileage reimbursement, and make sure she has sufficient insurance coverage.

-Do I need to have lunches packed/prepared or is it enough to just have food in the house? 
~The nanny can prepare meals for the kids. It would be very nice if you offer food to her for her lunch as well.

-What else is usually part of nanny's duties?
~Light housekeeping pertaining to the children, children's laundry, children's meals, driving to school/activities, taking kids on fun outings (library, playground), bathing them, and of course their health and safety.[/quote]

This PP hit the nail on the head. I 100% agree with everything he/she wrote. 
I will only add: Remember to consider overtime pay for anything past 40 hours. It is legally required. Guaranteed hours are also the norm in the DC area. This means that the nanny gets a full 52 weeks of pay every year, even if you don't use her the entire time. Example: One week your mom comes to visit and the nanny is only needed for 3 days that week instead of her usual 5 -- you'd still pay her for the full week.

Food: if there is something special you're saving for dinner that night, I'd mention it to the nanny. 
I always bring my lunch, but it's good to know I can have an apple or a soda at work if I want it. [/quote]

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