Anonymous wrote:
1 - gives both sides sufficient notice to find new arrangements
2 - guarantees the nanny's salary for a specified period
3 - does not create an incentive for the nanny to leave before the parents have new arrangements in place
1. You can specify that both parties have an equal right to terminate with X weeks notification but this really is not enforceable for an at-will employee. You don't have recourse if she quits without notice (please ignore the crazy nanny poster who thinks she can sue employers who fire her and employers can sue nannies who quit). It serves to set an expectation that if the relationship and performance is in good standing both parties are incentivized to follow for good faith and future references.
2. If Nanny is available to work, nanny will receive guaranteed pay in the amount of X/hr for X/hrs per week.
3. You would handle this with severance bonus. You would not put this in the initial contract. When the time comes to let the nanny go, you can offer her a severance bonus if she stays working until your end date.