If you let a nanny go after one week, how did you frame that conversation? Did you have another option lined up right away? (Preparing for s similar situation myself )

The contract we use has a 30 day probationary period, but for me, the real trial is the first week. I am really watchful during that period, i.e., checking the nanny cams regularly (I work part-time hours so have the time to do this, most people don't), asking a friend to observe the nanny at the playground, coming home early unannounced. I have let two nannies go within that first week for compelling reasons and am very glad that it was just within the first few days and not months or a year.

Anonymous wrote:For those who have trial days, do pay any severance (anything beyond daily pay) if it doesn't work out in the first few weeks?

Trial days have no connection with severance.

I would recommend a probationary period (we do one month) during which time either side may terminate the relationship without cause. This means you can let a nanny go, or a nanny can quit, without cause. This should be written to specify that termination of the employment relationship within the first month does not require or offer the protections of notice period or severance that may be otherwise specified within the contract.

For those who have trial days, do pay any severance (anything beyond daily pay) if it doesn't work out in the first few weeks?

Anonymous wrote:Do people hire nannies for trial days/weeks? If so, has it worked well?
Thanks!

You think you get a trial day for free?

As a nanny I have always done a shortened trial workday (4-6 hours) as the final interview step before an official offer is made. Once the official offer of employment is made, we negotiate the contract, and I always include a 30 probationary period where either party can give notice if it is not a good fit. Further in my contract I require 2 weeks notice or severance for termination without cause and I guarantee 2 weeks notice for resigning without cause.

We did a paid four- hour block of time as a trial for the three nannies we were considering.

I've done a trial day with the nanny I wanted to hire. It worked out. In the contract the first 2 weeks were probationary like the op states above. It gave us a chance for either party to back out if need be.

Sure, you can do that, and it can be very useful - though I wouldn't advise it for weeks.

I have done interviews in my home with my final candidates, in a way that let me see the interaction with my kids. And then when we've extended an offer we've done that with a plan to have the new nanny come for a few hours one afternoon before she starts - so she can get to know the kids. I usually leave them alone for a while during that visit, and I pay for her time.

Then, in our contract, we have a one month probationary period during which time either party can terminate the relationship for any reason. So that essentially amounts to a trial period. I've never had to invoke that, happily, but it does offer some protection if someone turns out to be unreliable, unable or unwilling to do what they said, or uncomfortable for whatever reason (smoking, religion, whatever...)

Do people hire nannies for trial days/weeks? If so, has it worked well?
Thanks!