The Nanny Employment Contract

The How and Why of an Effective Nanny Employment Agreement.

Takeaways

  • Why a Nanny Agreement is Important
  • How to write a Nanny Employment Agreement
  • Is a Nanny agreement legally binding

Why a Nanny Agreement is Important

Cambridge Nanny Group in Chicago, Illinois highly recommends families create a Family and Nanny Agreement, or Childcare Agreement, when employing a nanny. Although not legally required it sets the framework for a successful relationship because you’ve worked out details ahead of time and the ground rules are firmly established. The contract should not be a onetime document that gets tucked away in a drawer. It’s a living breathing document that should be amended regularly. Be sure to include a clause that requires you and your nanny revisit it on a certain date. Most families review it annually, but it can be updated at anytime should changes occur, like the addition of a new baby or a change in work hours. Think of it as a tool that ensures you and your nanny are on the same page at all times.

What should a contract cover?

Your nanny’s job duties and responsibilities should be covered in detail. Sometimes it’s the seemingly minor rules or responsibilities that become a point of contention between nannies and families. If you are a list maker by nature the process will be effortless. If you hired your nanny through professional Nanny Placement agency they will be happy to assist you with the process. The International Nanny Association sells a Family and Nanny Agreement that you can purchase. Developed by industry leaders, the document covers a wide variety of topics including salary, benefits, insurance, tax considerations, as well as family and nanny expectations, household information, health and emergency, meals, vacation and much more.

Possible components of your agreement:

  • Wages and pay schedule. (For example, will your nanny be paid weekly or bimonthly).
  • Work hours. 8:30am – 5pm.
  • Taxes. (This is an important component that should not be overlooked. Contact your nanny placement agency for counsel on rules and verbiage recommendations) For example, “Employer will deduct all applicable taxes from the nanny’s paycheck and make tax payments to the IRS……”
  • Benefits ( Personal time off, sick pay, paid holidays, health insurance, transportation reimbursement)
  • Duties and responsibilities. (i.e, children’s laundry; children’s meal preparation, cleaning and organization of children’s bedrooms and playrooms )
  • Access to family vehicle and usage rules.
  • Children’s Access to nanny owned vehicle during work hours.
  • Agreement around occasions when the nanny must stay late. (For example, does the nanny work a shortened day later in the week or will you provide additional pay)
  • Procedure for when your nanny is sick so you can make other childcare arrangements. For example, Nanny must call by 6:30am.
  • Do children activities need to be pre-approved by family or does the nanny of the authority to plan her own day and visits to museums, playgroups, activities, etc.
  • House rules. ( For example, are certain rooms off limits. Can nanny invite visitors over.)
  • Performance/Merit Pay Increases.
  • Guarantee pay increase for additional children.
  • Naptime method. Specify naptime schedule and whether nanny can let baby cry and for how long.
  • Discipline: (For toddler and older children only, time outs, etc.)
  • Television access. If so, what type of programming is aloud and how much TV time per day.
  • Meals: (meal preparation, off limit foods, food allergies.)
  • Safety: (Children must wear bike helmets or other safety rules that must be enforced)
  • Authorization to release child: (List anyone who is allowed to visit or pick up your child during the day, for example, grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.)
  • Procedure if medical emergency arises. ( Be sure to keep a letter in a predetermined place authorizing your nanny to take your child to the doctor or emergency room and seek medical care.)
  • Terms of separation. How much notice must be given by family and nanny.

Is a Nanny Contract Legally binding?

As with any employment agreement, a nanny contract is hard to enforce. However, by implementing a thorough and concise employment agreement you will be establishing the foundation for a successful nanny and family relationship. Be sure both you and the nanny sign the agreement. If changes are made make sure both parties initial the document to ensure you are in agreement. Be sure your nanny has an updated copy of the documents for her review and reference.