Nanny FAQ

What is a nanny?
A nanny is a childcare provider whose workplace is in a family's private home. The nanny's role is to provide support to the family by serving as a loving, nurturing and trustworthy companion to the children. A nanny offers the family convenient, high quality care to meet each child's physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs.

What does a nanny do?
A nanny is responsible for the complete care of their employer's children. Duties include tending to each child's basic physical needs, meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, providing behavioral guidelines and disciplining when appropriate, intellectual stimulation, language activities and providing transportation when required. Housekeeping responsibilities are primarily child related. A nanny must be able to communicate well with both children and parents. Depending on the individual family, the nanny may be treated as an employee, a cherished friend, or as a member of the family.

Who are nannies?
According to the International Nanny Association:

• A nanny must be at least 18 years of age.
• A nanny must have completed high school or the equivalent.
• A nanny must be in good general health, with proof of immunizations and, where required, negative TB test and/or chest x-ray.

Nannies are unique with varied characteristics and personalities. A nanny can be as young as 18, or more than 70 years old. Most are female, but some are male.

 

Although training and experience may vary, all qualified nannies share a genuine love and respect for children.

The following types of training are common and acceptable:

• professional nanny -2 plus years experience with related courses in early childhood development, health and safety, and CPR.
• experience in day care or toddler and preschool programs
• elementary school teacher
• previous experience as a nanny
• babysitting experience with course work in child development
• a loving and nurturing individual who is willing to learn
• parents or grandparents who have raised their own families
• committed to the health, safety and welfare of small children

What are the characteristics of a nanny?
Professional Characteristics:

• recognizes and has pride in fulfilling the role of delivering the best possible childcare, especially to young children
• provides safety and security by establishing a routine and consistency
• knows about nutrition and first aid, or is willing to learn
• knows the proper handling of an infant for feeding, bathing, dressing, and holding
• knows how to recognize illnesses in children
• understands children's development stages and "phases"
• views herself as a professional
• plans learning activities
• encourages individuality and creativity

Personal Characteristics

• mature
• patient
• sense of humor
• honest
• strong family values
• respectful
• nurturing
• communicative

What is expected from a nanny?
A family should expect proper childcare from their nanny. The nanny will maintain a healthy and safe environment for your child(ren). She will plan learning activities for them and keep TV watching to minimum. You can expect a nanny to have a childcare philosophy similar to yours and that the nanny will follow your instructions and guidelines. When hiring a permanent nanny, a family can expect that the nanny will stay with them for a minimum of a one year, unless otherwise agreed upon. You can also expect the nanny to have some flexibility of hours. What you cannot expect is for the nanny to be available on hours that are not clearly stated as on-duty hours. Do not expect to hire a "super nanny" who will take care of your children as well as all of the household chores and errands. Most importantly don't expect that a nanny can read your mind. Be honest and specific with your expectations and the nanny will do the same.

What is an average salary offer for a nanny?
Salary ranges will vary in every location. In major metropolitan cities on either coasts, nannies earn $550-$850 a week. In Midwestern cities and cities with a high immigrant population nannies earn $450-$650/wk. Regardless of the location, a professional nanny with previous childcare experience, will be looking for a minimum starting salary around $500/wk. As with any professional position benefits are included in a salary offer. This typically includes paid sick days, paid personal days, paid holidays and paid vacation. It is also common practice to offer to pay for your nanny's health insurance. You want your nanny to be in good health while she is looking after your children. For a comprehensive breakdown of nanny salaries you can visit http://www.nanny.org

Do nannies do housekeeping?
Nannies typically do light housekeeping as it pertains to the children. For example, the nanny will do preparation and clean up of meals for the children. A nanny will wipe off the kitchen counters and sweep the floor after meals. She may load and unload the dishwasher as needed and keep up a master grocery list for the house. The nanny should also keep the playrooms and the children's bedrooms in order. Some nannies do the laundry not only for the children, but also for the entire family.

Do nannies travel with the family on vacations?
If the family would like the nanny to travel with them on vacation they may ask the nanny to join them. It is customary for the family to pay for all of the nanny's travel arrangements, food and lodging for the trip and her weekly salary. If she is working more hours she should be paid more or compensated with time off from her normal schedule at a later date. It is also nice for the family to give the nanny a little time to herself while traveling. If the family takes a vacation without the nanny she is still expected to receive her salary.

How will I know if I am hiring the right nanny for my family?
No matter what else you do, trust your instincts. If you or your children feel uncomfortable with a candidate, that person is not the right nanny for your family. The nanny you choose must have a compatible personality type with yours in order for the two of you to communicate well. You may find that personality is a more important factor than education. Objectivity is not an issue here. listen to your first impressions and watch your children's reactions. You know what is best for your children. Don't worry or give up if it takes time to find someone. It is worth every minute of the time you spend to know that you can leave your home knowing that your children are in capable hands. However, keep in mind that there will never be a perfect "Mary Poppins" caregiver.

Do nannies transport children to their school or activities?
Yes, many nannies transport children on a daily basis. Make sure you give the nanny specific instructions as to where to go and what time to be there. You may want to do a sample run with her to the school or draw a map showing her where she needs to be. If the nanny is using her own vehicle to transport the children the family should provide car seats for the children and reimbursement for mileage. Many families provide a car for the nanny to transport their children. In either case, the appropriate insurance coverage should be obtained.

What type of living quarters do live-in nannies expect?
Some nannies have their own apartment on the family's grounds with a private bedroom, bath, kitchen, phone line and entrance. Other nannies have a private bedroom and share a bathroom with the kids. The first situation is preferred. What is most important is that the nanny feels comfortable and has a sense of privacy.

Can a nanny be asked to have a drug test, AIDS test or physical examination?
Many families do ask nannies to take such tests. Such a request might offend a nanny, but it is the family's decision. If the family does require the nanny to have a physical or take a medical test, they should pay for whatever fees are involved.

Is a work agreement important?
Yes, a work agreement is very important. The agreement opens the lines of communication and sets the expectations from both parties in the beginning. It is a tool that can be referred to by either party throughout the term of use. Agreements can be modified as needed throughout the year as long as both parties agree to the changes.

What is a typical raise and evaluation procedure?
A family should evaluate their nanny's performance after six weeks of employment. This will set the tone for the rest of year. The evaluation will give each party the opportunity to talk about the position and review the contract if needed. On an annual basis, an employee should be evaluated and rewarded for a job well done. It is customary for nannies to receive raises annually. Bonuses are can also be given during the winter holidays or anniversaries.

What are some things to consider when a parent works from home?
When a parent works from home they need to inform the kids that the nanny is in charge. The parents need to be careful not to undermine or contradict their nanny in the presence of the child(ren). If a parent does not agree with the nanny, the matter should be discussed later in private. The nanny should also be able to go through the day as if the parent is not home. The nanny should respect that the parent is working and make sure that the child(ren) are not continually interrupting the parent.

I have heard a lot of talk about NANNY CAMs, should I get one?
If you take the proper steps in hiring your nanny, you should not need to purchase or rent a nanny cam. Interviewing, checking references and performing background checks should screen out undesirable nannies. If you feel more comfortable with one in your home, there are a few rules to remember. First, the camera should only be placed in public rooms, like the kitchen or family room. Cameras should not be placed in the bathroom or in the nanny's personal bedroom. Second, a family must disclose to the nanny that they may be utilizing the nanny cam. If you have any doubts or suspicions about the nanny you have hired, it better to let her go than to try to catch her on a nanny cam.

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