Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions Agencies Are Asked From First Time Families.
As a nanny agency owner we need to know this industry inside and out. Beyond usually having lived it we intrench ourselves in learning everything everyone else has been through and when you multiply that by families’ and nannies’ experiences it ends up being a lot.
New things do come up. Raising children is ever changing and the duties of a nanny and the agency that finds them continue to evolve. However, we’ve still heard much of it before.
So, we are usually too deep in to remember that this is many of our clients first time hiring a nanny.
The other day I was approached by a potential client and he was starting from scratch. He is a first time parent in need of a nanny and this whole world to him is completely new.
First, I want to remind everyone, if you are a first time parent looking to hire a nanny, there is no need to be embarrassed, most of the families that call us are brand new to this world and we are happy to answer all the questions you have.
Question 1. How much should you pay a nanny?
Let me just say it, I think nannies should be paid a minimum of 20/hr. Then, on the family side, depending on the duties, the number of children, the ages, and so on, the more a nanny may need to be paid.
On the nanny side, years of experience, type of experience, credentials, availability, and so on are also factors.
There is no online calculator to determine this but start with what you can afford. From my personal experience only 50% the time is a person that asks for more money worth it. I believe there is a nanny for every family.
Question 2. Do I pay a nanny on or off the books?
On. Anything other than paying on the books is a red flag. I understand people have their reasons for wanting to pay off the books but it isn’t helpful. If you think you are skirting the law… you’re not.
Home Work Solutions is one of several payroll companies designed for domestic employment that can take the reins and help a family set up payroll.
Plus there are a ton of things you can do to pay less taxes and create incentives and benefits for your nanny. Learn more from Home Work Solutions.
Question 3. Can a nanny be paid a salary?
In the eyes of the law - for all 50 United States - a nanny must be paid hourly. However, guarantying a set number of hours a week is standard.
Question 4. What hours does a nanny work?
Every family has different needs and you should start by asking for those to be met. Anything above 40hr/week is time and a half, and hours are not bankable - meaning you can’t pay someone for time they aren’t working so you can use those hours later.
This touches on the Wishlist vs Must Haves in finding the right caregivers. You may have to make tradeoffs to hire the nanny that is truly the right fit.
Question 4. How do I know I have a good fit?
Beyond following your gut a great agency will be able to tell you which nanny they think is the best for your family, they know what they are doing. And beyond that, I would look for a nanny that I can easily communicate with… like on screen chemistry for actors. That spark of open communication will help when it is time to have an uncomfortable conversation.
Question 5. Concerning an agency’s refund and replacement policy, what does a family do when they need to replace a nanny after that time period is over?
Usually an agency will have a replacement period 30 days or 60 days or 90 days for a family to change their mind and decide they want to start the search over at no more cost to them.
But what do you do once that period is over… you simply start over just like a business that needs to replace an employee.
Remember there are just as many good reasons you may need a replacement, maybe a nanny is moving, going away to school, wins the lottery and finding a new nanny is just one of those things you’ll have to do.
Have a question? Shoot me an email and I’ll answer it.
This blog is continuously updated to provide more helpful tips.
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