You’ve done your research, participated in interviews, and now you’ve been offered your dream nanny job with the perfect family. So, what’s next? Like many new employment opportunities, a person would receive an “offer letter” which confirms the employment and pay between two parties. However, in the nanny industry, a Nanny or Child Care Contract is used instead. And while it’s only required to have a nanny contract in some places, having one in place before starting your new position is important for both you and the family. So, if you’ve never had a nanny contract and are unsure of what it is and why you should have one, then you have come to the right place!
What’s A Nanny Contract and Why Are They Good To Use?
A nanny/childcare contract/agreement is a voluntarily written document between an in-home child care provider and the hiring parents that serves as a straightforward agreement of the expectations, roles, and responsibilities for everyone involved.
The contract contains the answers to all questions and concerns to be discussed and agreed upon before the first day of work. Working with children you can bet that no day will ever be exactly the same but putting things in writing and having everyone on the same page can make life easier.
Here are some more reasons why having a nanny contract is a good practice:
- Reduces confusion
- Establishes boundaries
- Keeps everything organized
- Holds everyone accountable
- Maintains compliance
- Offers peace of mind
What’s Included In A Nanny Contract?
Anything! But seriously, you can include as much as you want or as little as you want. However, these five basics are typically covered:
General Information
- Both parties’ name
- Date of contract
- Names of each child & age
- Worksite address
- Start date
- Scheduled hours
Compensation
- Regular and overtime pay rate
- Pay schedule (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)
- Payment Method (check, direct deposit)
- Mileage reimbursement
- Pre-approved expenses
- Taxes and Legal obligations (federal, state, Medicare, social security tax)
Benefits
- Paid time off (vacation/sick leave)
- Retirement
- Paid/Unpaid Holidays
- Health Insurance Stipend
Duties/Job Responsibility
Detailed job description of what the nanny will do:
- Child Care
- Transportation
- School/Tutoring Support
- Housework (Cleaning, laundry)
- Meal Prep
- Pet Care
Termination Clause
- At-Will Statement
- Grounds of termination
- Required notice for each party
- Severance
Other topics to consider for your contract could be: Confidential Clause, Social Media Policy, Performance Review, Amendment Process.
Just like any contract, all of what you want to do and put in the contract is negotiable. Remember the point is to eliminate confusion so be sure to communicate, be honest, and be precise about what you want to include.
Who Creates the Contract?
The nanny agreement can be created by either party, however, in most cases it’s typically drawn by the employer and given to the nanny for review. If both parties are new to creating contracts, there are plenty of free nanny contract templates available online.
All of this truly can feel overwhelming—for both you and the family employing you. Lean on our partner, GTM Payroll Services. They have been working with families for decades to sort through the legal and financial responsibilities of employing nannies and babysitters. You can refer a family to GTM and If they sign up, you’ll get a $75 Amazon gift card! Just fill out this form. They have even more guidance on contracts and a free one you can download.
Making It Official
Anytime you are hired to work for a new family it’s important to not only verbalize the agreement but to have it in writing as it can be a means to protect both parties in the long run. Once both parties come to a mutual agreement on the contract, everyone will sign it and each person will retain a copy for their files.
We all know that being a nanny is a selfless job and taking the time to ensure you are protected in your role is sometimes overlooked. But now that you have some general information about nanny contracts you will be able to start your job proudly and with confidence!
