Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to tax questions, please visit our detailed taxes page.
For answers to hiring questions, please visit our detailed hiring page.
For answers about what benefits to offer, please visit our detailed benefits page.

What is a fair salary to offer my nanny?: This will depend a lot on your location. An hourly rate can range from minimum wage to $25+ an hour. (Nannies required to provide active care (for newborns and sick children) during night-time hours may get paid as much as double their normal rate). The best way to offer a competitive salary while also not feeling that you offered too much or too little is to simply ask your nanny candidates what they made at their last job and about their desired salary range. You then take this information and call a local placement agency (or visit their website) and compare it with their rates. Keep in mind that childcare providers with lots of experience and education will require a higher salary range than someone starting out. It's a personal choice to decide which is more valuable to you as a family; paying for the best or saving money and taking a chance on someone with less experience and references.

My family is on a tight budget but we really want a nanny-any suggestions?: Professional childcare providers, especially nannies, used to only be utilized by the upper class. But now, more and more upper middle class to middle class families are using nanny services. The best way to have a nanny and stay within a tight budget is to hire someone that is just starting out. You agree to provide them with a stellar letter of recommendation (if they have earned it) and experience in exchange for reduced childcare. A lot of individuals wanting to "break in" to the childcare field have a tough time getting that initial job and placement agencies will not work with someone unless they have it. (Karinne, a professional nanny that helped make this site, started out by working 40-50% below the going rate in her area in order to gain experience and a reference- she found her first family on craigslist.org in the childcare community section!) Please note: It is extremely important that the person you consider hiring meets minimum requirements for your children's safety and your home's security! For more information on minimum requirements and where to find a nanny without an agency please visit our hiring page.

How much notice should I give my nanny if I no longer require her services? This is dependent on the reason, if it is due to a serious offense (like stealing or neglect) than immediate termination with no prior warning is mandatory and you are not responsible for keeping your end of any contract signed. If it is for something minor and you do not fear for your child's safety (personality conflict or scheduling conflict) then a standard 2 weeks notice is appropriate. However, if you signed a contract with your nanny and the reason you are letting her go is because your family will be relocating or one of the parents unexpectedly is no longer working, it is suggested you give the nanny as much notice as possible as it will come as a shock. If you can afford it, some type of severence pay can make a big difference for the nanny while she tries to find a new position. If you can not afford it, support your nanny in anyway you can by writing a great letter of recommendation and being available for a phone reference from potential families.

I am a childcare provider - how can I let parents know about my service? There are many sites you can post your services for free including our chat forum. You may also have luck with the childcare section of craigslist.org in your local area or you can apply through a placement agency. To find a placement agency near you please visit our Agencies page.

If you have a question you would like answered: please post it in our chat forum and a member or moderator will do their best to answer it!