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From a Nannies Perspective
There are several topics I’d like to give attention to, but for this month I’ve decided to touch on the subjects of Wages and Benefits and Nanny vs. Babysitter.
If you are a family and just beginning your search for a nanny, do some research on what the average pay is for a nanny in your area. It does differ around the country and also between individual families. Call around to several agencies and ask them information on what nannies are being paid in your area. The International Nanny Association did a survey on nanny salaries in 2006. Here is the link to that survey: http://www.nanny.org/2006salarysurvey.php Keep in mind that a well experienced, educated nanny will require a high wage, especially if he or she is single.
Also keep in mind that the nanny may require health insurance. There are many companies out there that you can use to offer your nanny health insurance. Eisenberg and Associates is one company http://www.eisenbergassociates.com/ You also have the option to reimburse the nanny for his/her health insurance costs, if the nanny already has a plan. Some families can afford a full reimbursement; others may only be able to afford a partial reimbursement. Whatever your case maybe, this will help the nanny in his or her decision to work for your family. Offering a competitive package with paid time off, paid holidays, and health insurance will draw the most candidates, some more qualified than others. But be sure to screen all of them and contact references, personal and previous employers. Some agencies may not do all of their homework and it is best to be well prepared with who you are allowing into your home to watch your children. Only you know who is the best fit with your family. If you are not using an agency, I strongly recommend having a background check run on your top few nanny choices before making a final decision.
What else is required in hiring a nanny? Taxes and lots of them. You are required by law to pay taxes on your nanny. Your nanny is considered a household employee. The nanny taxes will range from 15-20% of the gross wages. Included are as follows: Medicare and Social Security @ 7.65%, Federal income taxes, and State income taxes. As a household employer you will be expected to pay employment taxes that amount to 9-10% of the nanny’s gross wages. Included are as follows: Social Security and Medicare @ 7.65%, Federal and State Unemployment Insurance. There are tax benefits to paying these taxes. For more information, go to http://www.breedlove-online.com/faq.
What is a nanny? What is a babysitter? As a nanny, I can say there is a clear difference. A nanny is a caretaker who will help nurture your child. If your child is sick, your nanny will care for him or her. The nanny will teach your child basic early childhood skills, (social and developmental). He or she may take them on field trips to the zoo or museum. Play with them, sing them songs and have play dates with other children for social interaction. The nanny may drive them to school and activities and act as a positive role model along with the parents. A nanny is someone who is choosing to take care of children for a career. It may not be for their lifetime, but for an extended period of time.
Then what is a babysitter? For example, a babysitter is someone who may come to your home for an evening while you go out. They may feed the children a meal, play with them, put them to bed and do all of the things a nanny would also do. This is not their career as it may be the high school neighbor next door. Can nannies be babysitters? Of course and what a wonderful babysitter you will have for your children! Just keep in mind that nannies still require a higher wage, even as a babysitter.