If you are looking for a nanny or other childcare provider, you should think about using nanny contracts. A contract is not required by law, but it allows you as the parent to discuss how you want your child raised and what the rules are for this engagement.
Almost anything can be included in the contract; if you think it is important, it should be in the contract. Examples of what you should include are:
* Pay rate and dates.
The nanny should understand the pay per hour and the dates she will get paid to avoid problems later.
* Room and Board
If the nanny will be living with your family, stipulations should be included about this information such as what room is the nanny's and what is included, such as food and drink.
* Telephone and Internet Use
The nanny will be spending a lot of time in your home with your children. Many families allow the nanny to use the telephone and Internet for personal use. Use the contract to give instruction and a guide for the use of these privileges.
* Vacation and Holiday
Many families choose to pay the nanny for these days if she works full time. Whether or not you choose to pay the nanny for vacations and holidays, it should be included in the contract so there is no confusion. If you expect the nanny to work certain holidays, you may consider paying overtime rates and this should also be included in nanny contracts.
* Sick and Personal Time
Specific procedures should be in place in case your nanny gets sick or requests time off. It is important for the nanny to understand these procedures, so putting them in the contract can be a great idea.
* Duties
In order to ensure the nanny knows her job description, many families choose to put this information in the contract. This can include trips that the nanny must take for the child, such as sports and other recreational activities, cleaning the child's room, doing laundry or other duties.
* Extra Hours
Typically, a nanny is used for the parent's work day. However, there may be times where you want the nanny to work nights. This should be noted in the contract, as well as the procedure you will use to inform the nanny of extra hours.
* Other costs
If you will require the nanny to use her own transportation for family work, you may consider helping her pay for gas and insurance.
Once you have drafted the nanny contract, make sure to go through each item with the nanny. Answer any questions and then make sure you both sign and date the form. Each of you should have a copy of the contract.
You may also choose to add clauses for major changes, such as a new baby. This helps reduce the amount of times you have to change the contract.
Nanny contracts are important so both of you understand what is needed and what is being asked.
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