Child care can be extremely costly. One of the best ways to provide personalized small group care and save money on child care without cutting corners is start up a nanny-share with another family.

Topics: nanny, nanny share

Nanny sharing is a common situation that allows one nanny to care for the children in multiple families. The families will literally share the nanny and it can be a good option for families on a budget. It’s also a good way for your kids to socialize with other kids in a home setting that is safe and familiar. While there are a lot of proven benefits to nanny sharing, there are also some problems that can happen. Here are some of the most common issues you’ll run into with a nanny share situation and some tips on how to solve them.

Topics: nanny share

As if hiring someone to care for our children isn't complicated enough, sometimes our childcare needs simply don't warrant a full time caregiver or our budget doesn't stretch to employing a dedicated nanny. But still:  having a committed full time person has extraordinary benefits.  What to do?

Topics: nanny share

Many employees are not aware of what is being deducted from their paycheck. Household employees in particular (nannies, housekeepers, elder caregivers etc.) often are paid by personal check, do not have a pay stub, and work with families who themselves are not familiar with payroll and employment taxes.

Topics: nanny payroll tax, calculate nanny payroll tax, nanny share

We recently posted some advice on how to choose a quality nanny referral agency. We work with agency partners nationwide to help their clients and referred private service professionals alike understand the mechanics of household payroll. Nannies from the Heartland Inc. is a well respected household staffing agency in Minneapolis, MN. Becky Kavanagh, an experienced placement counselor (with 22 years of nanny experience!) shares some of her thoughts on how parents can stay connected to their child's day.

Topics: nanny employee, nanny employment practices, nanny work agreement, nanny share, nanny training

We have recently been discussing the increased popularity of nanny sharing - two families hiring one nanny to care for both children. Today we will explore the top three Sticky wickets in a nanny share arrangement.

Topics: nanny employment practices, nanny work agreement, nanny share

We recently blogged about how many families are turning to nanny sharing arrangements - sometimes called Share Care - to reduce and manage their infant day care expenses. How does a family go about getting a nanny share going?

HomeWork Solutions recommends the following best practices:

• Both families should interview potential nannies together if possible. If Family A already has a nanny and family and nanny mutually decide a share is in their best interests, Family B should have an opportunity to independently interview both Family A and the nanny. Don't forget the all important reference checks and criminal background check.
  
  
• Write down the details. This should be a three way document between both families and the nanny and it should detail the possible issues above - hours, wages, benefits, taxes, sick care policies, vacation, nanny sick days and the notice provision for ending the share by either party.
  
  

Topics: nanny share, nanny work agreement, nanny contract

Did you know that a family in DC will spend an average of $18,200 per year on child care? According to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) recent study, many families pay more for a year of early child care than they would pay for a year's tuition at a public university!

Topics: nanny share, nanny employment practices, nanny taxes

Infant day care slots are in short supply, and when available they are very expensive. Here in greater Washington DC it is common to pay $2000 a month or more for infant day care.

Topics: nanny share