1. Start the planning process early
The key to a successful working relationship with a nanny during the summer months is planning for not only your needs, but their needs as well.
Starting the conversation early can allow you to plan for any times that you’ll need supplemental childcare, and to budget for the amount of care your family will need this summer. This also allows the nanny to plan their own vacations, and know what to expect in terms of work schedules. If the level of care is increasing during the summer (more children or extended hours), it is especially important to start the conversation around responsibilities and additional compensation early.
2. Guarantee pay & hours
If you plan on working with the same childcare provider year-round, make sure that their rate of pay and hours are consistent. This may mean needing to be flexible around vacations or camp schedules, and paying for time they aren’t providing care. If you reduce pay and hours, you run the risk of losing the nanny to another more stable work arrangement. It is important that employers pay a living wage for all hours worked, as well as a fair rate that reflects the specific type of care provided.
For example, if the nanny you employ takes care of your toddler during the school year, and you are now asking them to take care of additional school-aged children while they’re on summer break in addition to their normal responsibilities with your toddler, increase the wage rate accordingly to reflect the new work load. Adding more children to the same tasks, still adds more work to your nanny’s workload, so be sure to budget for a fair wage increase this summer.
3. Get aligned on vacation plans
Initiating the conversation around vacation schedules as early as possible is key if you are hoping for you and your childcare provider’s vacation schedules to overlap. If you can’t make your schedules sync, be sure to budget extra money for supplemental care while your childcare provider takes their paid vacation. For more see our resource Paid Time Off for Nannies.
4. Establish agreements for traveling
Interested in asking the nanny to travel with you and provide care on your vacation? Check in to see if they are open to it and if they are, be sure to compensate them with additional pay, including any overtime they will work. The nanny should always have their own accommodations, and you as the employer are responsible for budgeting to include your nanny in your travel plans. If your nanny is traveling with you, you should be providing them with a private room, meals, and any other work travel expenses. For more info on traveling, see our post 4 Ways to Travel Respectfully with a Nanny.
5. Keep safety top of mind
In areas of the country where ICE raids are escalating, many immigrants and nannies of color may be afraid of being profiled while traveling to and from work. This may also impact their ability to travel with you on vacation. If you live in one of these areas, or if your nanny has already expressed concerns, be open to providing accommodations to ensure their safety. This can mean paying for rideshare services, adjusting routines, or offering paid leave so the nanny can stay at home until they feel safe to return. When doing so, let them know that their job is not at risk.
For more, see our guide Emergency Planning Guide for Nanny Employers: Preparing for ICE Detention or Deportation Scenarios.
