Part-time nannies are becoming a popular childcare choice for today’s parents. The process for hiring a part-time nanny is very similar to the process for hiring a full-time one; however, there are some differences that are important for you to understand. Here are 10 things that you should know before you begin the hiring process.
- You have to pay taxes on your part-time nanny. Many employers think part-time nannies aren’t “real” employees so they don’t have to pay taxes on them. However, the IRS clearly says that part-time nannies are in fact employees, and employers are required to pay all appropriate taxes. Before your new nanny starts, take the necessary steps to pay her legally. That includes paying your portion of Social Security and Medicare, as well as federal and state unemployment. It’s also your responsibility to withhold the nanny’s portion of Social Security and Medicare.
- You still need a detailed nanny contract. Even though your nanny will only be working part-time, you should still create a comprehensive nanny contract. Include her schedule, responsibilities, wages, benefits and any other expectations you have of her. Also include your commitments to the nanny so she knows what to expect from you. Putting the details of your employment relationship in writing helps to ensure both sides are on the same page and helps you work through any disputes that may come up.
- Part-time positions are harder to fill than full-time positions. Although there are plenty of part-time caregivers available, the competition for those caregivers is stiff. It’s hard to find a nanny who can afford to live on part-time hours, whose schedule fits yours, and whose education, experience and skill set meets your needs. Leave yourself some extra time to find the right nanny for your family.
- Split shifts are next to impossible to fill. If you have children in school all day, chances are you’d like your nanny to come help out for an hour or so in the morning and then come back to help out after school. Unfortunately, that schedule rarely works for a nanny. Unless the caregiver lives close by, it’s hard for the short morning shift to be worth it to her.
- The typical part-time nanny only commits to providing short-term care. Most part-time nannies have other commitments to work, school or family. This means a nanny’s ability to commit to your job for a year or more is difficult because the hours she has to devote to her other commitments are likely to change. Of course, if you only need your nanny for a short time, this won’t be a problem for you. However, if you’re looking for a long term childcare commitment, this can be an ongoing issue.
- To keep a part-time nanny long-term, you have to offer full-time benefits. It’s not impossible to keep a part-time nanny for several years. However, it means that you have to offer her a competitive benefits package as an incentive. This usually includes guaranteed hours, paid vacation and paid holidays. Your nanny may ask for additional benefits that she puts a high value on. Since most part-time nannies don’t receive benefits, you’re more likely to get her to stay for the long run if you offer her some.
- Many placement agencies don’t take part-time jobs. For the same reasons listed above, it’s hard for a nanny agency to make part-time placements. Often, the fee they charge isn’t worth the extra work they have to put into the search, so many agencies only take part-time jobs on a limited basis.
- Don’t skimp on the screening process. Even though your nanny isn’t going to be with your child 10 hours a day, you should still thoroughly interview and reference check her. Ask her in-depth questions about her childcare philosophy, the type of activities she’ll do with your child, her ability to work the schedule you need and her willingness to tackle the household tasks you need her to do.
- Don’t forget the background check. Before you make your final hiring decision, make sure you run a comprehensive background check on your nanny. Include Social Security verification, a driving record check and a criminal background check. Making sure you’re hiring a nanny with a clean background is essential, no matter how many hours she’ll be working.
- Invest the time needed to develop a good employment relationship. Sometimes when the nanny isn’t working a lot of hours, it’s hard to get to know her in the way you would if she were working full-time. Even though it can be more difficult, invest the necessary time to create a good working relationship.
