Facts for Families

Screening
Responsibilities
Definitions
Compensation/
Employment

Thank you for your interest in Family Helpers.

In order to better assist you, Family Helpers has outlined information on the following topics:

• Family Helpers, Inc.'s Screening Process
• Nanny Responsibilities
• Definitions of Helper Types
• Compensation & Employment Information

Our Nannies are Thoroughly Screened

Family Helpers has taken special pains to ensure that all of our nannies and mothers' helpers have a sincere desire to work with children.

Our nannies/mothers' helpers submit to the following rigorous screening:

• Our detailed application
• In-person interviews (when possible)
• 3 references- checked by our local counselor
• Criminal background check
• DMV (driver's license) check

Our counselors are located throughout the United States and in some cases are able to interview live-in candidates in person. Most live-in candidates are interviewed by telephone. All local live-out nannies are interviewed in person.

Responsibilities of a Nanny

A nanny's primary function is to care for, interact with, and provide a nurturing environment for your children. Some light housekeeping may also be provided by your Helper:

• Keeping the children's rooms neat and supervising children doing the same.
• Doing the children's laundry (family's laundry may be negotiated).
• Simple meal preparation.
• Running errands (dry cleaning, light shopping).

Definitions

Mothers' Helper

While the terms nanny and mothers' helper are generally used interchangeably, there are differences among the two. Usually, mothers' helpers tend to be younger (18-21) and lack the more specialized training of a nanny. Our mothers' helpers are all high school graduates (or equivalent); they may have some college credits. Mothers' helpers generally work up to 45 hours per week. While they can do light housekeeping, their focus is working with the children. They can be in full charge of a household, but they are not to be left in charge for extended periods of time.

Nanny

Nannies are considered to be experienced and able to take full charge of a household. They may or may not have specialized training in childcare/child development. They can work up to 60 hours per week. They are considered to be professional childcare providers. While they can do light housekeeping, their focus is to be there for the children, playing with them, helping them with their homework, etc. While they do take on many duties of the parents, they are not substitute parents. The ultimate responsibility for the child's/ children's upbringing rests with the parent(s).

Newborn Specialists

Newborn specialists care for newborn babies during the first few weeks of life. Most newborn specialists do have specialized training, but most are not trained nurses. Newborn specialists take full charge of the infant.

Housekeeper

Housekeepers clean entire homes, do grocery shopping, prepare meals, do laundry, and keep the home in order. They may do some occasional baby-sitting.

Doula

Doula means "woman who serves women" in Greek. Doulas are professional postpartum care providers. They help new mothers with basic baby care and may also do light housekeeping, run errands and baby-sit older children. Typically, doulas work two to four hours a day for two to three weeks after the child's birth.

Companion

For an older (or not so old) person in need of extra assistance, a companion can help with light housekeeping, running errands, transporting to and from appointments, and offer quality interaction with the client.

What the Family Provides

Salary:

Mothers' Helpers- earn between $450-$550 per week for approximately 40-45 hours of work as a live-in. Live-out mothers' helpers earn $12-$14 an hour.

Nannies- earn between $600-$1000 per week for up to 60 hours a week of work. They may live-in or live-out. Live-out nannies earn $15-$20 an hour. Live-in nannies earn $500-$1000

Newborn Specialists - earn between $15-$20 per hour. They are available either on a 24 hour basis or just during the night.

Housekeepers- earn between $600-$900 per week for up to 50 hours, depending upon duties. They may live-in or live-out. Live-out housekeepers earn $17-$25 an hour.

Doulas- earn between $18-$25 per hour. Doulas always live outside of the family's home.

Baby-sitting (part-time)- $14-$20 per hour, depending on number of children and duties.

Companion (part-time)- $15-$20 per hour, depending on duties and hours worked.

Companion (full-time)- earn between $500-$900 per week. They may be live-in or live- out.

Airfare:

When it is necessary, airfare is negotiated between the provider and the family. However, we recommend that the nanny pay her own airfare to the job. At the end of 60 days on the job, the employer should reimburse her. Airfare home at the end of a completed contract (usually 1 year) is paid for by the employer/family.

Taxes:

It is required by law that you pay Social Security, Medicare, and Federal unemployment taxes on all household employees. If requested, you must also withhold federal and state taxes. Depending on where you live, you may also be liable for state unemployment and/or disability taxes. Call your local IRS and State Department of Labor for more information. We require our Helpers to provide us with Social Security numbers and also proof of employment eligibility for working in the United States. This allows you to use the Helper's salary towards the credit for child and dependent care expense (Federal form 2441). Many companies also have provisions for allowing you to take childcare money in pretax dollars. Consult your accountant for complete information, and to see if you qualify.

Work Hours:

A work schedule should be made and reviewed by the Helper and family before employment begins. It should be clear to the Helper as to when you expect her to be "on duty" and "off duty". Two days are given off each week (it is highly recommended that one of these days be Sunday). Clarify with your Helper when she may have evenings off, curfews, and when she may be needed to baby sit. If you have a highly variable schedule or one/both parents do extensive traveling, this should also be discussed in advance. Paid vacation of two weeks, as well as 5 major holidays is also customary.

Kiernan's Law:

It is now possible for families to obtain a New York state criminal background check on a potential in-home childcare provider. The cost is approximately $50, and involves fingerprinting the employee. To get more information regarding this new law phone Albany at (518)457-9847.

Miscellaneous:

Many Helpers desire health insurance. We can provide you with information on group rates. This is a matter which can be negotiated between the Helper and the Employer (family). Use of automobile, telephone, and television should be discussed prior to beginning work. Visitor policy should also be discussed before employment begins. Upon hiring a nanny through our agency, a sample employment contract will be made available for your use. You may modify this contract to suit your particular needs. Please feel free to consult with us regarding any of these issues. We have many years of experience and would be happy to assist you.