Nanny Questions

I'm starting my research on finding a nanny/babysitter and I was hoping some of the moms who employ them might be able to help me and others who might also be looking for information. Any help/info you could give me would be GREATLY appreciated!

I have a million questions but here are some:
1. What hours does your nanny work?
2. Do you pay on or off the books? If on the books, do you use a service to handle the taxes?
3. What benefits do you offer (vacation, health insurance, etc.)?
4. How did you find your nanny? Did you use a placement agency?
5. Did you get your nanny "bonded"?
6. Of course, if you're willing to share how much you pay, that would be welcome info but I understand if that's too personal...

TIA!!!!

Re: Nanny Questions

1. Monday through Friday, 8:30 - 6:30
2. Off the books, I don't know anyone who pays on.
3. Vacation, sick days, cell phone to be used when she is out. We also stock up on snacks and drinks she likes.
4. Craig's List. The family she was currently working for was moving and placed the ad.
5. No
6.$2400/month, standard in brooklyn (it's $600/week)

Re: Nanny Questions

1. She is p/t and I pay her by the hour within a weekly min. of hours.

2. I do not pay her taxes. She is 1099 and responsible for her own taxes.

3. She gets paid vacation, sick and personal days as well as paid holidays.

4. I placed on ad on Craigslist and did my own background check through a service.

5. No

6. I rather not say.

Re: Nanny Questions

Re: Nanny Questions

Thanks so much for the info! It sounds like between my accountant and the agency I spoke to, off the books is much more common.

I'm still trying to figure out what the whole "bonding" thing is all about. The agency explained it as insurance you can take out on your nanny and mentioned theft as an example but did not mention if something were to happen to the baby in this person's care (which is actually the context in which I first heard the term). I can post more info as I find out more for those who are interested (or if anyone knows more about it, and is willing to share, it would be appreciated).

Re: Nanny Questions

1. What hours does your nanny work?
7:30am-4:30 (sometimes later if my DH works late)

2. Do you pay on or off the books? Off the books

3. What benefits do you offer (vacation, health insurance, etc.)?
I never actually told her she has a set amt of days she can take off. She is off christmas week and every holiday I am off of work etc.

4. How did you find your nanny? Recommendation

5. Did you get your nanny "bonded"?Never heard of this before. If anything happens to my son in her care I will have to kill her no bonds needed
I am just kidding about the above

Re: Nanny Questions

bumping for charly