When you’re creating the job requirements for a summer nanny, there are a few key issues you should address. Keep in mind that you want to be clear enough about your expectations and what the job entails so that the nanny is clear about what her duties are. Here are some elements that should be in your job requirements for a summer nanny:
Just like the year-long program for au pairs, the summer au pair program has a set of fees associated with the application and program costs. In addition, there is a weekly stipend you’ll pay your au pair as well as an educational stipend. Still, when you total the cost of hiring a summer au pair, it’s still a relatively affordable form of childcare.
Summer au pair application and program costs vary somewhat from agency to agency. The weekly stipend is a set fee mandated by the federal government, so that fee will be the same no matter what agency you go with. For the weekly stipend, you’ll pay $139.05 per week. Expect to pay a $250 educational stipend, as well.
Even if you’re hiring a nanny just for the summer, consider creating a work agreement so that you’ll be able to clearly establish your nanny’s role. Here are the basics you should put in the work agreement for the summertime nanny.
If you're providing your summer nanny with a work agreement, you'll probably cover the basics, such as pay and hourly schedule. However, you should be as detailed as possible in the work agreement. Here are a few other things you don't want to leave off the contract:
Keep in mind that the work agreement should be something that you and your summertime nanny agree upon and both sign. Clear communication between you and your childcare provider is essential to maintaining a good working relationship. Keep in mind that even if she is just here for the summer, you might want to cultivate a relationship for the future, in case you need childcare help down the road.
If you just require childcare during the summer months when school is out, there are two options you should consider: 1) au pairs and 2) college students.
However, the au pair program has a summer program that fills a need for parents who only need care during the warmer months of the year. Summer au pairs may work up to four months in your home and are ideal solutions where your child is at least 2 years old.
For those who prefer a solution close to home, college students are another option when you’re looking for summer nannies. Though the number of college students dwindles at universities in the summertime, there are usually some who have a light schedule in between the spring and fall semesters and are more than happy to fill in some hours performing childcare duties. Check with an online database, such as NannyLane.com, the career centers at your local colleges and universities, as well as the local online parent’s boards for students who might be home for the summer.
Hiring for summer nanny positions is much like the process of hiring for year-round childcare assistance. You want to select the best candidate for the job and be thorough in your interview process. Here are some questions to cover when you’re interviewing for summer childcare.
One solution to childcare just for the duration of the summer is the summer au pair. If you’re interested in a cultural exchange with someone from another country, the summer au pair makes sense in terms of costs and scheduling flexibility. Here’s what you can expect with a summer au pair.