Resources for our Families and Care Providers
Babysitters
Remember when accepting a babysitting job, you need to:
- Check your availability,
- Check potential conflicts (tests, games, deadlines),
- Check with your parent; and
- Allow a free night each weekend (at least every other weekend) so that you can have time for your friends or for yourself.
When you arrive at your new job:
- Introduce yourself.
- Speak clearly and loudly.
- Look the adult right in the eye.
- Smile!
- Shake hands firmly with the adult.
- Greet each person (adults and children) in the room.
- Address each child by name.
- Get down on the child's eye level.
- Allow time for a young child to get used to you before you get too close to them or try to pick them up.
When you are ready to begin babysitting, don't forget to ask the employer for the following important emergency numbers before they leave. Make sure you write these down and keep them available near a phone.
- Emergency Numbers
- Phone number of employer's home
- Address of employer's home
- Phone number where employer may be reached
- Phone number of available adult
- Phone number of emergency services - 911 or Police, Ambulance, and Fire Department
- Poison Center (1-800-222-1222)
Babysitting Tips
Tidy up. Parents don’t expect a babysitter to be a housekeeper, but you should leave their home at least as clean as it was when you showed up. Clean up any messes that you or the child makes and welcome the parents back to a neat house.
Give the parents a report. When the adults get home, let them know how things went. Touch on important stuff, like this: “Ben didn't’t eat all his dinner, but he ate most of it, and I let him have a little popcorn when we watched the video. We also read some books together and he was asleep by nine.”
Don’t be a complainer. When talking to the parents, stay positive. Saying something like, “You have a great son and I enjoyed being in your home,” will work a lot better than, “I can’t believe you guys don’t even have cable TV, and there’s no soda in your fridge. What’s up with that?”
Be honest. If something got broken during the time you were babysitting, ‘fess up to it (even if it wasn’t your fault). If you weren’t able to do something that the parents asked you to, admit that and, if possible, explain why. Remember that nobody expects you to be perfect! The adults who hired you will probably be much more impressed with your willingness to tell the truth and make things right.
Ask for more business. Say something like, “I really enjoyed looking after Ben. If you’re happy with the job I’ve done, and I can fit it into my schedule, I would love to come back and baby sit for you whenever you need me again.” If the parents know that you’re enthusiastic for more work, they’ll probably give it to you.
Nannies:
Below is a guideline of what to ask during an interview with a family.
Prior to any contact with your potential employer ( whether it be via phone or face to face) you should have these important questions ready. Take note of the answers to refer back to. A clear understanding of the job is critical for a successful future with that family.
1. Discuss the children first.
a. names
b. ages
c. hobbies
d. activities
e. special needs
2. Discuss the family dynamics.
a. parents occupation
b. work schedule
c. previous nannies employed
d. religion
e. pets
3. Discuss the job requirements
a. start date
b. hours and dates of employment
c. daily schedule
d. nanny's job responsibilities
4. Job details
a. salary
b .benefits
c. medical insurance
d. vacation
e. taxes
d. overtime
5. Nanny's living accommodations, if it will be a live-in position
a. room and bathroom(private or shared)
b. amenities
c. public transportation available
d. community centers (education,lib aries, ect)
e. household rules
6. Discuss your philosophies
a. education/ development
b. discipline style
c. any past childcare experience
Nanny Interview Tool for Parents
Whether you are pregnant and planning ahead to prepare childcare for your newborn, or already have a child planning ahead is the smartest strategy when looking for a nanny. Every family is different and has unique needs. Most people have the vision of their nanny being the Mary Poppins or the Super Nanny from the TV show, but you have to be realistic. Take a moment and write down your expectations of your nanny, then review them. Every nanny is different in his/her own way and will hopefully enrich your child's life in someway. Learn how import it is to communicate effectively with your nanny. Try to be open minded during your interview process. For example, if they're from a different ethnic background, they can educate you about their culture, foods and the language. We know a nanny who taught the children in her care about music and dance without speaking any English. Music is universal and she helped the children express themselves through it. One of the children is now is a talented pianist at the age of 7, thanks to her.
The questions below are to be used as a hiring tool to help guide you through the process of hiring the perfect nanny.
1. Experience and Training:
a. Do you have a resume? If so, then the questions below may already be answered.
b. Do you have any formal early childhood development or childcare training?
c. Do you have emergency training?
CPR yes/no
First Aid yes/no
If not, would you be willing to take CPR classes and first-aid training? yes/no
d. Do you have experience working as a nanny?
If yes, then please list your references.
e. Would you mind if I ran a background check on you?
Note: If you feel this candidate is someone you would like to hire remind them to print out the background check form located on the background check page. You will need that information in order to complete your background check.
2. Philosophy/Approach:
a. Why are you a nanny?
b. Describe your ideal family.
c. What is your discipline style?
d. Would you be willing to follow my rules and disciplining strategies if they're different from yours?
e. What are some of the rules you've followed in other households that you think work well?
f. Which rules have not worked for you?
g. Do you have a specific educational approach? Theories you follow?
3. Logistics:
a. Do you have future plans( school, job, marriage) that would put a limit on how long you expect to be a nanny?
b. Do you have transportation? Will the nanny be expected to drive the child anywhere? (Check driving record, seat belts, review car seat safety)
c. Live-in/ live-out position. If it is a live- in position then review the nanny's living expectations.
d. Would you bring your own food or expect meals to be provided?
e. Do you smoke?
f. Are you willing to do light chores or household duties?
g. Do you have any personal responsibilities or health issues that could interfere with your job?
h. When would you be available to start working?
i. Do you have any schedule conflicts with the days we need you to work? Planned vacation?
j. Can you work evenings, weekends, or holidays?
k. Are you willing to travel with us if we go out of town?
4. Salary:
a. What is your salary range?
b. Discuss tax withholding.
Daily Nanny/Babysitters log
Hint: Parents may copy and paste this log for for their own use. Parents it is important to have good communication between yourself and your child's care provider. We encourage the use of this tool. Families can also modify it for pet sitting, and senior care.
Date: Nanny Time IN: ________ Time OUT: _________
Parent Notes & Reminders Today:
Meals: (Menu & Child's Appetite)
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner:
Snacks:
Nap times:
Medications (Type, Quantity and When Administered):
What We Did / How the Day Went
Planned activity:
Book(s) read:
Developmental (math, colors, music, movement, ABC’s):
Behavior: playful, quiet, irritable, happy, sad, hyper, inactive, talkative, other
Diaper Report:
Time Checked Changed? BM? Other Issues (Rash, etc)
Y N Y N
Y N Y N
Y N Y N
Y N Y N
Expenses / Mileage:
Accident Report:
Nanny Note/reminders to parents: (groceries needed, messages, plan a special event/outing)
Benefits of Using a Pet Sitter
article provided by NAPPS.
Using a professional pet sitter reaps benefits for both pets and their owners.
Once you experience professional pet care in your home, you'll never worry about being away from your pet again.
For the Pet
Benefits to your pet include:
- Staying at home in his/her safe environment
- Being surrounded by familiar sights, smells and sounds
- Following his/her regular diet and exercise routine
- Having play time
- Receiving love and personal attention
- Maintaining medical treatment, when required
- Having someone responsible in case of an emergency
- Eliminating the trauma of travel or an in familiar environment
- Ensuring good heath(no exposure to other animals' illness or parasites)
For the Owner
Benefits to you include:
- Knowing that your pet is caring, loving hands
- Having the confidence that the pet sitter can deal with other issues- such as grooming, vet visits
- Eliminating the trauma of having to transport and leave your pet
- Not having to impose on family, friends or neighbors
- Feeling your home is more secure( with someone in and out several times a day)
Not all pet sitters are created equal, nor are they all professional. In hiring a pet sitter, it is important to make sure you have the right person to care for your beloved animal.
*Use your free background check with membership purchase for your new pet sitter!
Helpful links
__________________________________________________________________________________
Caregiver Tips: http://www.webmd.com/balance/tc/caregiver-tips-overview
INA is a non-profit, educational association for nannies and those who educate, place, employ, and support professional in-home child care providers
http://www.nanny.org
 NAPPS provides pet sitters with tools and support to grow their business by
All members agree to sign the Pledge of Professional Conduct. The Pledge guides them in conducting their businesses by the highest standards of ethical behavior. It also promotes humane interaction with animals and fellow human beings.
Education
NAPPS provides members with a diverse range of educational tools and opportunities. The Annual Conference offers an array of seminars and a trade show - providing information on business know-how and animal-handling skills, showcasing the latest in products and services and offering great networking opportunities.
NAPPS publishes a quarterly magazine, NAPPS Network, and offers members a selection of publications and videos. Other educational resources include a Member Resource Library, mentoring teleconferences and a certification home study course and exam.
NAPPS members can also draw from other business and educational tools, including management forms, public relations tools and a customizable eZine.
Networking
NAPPS members network, in person, at the Annual Conference and, throughout the year - via the interactive NAPPS Chat List Serve. NAPPS members are also encouraged to sponsor local events that promote the organization and its mission (with pre-approval from the national office).
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Tax Information
Tax FAQs for Household Employers
article provided by GTM household employment experts
Hiring a household Employee
If you are going to be hiring a household employee, it's important to understand your obligations as a household employer. You must file all applicable tax forms, Social Security, Medicare, federal and state unemployment insurances and income taxes. These obligations apply to all full-time and part-time employees that you employ and expect to pay over $1,700 in the course of a ca lander year.
Some families pay their employees in cash or "off the books". Although this gives the employee more income and saves parents from the extra paperwork, it is illegal and can make you liable for unpaid taxes, interest, and penalties. This also cheats the employee from contributing to their social security account, inhibits the employee from establishing credit or a legitimate employment history and makes you vulnerable to employment gaps from termination.
Once you hire your employee, you you will begin the process of filing forms and paying taxes:
Employer Identification Number(EIN)
In order to report employment taxes and issue employment tax statements, you must obtain an employer identification number(EIN) from the IRS. Your state will require you to obtain a separate number for the state unemployment insurance reporting and possibly income tax withholding reporting as well.
Social Security and medicare Taxes
Your employee's wages fall under the Federal Insurance Contribution Act(FICA), so a portion of the wages you pay, needs to be withheld and paid as Social Security and Medicare taxes. Both you and your employee are required to pay a percentage, (7.65%), of the employee's gross wage. You may pay the entire amount yourself and list the employee's share as additional taxable gross income. The IRS, realizing that many employers will not want large tax liability at the end of the year, strongly recommends quarterly estimated payments.
Federal and State Income Taxes
If your employee requests that you withhold federal and state income taxes from their pay, and you agree, then you must withhold the proper amounts by utilizing IRS and your state's withholding guide. The IRS encourages Household Employers to deposit federal taxes four times a year using the 1040 ES form or annually with the Schedule H of the 1040 form. Generally all states require state income taxes to be paid quarterly with your state income tax department. All wages and tax withholdings must be reported on your employee's W-2 form at the end of the year. The W-2 form must be given to your employee, the IRS and to your state.
Federal and State Unemployment Tax
You must pay federal and state unemployment insurance as an additional cost to the employee's gross wages. As an employer, you pay these taxes on a pre-set amount of each of your employee's annual wages. The IRS and some states require you to treat non-cash benefits, like meals and lodging, as wages subject to this tax.
Workers Compension/Disability Insurance
Some states require that you carry a worker's compension and/or disability policy if you employ someone full-time.
Dependent Care Assistance and Tax Credit Plans
You can pay your household employee with pre-tax funds through a Dependent Care Assistance Plan(DCAP): a tax exempt fund which your employer would offer as a benefit. This plan allows you to qualify up to $5,000 of your annual salary federal and state income tax free. Contact your human resources office for details. You can claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on your federal income tax return if you are not taking advantage of a DCAP.
Tax FAQs for Household Employees
article provided by GTM household employment experts
What is a household employee?
You are considered to be an employee when you work on a regular basis for a family at their home and expect to earn more than $1,700 per year. The IRS and the state you work in consider you a household employee. There are only slight differences between being a household employee and an employee working in an office, retail store or a restaurant, but basically both types of employees are treated the same way tax wise.
Independent contractors vs. household employees--what is the difference?
Household employees are different from independent contractors. It all depends on how much the family has control over the individual. An independent contractor usually has an office or place of work away from the family hiring their services, has their own tools, determines their own work hours and has a variety of other clients that they do work for. A household employee works for a family and the family employing them determines their work ours, where they work and their roles and responsibilities.
So what does being an employee actually mean?
Being and employee is good in many ways. You are protected under a number of laws in case you are ever unemployed, hurt or retire. In the event you become involuntarily unemployed you may be able to collect what is know as unemployment insurance until you find your next job. The unemployment insurance will allow you to get by while you are looking for your new job. If you get hurt on the job, your medical bills and lost wages may be reimbursed by workers' compensation and if you are hurt off the job then you may be protected by disability insurance. Under the present day laws, when you retire at the age of 67, you will collect social security benefits and be covered by Medicare medical insurance. Thus, providing you with some income when you retire.
Will I bring home less money each week paying taxes?
YES, you will receive less money in your paycheck to cover social security, Medicare taxes, federal and state withholding taxes and possibly a small amount for unemployment and/or disability insurance. BUT, your employer also pays taxes for your benefit and some of those taxes contribute to your social security fund increasing the amount presently in your fund.
How much would I lose to taxes each week?
It's hard to say. The social security and Medicare taxes are based on a percentage of your gross pay. The amount of federal and state taxes depends on whether you are single or married and how many allowances you choose to claim. You may have 7.65% of your gross pay withheld for social security and Medicare taxes and 5%-25% of your gross pay for federal and state income taxes if your state has an income tax.
Do I have to have income taxes withheld?
N, but don't confuse this with not having to owe any federal or state income taxes. If you are a good budgeter, or if you do not think you will owe a lot of income taxes at the end of the year, you may pay your own income taxes either at the end of the year or as an estimated payment to the IRS and/or your state. But remember your employer will give you a W-2 form and a copy to the IRS indicating how much they have paid you and you must file that form with your personal tax return. More times than none, it's a good idea to ask your employer to withhold the income taxes from your pay, so come April 15th you are not short a thousand dollars or so in income taxes. By doing this you will then help your chances of receiving a refund when you file your own tax return.
Is there any benefits of being paid "on the books"?
Yes, there are. If you have ever applied for a credit card, tried to buy a new car or house, proving you are working and paying taxes is very important. If you cannot prove you are legally earning an income the lender will not give you credit because you cannot prove how you will be able to pay them back. Also, when you are paid legally you may be eligible for important social security and Medicare benefits, unemployment insurance coverage, disability benefits, workers's compensation and Earned Income Credit (depending on the qualifications for each).
What if the family I work for doesn't want to pay taxes?
We understand you may encounter this and so does the agency you are working with. Ask the agency or GTM for help to explain to the family it's in their best interest to pay you properly. Some of the following reasons may also help.
- It protects them in case you ever get hurt on the job
- They will be able to take advantage of their flexible-spending plan and deduct your salary as a qualifying expense.
- Your employer has to report your wages and the taxes they withheld for you on their personal income tax return. The IRS wants to catch a lot of people who forget to tell them they are employing household employees. If they do, your employer is liable for hefty penalties.
- Paying you properly does not cheat you out of any credits to your social security account, impede your ability to obtain credit and protect you in case you become unemployed.
- Because it's the law!
How does GTM help me and the family I work for?
GTM works with hundreds of families, nannies, household employees and agencies around the country in helping sort out their taxes and assist them in complying with the tax laws of the IRS and their state.
The information contained within is designed to give the user general guidelines on the subject of household employment taxes. Tax laws can vary considerably from different taxpayers based on the circumstances and the state of residency.
GTM - www.gtm.com
GTM is the nation’s leading human resource expert for household employers, providing work/life solutions and cost effective payroll & tax services for households and small businesses.
Breedlove
Tax & payroll specialists serving household employers since 1992
http://www.breedlove-online.com
Safety tips for care providers upon initial interview in a potential employers home
1. Use the buddy system, and bring a parent, a friend, co-worker, or spouse to attend your interview. Not only are you using the theory "safety in numbers", but you will have another opinion of the family you will be working for, and you can discuss with each other if the position is right for you.
2. Never go to an interview without telling someone when and where you will be going.
3. Is it necessary to interview at the home? Well, the answer is yes. It is nescessary to assess the environment you will be working in, and meet you employer prior to starting work.
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