POLICIES
Replacement Guarantee
We offer one free replacement. If employment is terminated by either the nanny or the family within the first 3 months of employment Big Sky Nanny Network will offer a replacement at no additional cost to the family.
Employment Agreement
Most nannies leave their jobs because of "job expansion syndrome" - duties being added without consent of the nanny and without further compensation.
The Employment Agreement is specifically designed to prevent this and to ensure lasting placements. All of the expectations and duties should be spelled out in this agreement. Once the family makes an offer and a candidate accepts, the family must complete and sign the agreement.
After both parties have signed, a copy must be forwarded to Big Sky Nanny Network for our files. Having the signed Employment Agreement prior to the nanny's arrival helps ensure that all aspects of the placement are understood and agreed upon, thus greatly reducing the chance for an unsuccessful placement.
Any changes to the Employment Agreement must be made in writing and signed by both the family and the nanny. A copy of the changes must be sent to Big Sky Nanny Network for our records.
Hours
An ordinary work day for a nanny is between 8 and 12 hours, with evenings off. This should include 30 - 60 minutes of uninterrupted "down time" during the day, but only if the children are in school or napping, or if a parent is in charge while the nanny is "off". A full time position can consist of 40 - 60 hours per week. Anything above the set amount of hours for the weekly salary is considered over-time, including evening and overnight coverage, and will be compensated at an hourly rate, set in the Employment Agreement.
Salary
A weekly salary should be offered for full-time employment. This figure should be the GROSS salary. Taxes should be deducted from this amount. It is the sole responsibility of the family to withhold income tax, FICA payments, as well as any additional taxes or insurance payments required by the laws of Montana.
Expected salary for a full-time (live-in) nanny ranges from $300.00 to $600+ (GROSS) per week, depending on experience, education, duties, and the age and number of children.
Live-out nannies generally make more than live-in nannies. Part-time nannies can be salaried, or paid on a per hour basis. We suggest an hourly rate of between $7.00 and $15.00 per hour, again depending on experience and education.
To increase communication and provide feedback Big Sky Nanny Network suggests that the nanny be reviewed every three months. If the family is going to be away with the children and they are not taking the nanny along the nanny may be asked to house-sit at the regular salary. The family cannot force the nanny to take unpaid time-off.
Vacation
The nanny is entitled to a minimum of one week paid vacation per year. The vacation time should be arranged to coincide with family vacations where the nanny is not needed or a minimum of three weeks notice should be given to the family.
Holidays
The nanny is entitled to at least five paid holidays.
Sick Days
The nanny is entitled to five paid sick days per year.
Health Insurance
For a full time nanny, we recommend that the family pays the nanny's premium. This is going to make the position more attractive to the more qualifed nanny candidates and allow your nanny to stay healthy so she can care for your children.
Use of Automobile
We prefer that the family provide a car for the nanny's use, at least for family business. Appropriate insurance will be carried by the family on the car supplied for nanny's use. If the nanny is legally found to be at fault in an accident, the family may ask the nanny to pay the deductible. If the family does not have a car for this purpose, a nanny may use her own car; however, we require that the family pay for additional liability coverage (required by law), reimburse the nanny for depreciation of the vehicle, and provide a gas allowance for family business.
Airfare/Transportation
Airfare to and from the placement is the responsibility of the employing family. Nannies with their own vehichles may be willing to drive to their new location. In this case the family is responsible for gasoline expense and motel accommodations along the way.
