In-Home Child Care

Hiring an in-home child caregiver, or nanny, is one option for families. Caregivers can either live in your home or come each day that you need them. Full-time caregivers in New York City earn about $800 a week and part-time caregivers usually earn $20-25 an hour, but these days, it could be much more. Full-time caregivers are also eligible for social security and health benefits, so you will need to be sure to pay taxes and decide to cover the cost of health care. Meals, transportation, outings with your child, or other expenses may also contribute to the cost of hiring an in-home child caregiver.

Before advertising for a caregiver, consider which days and hours you will need to be covered and whether that schedule will remain consistent over time or will change. Are you looking for someone who can provide household services such as laundry or shopping? Finally, consider the type of person you would like to hire to care for your child.

Hiring a caregiver

Once you know what you need in an in-home child caregiver, you can work through an agency or post your position in local newspapers and online resources. You may be interested in the New York Times article, 'Finding a Nanny Who Fits Your Family'. New York magazine's Family Guide website also offers a listing of agencies for nannies and au pairs.

The parent-run MommyBites is a site for finding nannies and nanny shares through their New York NannyBoard. There are a number of online nanny and babysitting search sites available which are more targeted and therefore more easily searchable than sites like CraigsList. This article from iParentingLife.com compares two of the largest sites.

Once you find someone who fits your family's needs, be sure to check references. When you are ready to hire, prepare an employment contract or written agreement in which you clearly state terms of employment, hours, time off (vacation, sick days), and responsibilities. If you have worked through an agency, the agency may have contracts for your use. Or use an online nanny sample contract such as these or these. When you and the caregiver sign the contract, you make certain that both of you are clear on the terms and that the relationship will be treated professionally. Establish the start date and plan to spend time in the home with the new caregiver and your child. This will help you to get to know one another and to begin to establish a strong and trusting bond.