Nanny Contract Template: What to Include and Why

You’ve done the search, interviews and checks, now you’re ready to hire a nanny. But hiring a nanny isn’t as simple as a verbal agreement. Much like other forms of employment, you will need a contract.

A nanny contract outlines duties, rules, working hours, and other important details. Not only does the contract outline the terms and conditions of employment but it also helps establish expectations for both you and the nanny and avoids misunderstandings.

Now you don’t need to be a big corporation to create a legally binding employment contract. All you need is this guide. Here you’ll find out what to include in your nanny contract and why each section matters. You can also download our free nanny contract template to help get you started.

Why Every Family Should Have a Nanny Contract

Because of how personal the job of a nanny can be, nannies quickly become family. And as great as that is, hiring a nanny is still a professional relationship. A written nanny contract establishes that professional relationship by setting clear expectations and answers questions that may lead to confusion.

Examples of confusing questions for a nanny can be “should I do the whole family’s laundry or just the kids?” or “do I get Thanksgiving off?”.

Additionally a nanny contract can help you:

• Clearly define your nanny's responsibilities.
• Set expectations for work hours and scheduling.
• Document pay, benefits, and paid time off.
• Reduce misunderstandings before they become problems.
• Make future conversations about changes easier.
• Create consistency and stability for your child.

What to Include in a Nanny Contract

Every nanny contract is different and set up to fit the needs and requirements of the family. However, there are a few core sections that most nanny agreements consist of. This includes employment details, responsibilities, compensation and expectations. Here is a breakdown of each and why you should include them in your nanny contract.

Names and Employment Details

The first section of your nanny contract should include and state names and outline employment details. This section should include:

This section should include:

• Employer names: This would be the parent or guardian's names
• Employee name: Nanny's full legal name

• Home address where care will take place
• Employment start date and end date if short-term
• Whether the position is full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal
• Whether the position is live-in or live-out (if applicable)

Additionally, you may include the names and ages of the children being cared for. This can provide context if additional children are born during the nanny’s employment.

Work Schedule

A work schedule makes it easier for your nanny to plan their time and helps your family establish a stable routine.

Your contract should clearly outline:

• Regular workdays
• Daily start and end times
• Expected break times
• Evening or weekend hours
• Overtime expectations
• Procedures for schedule changes

In the event of any schedule changes, it is helpful to note how much notice you will provide the nanny. You can also include whether occasional late evenings, travel or overnight care may be required.

Job Responsibilities

While these responsibilities would have been discussed during the interview process, it's always best to have them written down. And while every family has different needs, here are a few common responsibilities that you could include:

• Supervising children
• Preparing meals and snacks
• Feeding infants or young children
• Organizing educational and age-appropriate activities
• Reading, crafts, and outdoor play
• School or daycare pick-up and drop-off
• Helping with homework
• Managing nap schedules
• Bathing or dressing younger children
• Children's laundry
• Cleaning bottles, dishes, and toys used during the day
• Tidying children's bedrooms and play areas

Try to be as specific as possible when writing down responsibilities. This helps avoid any confusions. For example, instead of saying light housekeeping, which can mean different things to different people. Instead fully explain your expectations, like unloading the dishwasher and walking the family dog.

Pay and Benefits

Compensation shouldn’t be left to interpretation. Having it written down helps avoid any confusion, which allows the nanny to do their job with confidence. Aside from compensation, you can also note down any benefits you may provide.

If your nanny will need to drive your children to playdates or outings, be sure to explain how mileage, fuel, parking or tolls will be

Include details such as:

• Hourly wage or salary
• Pay schedule (weekly, biweekly, etc.)
• Accepted payment method
• Overtime rate, if applicable
• Mileage reimbursement for transporting children
• Reimbursement for approved purchases
• Bonuses or annual raises (if offered)
• Health insurance or wellness stipend (if applicable)

If you're unsure what a competitive rate looks like, our guide on how much to pay a nanny can help you understand the factors that influence nanny pay, including location, experience, and responsibilities.

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Much like other employees, many nannies receive paid time off as part of their compensation package. Including your PTO policy in your nanny contract, helps you and your nanny understand how it works, helps your nanny understand when it is applicable.

For example, if your family plans to travel without your nanny, your contract should state if this will be considered as PTO or not.

Your contract should explain:

• Paid vacation days
• Paid sick leave
• Recognized holidays
• Personal days, if offered
• Whether unused PTO carries over to the following year
• How much notice is required for vacation requests

House Rules and Parenting Preferences

Chances are your nanny will be spending most of their time in your home. This means informing them on your house rules and your preferences. This helps your nanny provide care that aligns with your family’s values. And allows them to do their job confidently.

You may want to include expectations around:

• Screen time limits
• Discipline approach
• Outdoor play
• Car seat and transportation safety
• Visitors to the home
• Use of personal phones during working hours
• Posting photos or information about your children on social media

Emergency Procedures

Your nanny shouldn’t guess what to do in the event of an emergency, especially when working with younger children. To help your nanny be better prepared, outline all steps your nanny should take in the event of an emergency. Be sure to regularly update any contact details as they change

Include information such as:

• Parent or guardian contact information
• Emergency contacts
• Pediatrician's name and phone number
• Preferred hospital or urgent care center
• Known allergies
• Medical conditions
• Medications and dosage instructions
• Health insurance information, if appropriate
• Permission to seek emergency medical treatment when necessary

Confidentiality and Privacy

In many cases, nannies work for more than one family at a time. With that said, you may want to include a confidentiality to protect the privacy of your family. In this section, you can include things like:

• Not sharing photos of the children or family with others
• Not taking photos of the family home
• Write out social media rules, for example, no posting pictures of the children
• No sharing of the home security information such as access cards or alarm codes
• Not sharing your child's medical and educational information

This section doesn’t mean that you don’t trust your nanny, it simply means that you want your family protected.

Ending the Agreement

This section should highlight any protocols and procedures that need to be followed in the event that circumstances change. For example you may need to terminate their employment or your nanny may need to resign.

In this section you should include:

• If a notice period is required. If so, what is it for example, two weeks notice.
• Conditions and circumstances around immediate termination
• How final paychecks will be handled
• How to return any family property such as house keys, credit cards, or other belongings
• How unused paid time off will be handled, if applicable

Nanny Contract Checklist

Before your nanny starts, make sure your contract covers these essential topics.

If you've covered each of these areas, you'll have a strong foundation for a clear and professional nanny agreement.

Common Mistakes Parents Make When Writing a Nanny Contract

Leaving out important details can lead to misunderstandings later on. Here are a few common mistakes parents make when writing up a nanny contract that you should avoid.

Leaving out paid time off or overtime

Holidays, sick leave and vacations and overtime are important and having them written down helps everyone know how they should be requested and managed.

Skipping emergency information

Emergencies can happen at any time, which is why your nanny should know exactly who to contact and what to do when it happens.

Relying on verbal agreements

It's human nature to forget a conversation and this is why you should write everything down instead. This way both you and your nanny have a shared reference when questions arise.

Never updating the contract

The needs of your family may change as your child or children grow. As this happens, it's important to review your contract so it reflects your schedule and the responsibilities and expectations of the nanny.

Download Your Free Nanny Contract Template

Writing up a nanny contract can be overwhelming and maybe even confusing. Luckily, Winnie has created this free nanny contract template to help you get started.

Simply download the free Winnie nanny contract template and personalize it to fit your family and nanny’s duties and responsibilities.

A Clear Contract Builds a Strong Working Relationship

Your nanny contract isn't about expecting problems. Instead it's there to help prevent them. With your expectations clearly communicated, both you and your nanny can have more confidence. Use your nanny contract as a document that grows with your family. As things change or evolve, review and update your agreement to maintain professionalism and open communication.