National Nanny Recognition Week was created in 1998 in order to draw
awareness to the dedicated work that nannies do. During this week families, businesses, and the media
are encouraged to focus on the amazing contributions nannies make in the lives
of families and the children they provide care for. Although #NNRW ran from September 22nd
to September 28th this year, that doesn’t mean that nannies and homecare
providers can’t be shown appreciation all year round!
For many families, nannies are considered to be a crucial
part of the family. They prepare delicious meals, help with household work,
patiently assist children with homework, and prevent the household from
becoming chaotic!
If you are a nanny or homecare provider, you are likely to
have performed some less than desirable gigs in your time. Perhaps you were not
compensated fairly, did not feel respected by your employer, or maybe you were
overworked. Here at
Hometown Nannies Plus, we understand the uncertainty that may
come with finding a new job, and we are here to allay your concerns.
For over 32 years, Hometown Nannies Plus has specialized in providing exceptional placement of Child,
Home, Estate and Elder Care professionals. We dedicate our time to ensure that
both the family and the care provider are protected at all costs.
Based on the fact that nannies are undoubtedly committed to
their jobs, it is important that they are protected and compensated fairly, as
would be expected from any employer.
Under the
Fair Labor Standards Act, both live-in and live-out nannies must
be paid for each hour that they work. Whether it be picking the kids up from
school and driving them home, doing the weekly grocery shopping, or playing
outside with the kids, nannies are entitled to be paid for their time spent
caring for your children.
All nannies are entitled to be paid either the respective
state minimum wage, or federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr, whichever is higher.
As of October 1st, 2019, the state of Connecticut’s minimum wage has been
raised from $10.10/hr to $11/hr. In the state of New York, minimum wage is
$11.10, however, in New York City, it is $15/hr.
State Guidelines to Protect Nannies
States such as New York have fairly strict guidelines in place in order to protect nannies and home care providers. The state of New York requires live in domestic workers to be paid at least time and a half for hours worked over 44 in a week. In addition, domestic employers in New York are required to purchase workers compensation insurance if their employee works more than 40 hours in a week. In most cases, if you are injured at work, you must file a claim with your state’s Workers Compensation Board to qualify for payments for medical expenses and compensation for lost wages. If you are injured at work, and your employer (or the employer’s insurance company) will not pay these expenses, you should seek legal advice. In addition, nannies who earn more than $1800 yearly must receive a W-2 form at the end of each year from their employers. Nanny employers are also required to withhold payroll deductions such as social security, Medicare, and state taxes. Proper payroll deductions are as such:
• Other deductions such as health insurance premiums or retirement contributions that both benefit you and that you agree to in writing.
As a domestic worker, you are entitled to a safe and
comfortable working environment. It is illegal for an employer to physically
abuse a worker, and it is illegal for an employer to demand any type of
physical contact from a worker. Your employer is not allowed to keep
identifying documents such as your passport, Social Security Card, Driver’s
License, or Work Permit from you. If you were to ever make a formal claim in
relation to a workplace grievance such as workers compensation, a complaint of
misconduct, or a formal claim for unpaid wages, your employer can not turn you
in for for immigration violations in retaliation to your claims. ICE has
written rules which
prohibit their interference in these matters. These guidelines and
laws mentioned above are in place in order to guarantee that nannies and other
domestic employers are protected and treated fairly.
Hometown Nannies+ Applicants
If you are a family seeking domestic help, you may have concerns regarding the hiring process of a new care provider. Perhaps you have had bad luck in the past with your care providers and now feel uncertain as to whether or not someone can be trusted. Here at Hometown Nannies Plus, we screen our applicants as if they were being added to our own family and follow strict regulations when doing so. We screen our applicants with the following criteria:
• Applicants must be bright, articulate, punctual, reliable, well-groomed, and exhibit good common sense. We interview most candidate at least twice.
• Applicants must have at least two agency interviews, three excellent recent references, a clean driving record and a clear 5-step background check.
• Applicants must be familiar with the developmental needs of children
• Applicants must have a legal status and speak fluent English
• Applicants must be high school graduates. Many applicants have a college degree, certifications, or some college experience. Several have M.A. Degrees.
• Applicants must have a minimum of three years of full time childcare experience
• Applicants must provide at least two pieces of identification including: Proof of legal status, a valid state license, driver’s license, or social security card
• Applicants must receive CPR certification within 30 days of placement, if not already certified and current.
• In addition, most of our candidates are bilingual and even trilingual and many are proficient swimmers.
Whether you are a family seeking domestic help, or a care provider in search of the perfect job for you, Hometown Nannies Plus is here to find your match made in heaven! Just sit back and relax as we work our magic!
