A nanny contract outlines the conditions and terms of your work for clients. It is an agreement between a caregiver and the legal guardians of a child.
The agreement helps to improve your relationship with families and set clear boundaries about your job expectations.
Why Use a Nanny Contract?
This legal agreement sets the terms of the family’s independent contractor relationship or employment. In either case, you must have a written services agreement about your role.
You should use a nanny contract to set clear expectations and boundaries for your job. A written agreement helps prevent unexpected requests from a client.
You also get countless other benefits such as but not limited to:
- Clear nanny responsibilities and expectations.
- A legally binding agreement and evidence in court, if necessary.
- A clear schedule and process for changing the nanny schedule.
- Clear compensation requirements and guidelines.
- An established reimbursement or a sales agreement for any goods you provide as a nanny.
What to Include
A nanny contract template gives you the legal language and sections necessary to create an enforceable agreement. You should include in your nanny agreement all of the following:
Date the Agreement Was Signed
You should always include a date when signing a nanny contract. The date of the agreement can have crucial legal significance if there is a dispute.
State and Jurisdiction
The state in which you sign the contract should also be included. This can affect which laws apply to the contract and how the agreement could be interpreted.
Party Identification and Contact Information
The nanny contract should include information about all parties. This helps to establish who is bound to the agreement. Information should include:
- The parties’ full names
- The parties’ addresses
- A business name and official title, if applicable
- Other contact information, such as email addresses or phone numbers
Description of Nanny Services
The nanny contract should clearly outline what is expected of all parties. It may include information such as:
- Nanny hours: The nanny’s hours should be spelled out in the agreement. It should also include how to request time off, make sudden changes, and how the clients can ask to alter their schedules. A transparent system helps reduce disputes and frustration between the nanny and the clients.
- Nanny duties: The expectations of the nanny should be clearly outlined. It should specify how the nanny may discipline children, responsibilities for feeding, homework, extracurriculars, and anything else. The more specific the agreement is, the less room for confusion or debate.
- Communication: The agreement should describe how the nanny will communicate with the family. It should also outline which instances require contacting the family, such as health issues, school problems, etc.
- Transportation requirements: The agreement should outline how the nanny will transport the children. If the nanny uses their vehicle, the contract should establish reimbursement for mileage or other compensation.
- House rules: The nanny needs to know the rules of the house. Every family is different, and the expectations should be clearly outlined. This can include how to discipline children, bedtimes, and even simple things like whether shoes can be worn on the carpet.
- Restrictions: Certain family members feel strongly about things like drinking, smoking, or even phone usage on the job. These restrictions should be clearly outlined so there is never a dispute.
Confidentiality Provisions
Families may wish to restrict what information a nanny shares about the kids. This often includes limitations to online and social media posting.
Standard Legal Clauses
A nanny contract template provides standard legal clauses protecting the parties. This includes sections like:
- Limitations on liability
- Assignment of contract
- Entirety of agreement clause
- Notices and how changes can be made to the agreement
- Right to terminate or cancel the agreement
Signature Section
A written nanny contract must have a signature section. This gives the parties a spot to print and sign their names. This is a vital part of making a legally enforceable nanny agreement.
Nanny Contract Sample
This free nanny contract template below shows you what your agreement can look like. You can also use our document builder to customize your agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?
The primary difference between a nanny and a babysitter is the expected level of service. A babysitter is usually a temporary worker who helps when caregivers need to go somewhere without their kids. It is a short period and often requires fewer duties.
On the other hand, a nanny is expected to provide everyday care for children. They often perform housekeeping duties, feed the children, shop, help with their education, and much more.
Is a nanny contract legally binding?
A properly created nanny contract is legally binding. A nanny contract template allows you to create a legally binding agreement.
Make sure the terms are clear and included in the contract. Also, ensure the parties are fully identified and everyone signs the contract. An unsigned agreement may not be legally binding. You should also add any changes or special requests to the contract, as oral agreements may not be legally enforceable.
Should a nanny have a contract?
Every nanny should have a written contract. Verbal agreements open the risk of disagreements, disputes, and unenforceable contracts.
A written agreement ensures the parties know what is expected and the limitations involved. This keeps you from being taken advantage of, as well.