A Babysitter Contract is a legal document between the babysitter and a child’s parents. It outlines the expectations of both parties, such as schedule, payment, and the child’s unique needs. Most babysitters are independent contractors, not employees, so they need a special agreement to protect their rights.
Why Use
- Sets clear expectations about the babysitting work you will perform.
- Outlines what your babysitting schedule is and how to modify it.
- Lets you set your payment for your regular hours.
- Allows you to set a different payment amount for emergency or last-minute babysitting.
- Creates an enforceable legal agreement you can use if parents try not to pay.
When To Use
You should use a babysitter contract whenever you work for a family and care for their children. This is an important responsibility and one that deserves a well-drafted template contract.
This legal agreement protects your rights. Using it is easy, and the benefits are many. Parents often appreciate it, too, as it shows you are responsible and professional.
Long-Term Versus Short-Term
A long-term babysitter is often hired to live with the family and care for the kids on an ongoing basis. This might happen during vacations or when the parents are gone for an extended period.
A short-term babysitter may have a more limited schedule, like certain days of the week. A contract is essential for either type of babysitter.
Salary and Hourly Rate
Your agreement should set forth the hourly rate or salary you expect. It should reference some up-to-date source that shows why that amount is appropriate and fair. The average salary for a babysitter in the USA is $27,300 a year, or $13.13 an hour [1] .
Finding a Babysitter
Finding a trustworthy babysitter is vital for parents to protect their children. Online sites are typically the place to look, some examples include:
Differences Between a Nanny and a Babysitter
The terms “babysitter” and “nanny” are often treated synonymously, but they have essential differences.
A babysitter provides as-needed childcare services. They might work with multiple families, and their schedule is often more sporadic. The care may be intermittent or on a less intensive schedule. Babysitters are often teenagers or young adults looking for extra income.
A nanny is a professional caregiver. They typically work with a single family on either a part-time or full-time basis. Some nannies even live with the family they care for. A nanny is more akin to a parent and is responsible for the long-term needs of the children. Nannies do not require a license, but many have special education, such as:
- Early childhood education
- CPR certification
- First-aid training
Babysitter Contract Sample
Download our babysitter contract template in Word or PDF:
