In October, Caring Nanny staff enjoyed a fabulous APNA (Association of Premier Nanny Agencies) conference at the Firesky resort in Scottsdale, just two blocks from our office. Premier agencies from all over the country came to learn from each other and discuss our shared issues. Since we work in an unregulated industry, we find that we have to create and maintain ethical standards for self regulating.

Ann Klein from White House Nannies (author of the book by that title), taught us how to deal with difficult situations. We discussed how to recruit top nanny candidates, how to recruit and train quality housekeepers, building and retaining a great office team, and psychologist Ann Wycoff Ph.D. shared with us how to assess personality traits to select the best candidates for our clients. A team of attornies discussed legal questions. We got into small groups and hashed out sticky, nitty-gritty ethical questions.
Above all, we made friends with great people from all over the country who we realized we have a lot in common with. We all want to make our clients happy. We want them to like us and we can’t sleep at night if they don’t. We are an ethical group. We really love children and care about who is with them in their formative years. We like to laugh.
It took a lot of work for Caring Nannies to join APNA, and APNA works hard all year to make this industry professional.
Because of APNA’s high standards and rigorous screening process, only the best and brightest agencies belong. Nearly 4 years ago, we had to make significant changes and have all of our documents, applications, website and contracts scrutinized. We had to stop asking illegal questions, we must conduct ourself ethically and uphold professional standards. APNA spies called and caught us explaining that sometimes a nanny can just fill out a 1099, rather than a W-4  tax form. (We thought there were some exceptions, but they actually can’t.) Joining APNA means we commit to excellence in everything we do.

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The INA (International Nanny Association) surveyed 667 in home child care providers, including nannies, Babysitters and Newborn Specialists, who work full and part time. The survey revealed that Nanny salaries range from $300 per week to $900.  Twenty-seven% made $4-600 per week, 33% made $6-800 per week and 20% made $800-$1000. The average full-time live out nanny is Arizona makes nearly $15 per hour, as compared to California staff averaging $18 and Nevada Nannies at $10 per hour.
Babysitters working hourly on short term assignments ranged from 54% earning $15-$20 per hour, 22% at $12-$15 and 17% at lower rates of $7-$11per hour.
What is the breakdown of live-in verses live out Nannies?
Personally, I have seen a sizable increase in the popularity of live-in nannies in Phoenix since the recession, but the trend seems to be decreasing overall from 16% in 2006 to 13% in 2008. Perhaps this increase I see is from families moving to the area from the East and West coast and Canada, where these arrangements are more standard.
How did most nannies find their jobs and who are their employers?
Professional couples employed 66% of the respondents, and 12% of the families had an at home parent. Another 12% was a couple with one or both parents working from a home office. 46% of the nannies found their current position through a local brick and mortar nanny agency.
How do most families deal with taxes and Health Insurance?
Families withholding both federal and state taxes were at 61%. Fewer families are offering health insurance, as 100% fully funded healthcare dropped from 20% in 2006 to 17% reported in 2009. However, another 12% of in home childcare providers received 50% paid health insurance.
Most families, 63%, pay for national and religious holidays, and 62% give paid sick days. Twenty-nine percent give paid personal days. Over 86% offer one to three week paid vacations. Sixty -four percent receive reimbursement for use of their vehicle or use of the employer’s car for errands.
How much should nannies ask when traveling with their families?
Out of the 37% that did travel with their families, 13% reported receiving no additional compensation, and 15% of others received additional payment ranging from $150 to $50 per day. Eight percent received other types of compensation.
Overnight Care
When staying overnight, 25% of nannies received $50-$75 additionally and 37% were given between $100 to $150 extra. Fifteen percent received no additional compensation and 25% received other types of compensation.
When your employer doesn’t need you to work, do they pay you for the time you have off?
Three-fourths of nannies reported that they are paid their normal salaries and 15% said that if they aren’t needed, they don’t get paid. Eight percent are asked to make up the childcare hours.
How much does the average nanny receive in year-end bonuses?
One to four weeks’ salary was reported by 29%   No bonus or gift was reported by 16%. Twenty-nine percent told us they received a generous gift or gift certificate between $100 and $500 or more and 4% received an extravagant gift in excess of $500. Only 18% of employers reported financial year-end gifts as income that was taxed.
How much education do nannies have?
Nearly half have been to college! Nineteen percent reported having two years of college and 28% reported having a BA.
Professionalism
Nannies interest in investing in their professions has increased, as nanny conference attendance grew from 22% in 2006 to 29% reported in 2009. That seems to be a nationwide trend as the unemployed in all fields are increasing their skill sets to become more valuable to their employers.
Nannies are also researching child care findings online or in books at the rate of 79%, and 29% attend community colleges or continuing education classes, and 25% attended meetings of local nanny groups and 22% attended professional conferences.
Eighty-three percent kept current with CPR and First Aid training.
Our staff at Caring Nannies works hard to recruit the most qualified Nannies in the Phoenix area. It is wise to be aware of current market conditions when planning your benefits package for your nanny when hiring and at annual reviews so as to be competitive. To see the entire survey, click here.

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