Live-in nannies offer families the ultimate in childcare flexibility. Live-in nannies are hired by parents to provide childcare for the couple’s children in their private home. Unlike live-out nannies, live-in nannies reside with their employers, providing a convenient and cost effective job opportunity for qualified childcare specialists.
For Nannies
Nannies may opt to work as live-in nannies for a variety of reasons. For nannies who want to relocate, experience living in different locations, avoid a commute, and eliminate housing costs and responsibilities as a means to saving money, securing a live-in nanny job can be an excellent option. Nannies may also accept a live-in position with a family who they believe is a good match if the family requires a live-in nanny to meet their childcare needs. In general, nannies tend to be the highest paid of childcare workers. Since live-in nannies receive free room and board as part of their compensation package, those who work in live-in nanny positions typically have more disposable income than live-out nannies who live in their own homes and commute to and from work each day. While some live-in nannies only live-in during the days they are on duty and have their own residence they maintain and stay in during their off days, the primary residence of most live-in nannies is their employer’s home.
For Parents
Different families have different childcare needs and budgets. In families where both parents work long hours, having a live-in nanny may be more cost effective than using daycare or hiring a live-out nanny. Since daycares charge per child and tend to charge outrageous fees for early and late care, nannies can be more cost effective for families who require childcare for extended hours or for more than one child. And while live-in nannies are required to be paid at least minimum wage for all hours worked, most states don’t require that live-in nannies be paid an overtime differential rate like live-out nannies for all hours worked over 40 in a 7-day period. For parents who require evening care or overnight care because they work an overnight shift of travel for work, live-in nannies are able to provide care during these non-traditional hours. Other parents may simply prefer the convenience and flexibility that comes with hiring a live-in nanny and welcome the opportunity to share their home and their family with the person who will be providing care for their children.
For Children
All children deserve to receive the best childcare possible. Children thrive when they receive high quality childcare. High quality childcare starts with a high quality caregiver. High quality caregivers are warm and nurturing, have a basic knowledge of child development, have positive interactions with the children and strive to meet the child’s individual needs by providing attentive and personalized care. Unlike in daycare centers where caregivers are focused on meeting the needs of many children, a live-in nanny is solely focused on meeting the needs of the family’s children in her care. And since live-in nannies typically make at least a one year commitment, there are fewer turnovers and children instead receive consistent care from a single provider. Research shows that quality, consistent childcare can make a significant difference in a child’s development. Children who receive high quality care tend to develop better physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually.
10 Benefits of Being a Live-in Nanny
For those interested in a career in early childhood education or childcare, working as a live-in nanny can be a rewarding experience. While most jobs come with benefits, live-in nanny jobs come with some unique ones.
- Convenience. It’s pretty convenient to be able to step out of your bedroom door and be at work. Picking up extra hours for extra money is also easier, for a live-in nanny since live-in nannies literally live at work.
- No housing costs. Since live-in nannies typically receive at least a private bedroom and bath as part of their compensation package, there is no need to maintain a separate residence.
- Minimal food expenses. Live-in nannies also receive board as part of their compensation. This includes meals and snacks. Most live-in nannies enjoy their meals with the children.
- A vehicle is often provided. Live-in nannies are often provided a vehicle for work to transport the children to and from activities. Most employers allow their live-in nannies to use the vehicle during their off times.
- Fair wages. Nannies are typically the highest paid of childcare workers. According to the 2013 INA Nanny Salary and Benefits Survey, on average, nannies earn $17.44 per hour, with a median wage rate of $16 per hour.
- Opportunities to relocate. For nannies who want to live somewhere else, working as a live-in nanny provides a natural opportunity to relocate without investing in housing.
- Additional perks. Live-in nannies may be considered a household member and therefor may be eligible for different perks, including access to health and fitness facilities.
- Develop lasting relationships. Live-in nannies have the opportunity to develop close ties with the families whom they work with.
- Experience being a housemate. Live-in nannies gain housemate experience. Working as a live-in nanny will provide insight into if a nanny enjoys house sharing or not.
- Can save money. Without expenses for room and board, live-in nannies have access to more disposable income which can translate to more savings.
While working as a live-in nanny can have its downsides too, including a lack of privacy at times, with a written work agreement and open and honest communication, most issues can be addressed before the relationship begins. If nannies and parents are committed to making a live-in arrangement work, with a little effort and a lot of respect, it can be a rewarding experience.
