What to Include in a Nanny Contract

Hiring a nanny is one of the most personal decisions a family makes, and it's also an employment relationship. A written work agreement sets expectations early, prevents misunderstandings, and protects both the family and the caregiver. A good one doesn't have to be intimidating! 

Here's what a thorough nanny contract generally covers, and why each piece matters:

1. Work Hours, Location, and Schedule

Spell out the days and hours (for example, Monday through Friday, 8 to 4), where the work takes place, and when the workweek starts and ends. That last detail matters for overtime, since overtime is calculated week by week. 

If you want flexibility, such as occasionally shifting start times, put the rules in writing: how much notice you'll give, and that both sides must agree to the change.

2. Pay, Overtime, Taxes, and Payroll

Include the hourly rate, the overtime rate for hours over 40 in a workweek, how often your nanny is paid, and how quickly. 

Nannies are household employees, so the contract should also state that you'll withhold the employee's share of taxes and pay the employer's share. Setting up a payroll service early makes this much easier.

Learn more about payments here!

3. Guaranteed Minimum Weekly Pay

Many families guarantee a set number of paid hours each week, even if they come home early or cancel a day. This gives your nanny reliable income and shows you value their time. Make sure it's stated clearly so there's no confusion later.

4. Childcare Responsibilities and Light Household Duties

List what you expect: meals, naps, play, school or activity transportation, and daily updates. Then define the household tasks that fit the role, like children's laundry, tidying play areas, and washing bottles and dishes the kids used. 

5. Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, and Holidays

Decide how many PTO days your nanny gets, how they accrue, and how much notice is needed to request them. 

Many families also designate a few days they'll be off (like the days around Christmas) so everyone can plan. List your paid holidays, and say what happens if you ask your nanny to work one. Also address whether unused PTO carries over or is paid out.

6. Transportation and Mileage

If your nanny will drive the kids, say so. Cover the basics: a valid license, insurance, and whether they'll use your car or theirs. Decide how mileage is reimbursed (usually at the federal rate, excluding the commute) and what your car seat requirements are.

7. Safety Protocols, Discipline, and Screen Time

This is the heart of the contract for many parents. 

Cover:

• Supervision and water safety: what "never unattended" means to you

• Safe sleep and feeding: especially important with infants

• Choking prevention and allergies: how food is prepared and what's off limits

• Emergency procedures: who to call, where the first-aid supplies are, and when to call 911 first

• Discipline: the approaches you endorse (redirection, calm limits) and what's never acceptable

• Screen time: limits, approved content, and who can make exceptions

Requiring current pediatric CPR and first-aid certification is a smart standard.

8. Privacy, Confidentiality, and Social Media

Your nanny will know your routines, your home, and your family. Set expectations about confidentiality, and be explicit about photos and social media: no posting images or details about your children or your whereabouts without written permission. If you have home cameras, disclose them.

9. Absence Procedures, Shift Changes, and Expenses

Decide how and when your nanny should notify you of a sick day (a set time works well, like before 6 a.m.), and how schedule changes get requested and approved. Also set a policy for petty cash or reimbursements for outings, snacks, and supplies, including whether receipts are needed.

10. Notice Periods and Grounds for Termination

Agree on how much notice each side gives before ending the relationship, such as two weeks, and list what constitutes termination for cause, like endangering a child's safety, dishonesty, or substance use on duty. 

Also protect your nanny: list the grounds on which they may leave immediately, like not being paid on time or working in an unsafe environment.

11. Signatures from Both Sides

A contract only works if everyone has read it and agreed. Both parents (if applicable) and the nanny should sign and date it, and each should keep a copy.

A Note on At-Will Employment in Texas

In Texas, employment is at-will, which means neither party has a legal commitment to stay through the term of a contract. 

Your agreement still matters. It documents pay, expectations, and procedures, and it makes the relationship clear and professional. But it doesn't guarantee that either side will stay for a set period.

Need a Starting Point?

You don't have to write all of this from scratch. We offer a DIY nanny placement package that includes a sample nanny agreement you can customize for your family.