Volume 8
Issue 7
Custom
Newsletters
Available
NOVEMBER
2008
www.BestNannyNewsletter.com
PO Box 43477 Upper Montclair NJ 07043 USA ● 973-259-1101
The Economy and You
How the economy has affected the
nanny industry.
By Stephanie Felzenberg, Nanny and Editor of Best Nanny Newsletter
In This Issue
4 Monthly Poll.
8
11
12+
INA Lobby to
Increase federal
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
The Unexpected
Lay-Off.
Ads
A
na, a nanny
that works and
lives just
outside of Manhattan
called Best Nanny
Newsletter crying
during the first week
of October, 2008. Ana
told me that her boss
came home early during the week from his job on Wall Street
and announced he had been fired, and
that her boss could no longer afford to
employ her.
I acknowledge working as a
nanny for two parents that work on Wall
Street is unsettling
for me. If the economic recession has
a trickle-down effect
it will inevitably
affect nannies. Nannies may lose jobs,
but there may also
be an increase in
jobs as two parent
families send both parents to work to
bring in two incomes.
To share proper advice with
Ana I asked a few nanny agency owners and nanny industry professionals if
(Continued on p. 2)
Suze Orman Talks Kids and Money
Now is the time to teach kids about money.
F
inancial expert and television
show host Suze Orman says now
is best time to start teaching your
children about money. Suze appeared
on the Oprah show and discussed how
to teach children about money.
Suze explained that after years
of saying “yes” to children about anything they wanted, the stock market
plummeted and some parents lost their
jobs. This is why Suze says when
parents say “yes” and “no” to their
children it should never depend on the
economy. "It should be dependent
upon: 'What kind of values do you want
to raise your children with? Do you always want them to think they're entitled?
Or do you want them to understand the
value of a buck?'" she says.
Once the son or daughter understands basic math principles, Suze says
it's time to start the conversation. "You
have got to start talking about money.”
she says. "There's nothing wrong with
talking about money. I happen to love it,
and I happen to love talking about
it."
(Continued on p. 9)
References
1. Andrea Flagg, Nanny Alliance of
New York and NJ www.
nannyalliancenyandnj.com.
2. Lora Brawley, Brawley &
Associates, Federal Way, WA
ww.AllAboutNannyCare.com
3. Pat Cascio, Director, Morningside Nannies, Houston, TX
www.morningsidenannies.com
4. Michelle Damas, CEO of
Neverland Nannies & Domestics,
Woodland Hills, CA www.never
landnannies.com
5. Betty Davis, Owner, In Search
of Nanny Inc., Beverly, MA
www.insearchofnanny.com
6. Susan Feigon and Gail Hamilton,
Feigon Hamilton Partnership,
www.feigonhamilton.com
7. Jessica Gillan, President and
CEO, A Nanny Solution, Inc., San
Jose, CA www.anannysolution.com
8. Glenn S. Greenhouse, Owner,
Greenhouse Agency, Ltd., New
York, NY www.greenhouse
staffing.com
9. Harpo Productions, Inc., 110 N.
Carpenter St. Chicago, IL 60607
10. Claudia Kahn, Owner,The Help
Company, Santa Monica, CA,
www.thehelpcompany.com
11. Merrilan Kougias, CEO,
Choose The Right Nanny, LLC,
McKinney, TX www.ctrnanny.com
12. Erin Krex, Owner, First Class
Care, Inc., IL www.firstclasscare.
com
13. Rachel Lawrence, Owner,
Wilmington Nanny Agency LLC.,
Wilmington, NC www.wilming
tonnanny.com
14. Anne Merchant, Teacher’s
College for Professional Development www.childcaredegree.org
15. Judi Merlin, President, A
Friend of the Family Home
Services, Inc., GA www.
afriend.com
16. Suze Orman Media, Inc.,
www.suzeorman.com
17. Shannon Pitts, CEO,
InteliMark Enterprises
www.GreatAuPair.com
18. Steve Lampert CEO, eNannySource.com, West Hills, CA
19. Hilary Lockhart, CEO, A+
Nannies, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ
www.aplusnanniesinc.com
20. Mary O’Connor, Owner,
Nannies from the Heartland,
Minneapolis, MN www.
nanniesheartland.com
21. Jo Anne Reed, Owner, Estate
Domestics, Atlanta, GA
www.estatedomestics.com
22. Katherine Leary Robinson,
President, Beacon Hill Nannies,
Inc., Newton, MA www.beacon
hillnannies.com
23. Wendy Sachs, President, The
Philadelphia Nanny Network,
Inc., Ardmore, PA
www.nannyagency.com
24. Starla Smith, HouseholdStaffing.com Bala Cynwyd, PA
25. Ginger Mylander Swift,
President, ABC Nannies &
Domestics, Inc., Denver, CO
www.abcnannies.com
26. Susan Tokayer, President,
Family Helpers, Inc., Dobbs Ferry,
NY www.familyhelpers.net
27. Alicia Torchia, President,
Careful Care Givers LLC
Skillman, NJ www.careful
caregivers.com
28. Sharon Toutant, Owner, A
Better Nanny, Town and Country
Domestics Sierra Madre, CA
www.tandcr.com
29. Elizabeth Walsh, Owner,
NannyQuest, Inc., Atlanta, GA
www.nannyquest.net
The Economy and You
How the economy has affected the
nanny industry.
By Stephanie Felzenberg, Nanny and Editor of Best Nanny Newsletter
(Continued from p. 1)
the economic recession is affecting their
businesses and their advice for nannies
(like Ana) during this economic recession.
Katherine Leary Robinson,
President of Beacon Hill Nannies, Inc. in
Newton, Massachusetts says, “I recommend nannies back down their salary
expectations 10-12%, if they are not seeing
families actively pursuing them.
Live-in nannies are very fortunate
in this horrible economic environment. As
their only expenses are clothing and
entertainment, they have not experienced
the increase costs of rent, heating, food or
gas. Please don't forget the amount of
money you save as a live-in nanny, here on
the east coast. Live-in nannies are enjoying
on average an additional $25,000 a year in
tax free benefits with free room, board, an
insured car, and health insurance. You
would have to be earning an additional
$33,000 year gross to net that $25,000 for
those live out expenses.”
Susan Tokayer, Owner and
President of Family Helpers, Inc. in
Dobbs Ferry, New York explains, “We
have been slower both with our temporary
service and long-term service for the past
six-weeks, since the banking crisis hit. I
would say we are doing about 30% less
business than we were doing one-year ago.
Most families are being cautious right
now, so there isn't as much activity as
normal.
Everyone (nannies included)
should have some money set aside for
emergencies. If you were to suddenly be
unemployed because your employer lost
his/her job, you should have some money
available to live on until you secure
another position. Ideally, you want to have
the equivalent of six-months of living
expenses in savings. If you don't have that
Be the Best Nanny P. 2
amount, now is a good time to put some
money aside for a rainy day. Finding a
new job may take longer than usual in
this economic environment.”
Glenn S. Greenhouse, Owner of
Greenhouse Agency, Ltd. in New York
adds, “We have noticed a very slight
decline which I believe is due to the current financial crisis we are all facing.
However it is minimal.
My advice to nannies would be
to stay where you are if your job is secure. If your boss's job is secure, don't
look for greener pastures. If you are
seeking a job, don't sell yourself short,
but weigh job security as much as job
compensation. It is a better decision taking a few dollars less with a family who
will have their money tomorrow, than
risk a job paying big bucks with a family
who just made their money or who are
working in a risky industry.”
Rachel Lawrence, Owner of
Wilmington Nanny Agency LLC in
North Carolina shares, “Things have
slowed down some. Although you may
be worth every penny, now might not be
a good time to play hard ball about salary. Talk to parents and try to set up a
plan for starting at a lower salary and
then having a 90-day raise and a raise in
one-year to get closer to the salary you
were originally looking for. Once the
family sees how wonderful you are,
raises will be a lot easier to give than a
high salary off the bat.”
Shannon Pitts, CEO of InteliMark Enterprises and www.Great
AuPair.com explains, “Some families
are holding back on full-time care, seeking ways to reduce their childcare costs.
We have more candidates seeking fewer
available jobs now than this time last
year.
(Continued on p. 3)
(Continued from p. 2)
Nannies seeking employment may
find they are competing for fewer available
positions and as such should consider the
quality of their application. It would also be
worthwhile to learn how to sell the skills
they have to potential employers and enhance their interview skills.
Another option for nannies would be
to consider organizing a nanny share between two families. This will help ensure the
nannies procure full-time hours while assisting families with the cost of childcare. Families will be looking for nannies that have the
organizational and time management skills
needed to make a nanny share a workable
option for both families.”
Alicia Torchia, President and
Placement Consultant of Careful Care
Givers LLC which serves the New Jersey
and New York tri state area writes, “I have
seen a 5% decline in the volume of business
we have brought in over this past year, these
are families who are hiring us seeking nanny
care services. I have seen an increase in
families hiring us for infant care specialists.
I have seen an increase in repeat business
over all.
I have seen an increase in professional nurses, teachers, and college graduates and even corporate persons entering the
nanny field because they lost jobs in their
field. I tell all the nannies in my network to
try and not change a job in this economy because you never know when you are going
to find another job that suits your needs.”
Sharon Toutant, Owner of A Better
Nanny, Town and Country Domestics in
Sierra Madre, California tells us, “We are
seeing fewer families offering full-time positions. They often are using family for part of
their caregiver needs and hiring part-time
nannies. Many families are seeking our help
in finding their nannies some other part-time
work so they won't lose someone valuable to
their lives.
My best suggestion to nannies is to
be extremely prepared and have your best
information ready for that first interview.
Present a well done concise resume, written references with phone numbers or
other contact information for those references, a current DMV report and any
criminal background check that you can
present. Also present for examination any
school transcripts, CPR and First Aid certification. Be the nanny who brings the best
package to the table so the family will remember you as the best prepared.”
Lora Brawley owner of Brawley &
Associates in Federal Way, Washington
adds, “I’ve seen a decline in the number of
families purchasing consulting services.
However, I still get about the same number
of families looking to hire a nanny.
I recommend nannies:
1. Be prepared to jump into a job search.
Don’t wait until the unthinkable happens
before you start polishing your job search
skills and developing your portfolio.
2. Be prepared to have the “why are we
paying you this much?” conversation.
Every nanny should be able to clearly
define the value they bring to a family.
3. Stay calm. Anxiety is contagious. It’s
your responsibility as a professional to
create and maintain a secure care giving
environment. Plus it will make you feel
better too!
Judi Merlin, President of A Friend
of the Family Home Services, Inc. in
Georgia answers, “Yes, our business is
down, both short and long-term. We are
recruiting for only specific areas and specific jobs, as we have enough caregivers to
fill almost all the jobs we have.”
(Continued on p. 6)
About Us
EXECUTIVE
EDITOR:
Stephanie Felzenberg
has been a professional
nanny since 1993 and
editor of this publication
since 2001. After earning a Bachelor Degree in
Psychology, she worked
with mentally handicapped children and
neglected and abused
teen-aged girls. She
volunteered as the
International Nanny
Association newsletter
editor for more than four
years. She has written
for many nanny newsletters and web sites and a
nanny textbook.
RESEARCH
EDITOR AND
MONTHLY POLL:
Andrea Flagg has been a
nanny since 1999 and is
the co-founder of Nanny
Alliance of New York
and New Jersey, visit:
nannyalliance
nyandnj.com. She also
moderates a Yahoo
Group for the nanny
support group. She edits
our monthly poll and
researches content.
Copyright © 2008. The
material included in this
publication contains general information, is not
intended to provide legal,
financial, and medical
advice and should not be
relied on to govern action
in particular circumstances.
We are not responsible for
the attitudes, beliefs, or
opinions of those interviewed and the advertisements printed within this
publication. We are NOT a
nanny referral business.
Be the Best
Nanny
Monthly Guide
PO Box 43477
Upper Montclair, NJ
07043 USA
Phone:
973-259-1101
Web Site:
www.BestNanny
Newsletter.com
Email:
stephanie@
BestNannyNews
letter.com
How are Part-Time Nannies Compensated?
Monthly Poll Results
L
ori Harvey, a nanny with 25-years professional nanny
experience from Austin, Texas contacted Best Nanny
Newsletter to help determine the level of benefits and
compensation that higher level professional nannies are
receiving for long-term, part-time commitments.
One-thousand one-hundred and twenty-seven
(1,127) in-home childcare providers responded to this
monthly online poll at: www.bestnannynewsletter.com.
Forty-nine percent of the caregivers are part-time nannies,
34% are full-time nannies, 8% are sitters, and 8% were
nanny industry business owners that answered the poll.
1. How do you define part-time? Is it the amount of hours
worked or the number of days worked per week? In this
survey, 45% of poll participants answered that part-time is
defined by the number of hours worked per week; 45%
answered part-time is determined by days worked per
week; and 9% said it is a combination of both hours and
days worked per week.
2. Should a part-time nanny be paid hourly or salary?
Of those that participated in this survey, 49% answered that
part-time nannies should be paid hourly; 30% answered
payment depends on the situation and what the nanny
wants; 15% said part-time nannies should be salaried
employees; and 6% are not sure.
3. Should a part-time nanny get paid as much per hour as a
full-time nanny? Sixty-one percent of nannies answered
yes; 22% answered possibly more; 2% said no; and the rest
skipped the question.
4. What benefits should all nannies have, regardless of
part-time or full-time status? The results are as follows:
gas reimbursement 57%; extra compensation for extra
work such as taking care of friend’s or neighbor’s children
55%; paying taxes 50%; paid national holidays 48%; paid
sick days 47%; and paid vacation days 47%. Other benefits
listed were maternity leave and metro card in New York
City (transportation).
5. Should part-time nannies receive medical benefits?
The answers were: 41% were not sure; 34% answered yes;
and 25% of poll participants said no.
6. If you were (are) a part-time nanny would you be willing
to earn less money in exchange for medical benefits or
other benefits? Of the poll participants 42% answered no;
29% said yes; 25% said they are not sure; and 4% said
other.
7. What benefit do you think is most important for parttime nannies? The answers were: paid time-off 50%;
health insurance 34%; although taxes aren’t a benefit, it is
against the law not to pay taxes 14% answered paying
taxes; and 2% answered other.
8. Do you think that other part-time jobs (not nanny jobs)
offer better part-time benefits than part-time nanny positions? Participants of this survey answered: 38% yes; 33%
not sure; and 26% answered no.
9. Do you have any advice for nannies that work part-time
Be the Best Nanny P. 4
about salary negotiations or work agreements?
Jennifer Carney, a part-time nanny in Worthington, Ohio explains, “I have always treated my part-time
nanny job with the same importance as a full-time nanny
position. I have a contract spelling out the days worked,
salary, tax responsibilities, paid vacation and sick time,
holidays, 60-day notice of termination by either party, how
to compensate for hours above expected and days that the
employer doesn't need you that you expected to work. This
has always worked well for me and has kept a level of
professionalism to the job.”
Espie Flores, a certified nanny from Portland,
Oregon says, “First determine what are the benefits you
want or need, than be ready to compromise on others.
Don't settle for less than what you feel you're entitled to
based on experience and skill level.”
An anonymous nanny from Texas writes, “Insist
on part-time benefits if you work at least 20-hours per
week. Point out that that only temporary employees work
for no benefits at all and nannies are usually wanted to stay
for a couple of years which is not temporary.”
Betty Davis of In Search of Nannies Inc., in
Beverly Massachusetts explains, “We have placed caregivers in two part-time jobs. Salaries for part-time positions
do not seem to have been as affected as salaries for fulltime caregivers. When our agency places one caregiver in
two part-time positions our agency will always negotiate
full benefits for the caregiver between two families.”
Amber Snow, a nanny from Austin, Texas recommends, “Treat part-time nanny jobs like you would any
other job or full-time position. If this is going to be a
permanent position (one-year or more), I would strongly
recommend insisting on paid vacation and sick days.”
Erin Krex of First Class Care, Inc. in Illinois
says, “Make sure you are guaranteed a minimum number
of hours and anything over that should be paid additional,
gas reimbursement for sure.”
Amy Edwards, a nanny coordinator in Lake
Oswego, Oregon suggests, “Get everything in writing
before you start working as a nanny. Don’t allow parents
to think part-time means less structure in pay, hours, and
benefits.”
Luane Sugerman, a nanny from Portland, Oregon
says, “I feel nannies need to educate the public that we are
put in charge of their children and it is a very demanding
and enriching responsibility and one that is taken very
seriously. We should be paid accordingly.”
Karna Haro, a nanny in Boston, Massachusetts
recommends, “Always use an agency. They should be
more than willing to help you work things out with a possible employer. If the agency is unwilling to help you then
find another agency or ask a friend or family member who
has worked as a childcare provider for some insight.”
Ruth Britton, a nanny from Portland, Oregon
says, “Make sure you and the family have come to a fair
agreement and both party's stick to it.”
(Continued on p. 5)
(Continued from p. 4)
Molly Pepper, a nanny from Lexington, Kentucky
explains, “Discuss with your potential employers the fact
that you may need to take an additional job to make the
most of your time. They may be willing to pay you more
and/or give you more hours in an effort to keep scheduling
simple.”
Meg Tully, a nanny in Fogelsville, Pennsylvania
says, “Paying taxes is not a benefit — it’s the law. I think
nannies need to stand up for themselves. If you don’t ask,
you won’t receive.”
Emily White, a nanny from Weston, Florida says,
“Make sure you state what you want, and sign a work
agreement. Don’t let benefits be overlooked just because
you are working part-time.”
Talla Mitchell, a part-time nanny in San Diego,
California says, “Know what the average pay is in your
local area. Figure out what your education and experience
is actually worth in the area you work in. Nannies with ten
years of experience should not be making merely $10.00
per hour.”
Below our readers answered how much they make
per hour at their part-time nanny jobs. We did not factor in
how years of experience or education effects their salary.
If you are a part-time nanny:
Where do
you work?
How much do you
make per hour?
#
of
nannies
Where do
you work?
How much do you
make per hour?
Louisiana
none
Maine
$8.50 to $18
Maryland
#
0
Average: $14
3
$15 to $23
Average: $18.50
22
Massachusetts
$17 to $20
Average: $18.50
35
Michigan
$10 to $15
Average: $13.50
16
Minnesota
$16 to $18
Average: $16.50
10
Mississippi
none
Missouri
$10 to $18
Average: $14
2
Montana
$10.50 to $14
Average: $12
3
Nebraska
$8 to $12
Average: $10
5
Nevada
$8 to $18
Average: $12
13
New Hampshire
$13 to $24
Average: $18
14
New Jersey
$17 to $25
Average: $20
30
New Mexico
none
New York
$13 to $25
Average: $19
53
North Carolina
$12 to $18
Average: $15
10
North Dakota
$10 to $18
Average: $15
12
Ohio
$15 to $23
Average: $19
10
Oklahoma
none
Oregon
$10 to $25
Average: $14
39
Pennsylvania
$13 to $25
Average: $20
30
Rhode Island
$13 to $20
Average: $15
15
South Carolina
$10 to $20
Average: $15
2
0
0
Alabama
$10 to $13
Average: $11.50
2
Alaska
$14 to $20
Average: $16.60
3
Arizona
$12 to $19
Average: $15.60
43
Arkansas
$12 to $15
Average: $13
3
California
$10 to $25
Average: $18
64
Colorado
$12 to $17
Average: $14.50
26
Connecticut
$20 to $28
Average: $24
20
Delaware
$13 to $18
Average: $16
8
District Columbia
$15 to $23
Average: $18
28
South Dakota
$12 to $16
Average: $13
5
Florida
$5 to $15
Average: $11.75
31
Tennessee
$9 to $14
Average: $10
11
Georgia
$12 to $20
Average: $15.60
28
Texas
$14 to $18
Average: $15.75
40
Hawaii
$18 to $23
Average: $20
8
Utah
$10 to $14
Average: $12.50
4
Idaho
None
Vermont
$15 to $23
Average: $16
10
Illinois
$13 to $20
Average: $16.50
10
Virginia
$14 to $23
Average: $18
8
Indiana
$12 to $18
Average: $15
8
Washington
$14 to $18
Average: $16
20
Iowa
$6.50 to $12
Average: $10
8
West Virginia
$12 to $23
Average: $19
6
Kansas
$10 to $15
Average: $12.25
4
Wisconsin
$10.50 to $24
Average: $15
8
Kentucky
$10 to $15
Average: $12.50
16
Wyoming
$14 to $23
Average: $16
13
0
0
Be the Best Nanny P. 5
The Economy and You
How the economy has affected the nanny industry.
By Stephanie Felzenberg, Nanny and Editor of Best Nanny Newsletter
(Continued from p. 3)
Pat Cascio, Founder and Director of
Morningside Nannies in Houston, Texas explains,
“Long-term placements are down. Temporary is
down a bit. We have had fewer inquiries, fewer new
clients, and fewer hires.
Nannies that are used to earning at the higher
end of the salary range, may need to be a bit flexible
about the salaries they are requesting. Families that
are involved in investments and banking are not
earning they type of commissions that they are used
to and thus money isn't flowing as easily as it once
may have. Other families may be watching their investments dwindle in the market and aren't feeling
very certain about their financial futures. When offered employment, nannies should consider themselves lucky to be getting a job offer and hope that
when the financial situation turns around that their
employer will be able to increase their salary. There
have been a few stories recently about nannies not
being able to find jobs in cities as large as New
York. The London newspapers are reporting the
same thing -- when families cut back on expenses
the nanny may be the first to go.”
Merrilan Kougias, CEO, Choose The Right
Nanny, LLC in McKinney, Texas discloses, “We
have seen a decrease in our live-in placements in
markets such as New York. Clients (on the East
Coast) are not rushing to fill vacancies and seem to
be taking a ‘wait and see’ approach.
If a nanny decides she must make a career
change, she should try to be patient and flexible. A
high end nanny may need to reduce her salary
requirement or work smarter by using an agency to
promote her job skills and salary requirements.
Insist on a work agreement or contract between the
employer and the nanny.”
Michelle Damas, CEO of Neverland
Nannies & Domestics in Woodland Hills, California says, “Unfortunately, we have noticed a slight
decline in business due to the economic recession.
However, there are certainly still jobs available by
those who the recession does not affect.
The recession doesn't affect the majority of
our type of clientele, but first time home buyers and
(unfortunately) lower income households have to cut
Be the Best Nanny P. 6
corners. On the brighter side, many families who
still have secured employment still demand quality
childcare for their children, offering continued career opportunities for professional nannies and child
workers.
If any nannies are experiencing difficulties
securing nanny positions, I would encourage them to
take the following steps in order to increase their
odds of finding a great opportunity and beating their
competition:
1. Put together a quality nanny resume. Hint: List
your qualifications in the beginning so they stand
out from others. Try to only incorporate your childcare related positions, rather than non-relevant work
experience. Families want to know what type of
childcare experience you have more so than anything else.
2. Do not put all your eggs in one basket! I encourage all nannies to take the time to scope out the
quality agencies in their area and interview with
each and every one of them (don't sign on to an
agency exclusively). Without harassing the agencies, provide each with a weekly phone call/email
letting them know that you are still in the market for
a nanny position.
3. Remain competitive by keeping your salary
requirements reasonable. Figure out what the going
rate is in your area and then adjust accordingly. Be
flexible, and professional.
4. If you can, be flexible with your schedule (and
note it on your resume). If you are open to travel,
overnight stays, and weekend, note that on your
resume.
5. Try to go on the majority of interviews each
agency offers you. Be on time to every interview
and dress professionally. Bring a copy of your resume, your references (depending on the agencies
policies), any letters of recommendation you may
have, copies of your First Aid/CPR certifications,
Trustline clearance and any other documents you
may have that show your qualifications as a professional nanny.
6. Again, remain optimistic! All of that positive energy is bound to land you a great career opportunity.
(Continued on p. 7)
Steve Lampert CEO of eNannySource.com a national nanny web site writes, “It’s
a fact that there will be more nannies searching for
fewer jobs, that makes it extremely important that
each nanny be very professional and have a well
written resume, dress appropriately and have good
letters of reference. Also, respond quickly to all
emails and calls and arrive on time for interviews.”
Jo Anne Reed, Owner of Estate Domestics,
in Atlanta, Georgia suggests, “I would advise nannies to get seasonal jobs to subsidize their income
while we get through this time.”
Hilary Lockhart, CEO and Founder of A+
Nannies, Inc. in Scottsdale, Arizona shares, “Our
temporary placements are down 42%, family registrations are down 47%, and permanent placements
down 51%. I think everyone is seeing a hit. I think
that nannies need to know that if they want the
same pay they have been getting for the last two or
three-years, they need to expect to be patient when
looking for jobs. We have many families wanting to
start about $1 less than what I was seeing two-years
1.Renew your CPR certification and include ago; they are all willing to give raises at sixa copy of the certificate in your nanny portfo- months. I think parents are just trying to save
lio.
money (like the rest of us). Of course there are
2. Get a letter of recommendation from your those clients that money is still no issue, but they
current employer while you are currently
are not all like that.”
working or ask your employer to complete an
Betty Davis of In Search of Nanny Inc. in
evaluation for you that can be included in
Beverly, Massachusetts discloses, “We will not
your nanny portfolio.
have as high an increase in total annual revenue as
3. Ask friends that are nannies if their emcompared to prior years. We will definitely meet
ployer needs an occasional evening nanny
last year’s total revenue levels but we might not
and if so request a letter of recommendation. increase revenue, as we have in nearly every past
4. Take nanny classes like ours at Teacher’s year.
College for Professional Development.
In the metro Boston area, it is not just in5. Find a way to volunteer to help out at an
home care that has been impacted. There are many
after school program, nursery school, a Gym- long-term family daycare providers in our geoboree, the local bookstore or library by con- graphic area who have closed their businesses due
ducting a "story hour," or daycare. Volunteer to lack of enrollment and have submitted applicafor an adult or children's literacy group,
tions to the agency for professional positions. Day
teaching English as a second language, or
care centers have also let teachers go due to declintutoring at an elementary school. Tell them
ing enrollment.
up-front that you are building both your
Salaries in the metro Boston area are
skills and your resume and you would like
perhaps the highest in the country and they have
them to acknowledge your help by writing a increased dramatically over the past two to threeletter of reference.”
years.
(Continued on p. 10)
(Continued from p. 6)
Anne Merchant of Teacher’s College
for Professional Development and author of
The Nanny Textbook explains, “The economic recession has impacted us. We waived
all of our fees because the number of nannies
registering for classes dropped-off dramatically. Now, because we have no fees at all
our student count is higher than it has been in
six-years. I would advise nannies to not make
the mistake of assuming that you will never
be laid-off. With the rate of foreclosures and
the tumbling down of formerly wellrespected banks and corporations (not to
mention individuals and families that have
lost a lot of money in the stock market) people are cutting back.
To stay as marketable as possible,
don't work just on your education - work on
getting additional credentials that can be
added to your resume, such as:
Be the Best Nanny P. 7
Help INA Lobby for Change
Increase in Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax
Dear Nannies:
The International Nanny Association, (INA), is working to protect your interests on issues of importance to the
childcare industry. Part of this effort involves lobbying federal officials for changes in the law to support nannies and working
families.
Now we need your help. INA is beginning a lobbying campaign to contact all members of Congress and Senators to
urge them to increase the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. This credit has been at the same low level for seven
years and doesn't even come close to covering the cost of childcare. By raising this issue in this election year, we hope to bring
this important subject to the front of legislators' minds and hopefully get some action on it in Congress.
But we cannot do this without you. We urge you to contact your member of Congress, two senators, and John McCain
and Barack Obama and let them know you would like an increase in the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Below is
a sample letter you can use as a guide for you to contact your legislators.
If you have questions about this effort, please contact the INA Governmental Affairs Chairperson Bob King, Esq. of
Legally Nanny at 714-336-8864 or info@legallynanny.com. Your grassroots lobbying is the most critical component of this
campaign.
We urge you to email, write, or call your member of Congress, two Senators, and John McCain and Barack Obama
today. You can find and contact your member of congress at www.house.gov; you can find and contact your senators at
www.senate.gov.
Just one contact can make a difference if we all do so!
Thank you,
The INA Board of Directors
SAMPLE LETTER
[Date]
Senator [Name]
Address 1
Address 2
Re: Increase in Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
Dear Senator [Name]:
The federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) helps working families provide care for young
children and other dependents who cannot care for themselves. Unfortunately, this credit is not indexed for inflation and only
provides a 20% to 35% credit for the first $3,000 in childcare for each eligible child. This amounts to a credit of only $600 to
$1,050 for a family where both spouses have to work just to make ends meet.
As a professional in the childcare industry, I urge you to consider increasing this credit. Specifically, I agree with the
International Nanny Association's recommendation that the first $7,000 of expenses per child be eligible for this credit.
Further, I support indexing the amount of expenses to inflation to ensure that the credit to working families is not eroded over
time.
The current CDCTC does not even come close to paying for a year of childcare. The average annual cost of childcare
in the U.S. is $7,332 per child, and is significantly higher in many metropolitan areas. Thus, the credit which ranges from $600
to $1,050 covers only a fraction of the total costs parents must pay for this annually increasing expense. However, the CDCTC
has remained at its present level for seven years, eroding its benefits as childcare costs increase.
The CDCTC only applies to families where both parents are working, actively looking for work or attending school
full-time. It is not a subsidy for stay-at-home parents, but rather this important credit assists those individuals who are working
and need this vital childcare to allow them to work or attend school full-time.
The CDCTC applies to families at all income levels, and it is the second largest source of federal childcare assistance.
In sum, it is a broadly used and critically important benefit.
As your constituent and a professional in the childcare industry, I hope you will support increasing the amount of
eligible expenses for the CDCTC to $7,000 and indexing this amount for inflation. I look forward to hearing your response and
receiving your support in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Name]
Be the Best Nanny P. 8
Suze Orman Talks About Kids and Money
Now is the time to teach kids about money.
(Continued from p. 1)
Although parents determine allowance for their
children, nannies can help implement the rules and the
chores to gain an allowance.
Suze explained, "You get an allowance simply
because you live in a household? No! Money has to be
earned," she says.
“If it were up to me, I would disallow allowances. Or at least the version of allowances that are
popular these days. When I ask young children why
they get an allowance, they just shrug and tell me because their brother or sister does. Or because their parents give it to them. Folks, this is ridiculous.
She continues, “That’s simply not what an allowance should be about. An allowance is your first
opportunity to teach your children to respect money to
teach them that money is something that must be
earned.”
“So, for starters,” Suze says, “I want you to
ditch the word ‘allowance’ and change it to salary.
Yep, you read that right. Why not teach your kids the
concept of earning money from work?”
Based on the federal minimum wage of $6.50
an hour, Suze calculates that each minute of work is
worth roughly 10 cents. It will take about four hours
of work to earn the $20. Suze says this is a good level
to start a child's wages. "Now if they do that job efficiently, you can give them a pay raise. If they do not
do that job efficiently, … I would actually decrease
their salary, so that the kids understand good work
equals good pay equals job promotion. Bad work
equals getting fired," she says. "And when they learn
that at 8, 9, 10, now what are we talking about? We
have a kid that knows they have to work for something."
“Just keep it simple when coming up with the
chores. And try to make this a fun process; ask your
son or daughter what jobs they think would be a great
way to help out around the house. Folding laundry?
Delivering the laundry to the right bedrooms? Setting
the dinner table? You get the idea. This is not punishment. And keep the payout small for young children.
A dollar or two a week is plenty for a young child.”
What kinds of work can a 10-year-old do to
earn her wages? Is cleaning up her room or making
her bed enough? Yes, Suze says these are good tasks
for a kid as long as it helps her parents. "You guys have
to decide together what helps you really around the
house," she says.
When it comes to helping children become financially secure adults, Suze says there are five things
every parent should know.
1. Start talking about money. "Open up the conversation," Suze says. "Kids do as you do. Not as you say. So
for you, you now have to open up the conversation with
your actual actions."
2. Teach kids to value money. It's hard for kids to
grasp how much you're actually paying for items when
you do so with a credit or debit card, Suze says. Kids
need to see something more concrete. "Start paying for
things in cash. That's what you really need to do," Suze
says.
3. Don't reward your children with money. An A on
the report card doesn't equal $50, Suze says. "Love
them. Spend time with them," she says. "[They'll say:] 'I
got an A. I get to go out with Mommy and Daddy. I get
to spend time.' Teach your children the value of a personal relationship—not that everything comes down to
money."
4. Be an example for your children. "Kids do as you
do, not as you say. And don't think that they don't watch
everything that you do," Suze says. "Don't tell them you
can afford something when you can't. All kids want
from you is honesty. All this world wants from you is
honesty. And all you should want from yourself is honesty."
5. Teach your kids to prioritize. Sure, kids may want
everything, but Suze advises to have them sit down and
make a list of what they want the most. "If they still
want it a month from then, let them come back to you,
but prioritize. What is really important?" she says. "And
Mom and Dad, help them prioritize—what do you need
versus what you want? And out of all the things you
want, what's the most important thing that you want?"
Please remember that as nannies we can share
this article and advice with the parents that employ us,
but it is the parent’s decision how to implement an
allowance and how to teach their children about money.
Be the Best Nanny P. 9
The Economy and You
How the economy has affected the nanny industry.
By Stephanie Felzenberg, Nanny and Editor of Best Nanny Newsletter
(Continued from p. 7)
I think caregivers, as all of us, will have to
‘tighten the belt’ and perhaps consider positions at
slightly lower salaries (still competitive) than
perhaps they have had recently. The economy will
come back and if a caregiver is doing a great job, I
am sure as their employers are more secure in their
professional positions, their caregiver’s work will be
financially recognized. Most of the families that we
assist have also seen their income decline – no raises,
elimination of bonuses, and so on.
Nannies might also consider working two
part-time positions to earn their weekly salary. We
have placed caregivers in two jobs – a two-day job
and a three-day job. Salaries for part-time positions
do not seem to have been as affected as salaries for
full-time caregivers. When our agency places one
caregiver in two part-time positions our agency will
always negotiate full benefits for the caregiver between two families. If a caregiver already has one
part-time position (which she found independently)
and wants us to find another to ‘match’ it, the caregiver might not receive a full paid benefits package
unless we are able to negotiate with the other family
– which has happened only a few times.”
Mary O’Connor, Owner of Nannies from
the Heartland, in Minneapolis, Minnesota adds,
“Right now we are at about the same place we were
last year. We have noticed more families considering
a part-time nanny over a full-time nanny. Our temporary placements have increased. However, in the last
couple of weeks we have had a decrease in client inquires and new clients.
Nannies should carefully consider switching
jobs knowing that finding something could take much
longer than it has in the past. Good jobs are available
but it is taking longer to find the 'right fit.' Consider
accepting temporary or short-term work while searching for permanent placements. Look at what might be
negotiable because you may be making compromises
in your pay range or benefits. It is in the nanny's best
interest to make sure their resume is up-to-date, CPR
and First Aid is current, and they have demonstrated
professional continuing education -- these things get
Be the Best Nanny P. 10
attention.”
Erin Krex, Owner of First Class Care, Inc.,
in Illinois adds, “Families are not offering the same
generous salaries as three-months ago. They are
shopping around more for the best deal. Most of the
nannies I see are asking for more money than they
made at their last job, which is understandable, but
I tell them if you can find a good family who needs
you long-term then take the pay decrease and wait
the year for a raise, otherwise they will go months
without a job while waiting for the desired salary.”
Some nanny placement agencies have seen
no affect from the economic recession. For example, Starla Smith of HouseholdStaffing.com in
Pennsylvania says, “Business is booming!”
Ginger Mylander Swift, President of ABC
Nannies & Domestics, Inc. in Denver, Colorado
discloses that she is having, “another great year and
once again we are on track to surpass last year's
revenues. Nannies with experience and strong
references will always be in demand.”
Jessica Gillan, President and CEO of A
Nanny Solution, Inc. in San Jose, California
shares, “I have had my most profitable year. We
have placed 53 full-time nannies this year alone,
and the year isn’t over. I have had parents tell me
that they recently sold stocks to be able to afford
one of our high caliber nannies in addition to our
placement fees.
I have seen three agencies in the bay area go
under within the last six-months.
Believe it or not, this economy can be a
blessing in disguise for the nanny industry. More
mothers are going back to work and those families
need nannies. If this truly is your career then you
must take the good with the bad, the economy will
make a return. In the meantime, stay off craigslist
where the parents who are looking for a cheap deal
are on there and as a result only want to offer
below market wages. Parents use agencies because
they want the whole package and they are aware
of the placement fees and higher salaries. Parents
want a polished and a committed professional
(Continued on p. 11)
nanny.”
employment. I also assume that parents will try to do
Wendy Sachs, President of The Philadelthe job that a good agency will do in vetting the right
phia Nanny Network, Inc. explains, “We have not
person to help with their childcare. There is always a
noticed a decline in our business in any way due to
need for nannies here in Los Angeles as there are
the economic recession. We have seen families
thousands of families with dual income parents that
deciding to opt out of using our service telling us it's need childcare. I am not only telling the nannies, but
because of the economy but
other job seekers as well as
we are still getting new
personal and executive asTHE UNEXPECTED LAY-OFF
clients in to replace that
sistants, and chefs to possiBy Andrea Flagg
attrition.
1. Severance: Have an agreed upon severance plan bly lower the expectations
written into your work agreement.
With more people
of their salaries, and to be
2. Unemployment benefits: One of the benefits
getting laid-off, the pool
more flexible in what they
of paying taxes is getting unemployment reimbursewill become flooded with
are looking for in a position.
ment.
people looking for work,
Everyone needs to lower
3. Evaluations: Have your employers complete a
reassess moving out of job
their prices including agenwritten nanny evaluation every three to six-months to
at this time, may be wiser to include with your nanny portfolio.
cies, as this is a time when
4. Resume: Update your resume every few months. everyone is worried about
hold onto the job they are
5. References: Ask former employers, parents,
currently in.”
their bottom line.”
teachers, or neighbors to write letters of reference.
Elizabeth Walsh,
Susan Feigon & Gail
6. Nanny Portfolio: You have time to work on it
Owner of NannyQuest,
Hamilton
of Feigon Hamilnow.
Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia
ton Partnership recom7. Make finding a job a full-time job: Make
explains, “Our clientele
your job search your number one priority.
mend, “Keep a positive
seem to be above the finan8. Contact local nanny agencies: The best way attitude and keep the job
cial storm. I suggest nannies to find a great nanny placement agency is by asking
you already have for now.”
other nannies and families which agencies they used.
open up the parameters of
The good news:
9. Nanny web sites: Sign up with nanny employyour job search. Be willing
Ana,
the
nanny that called
ment web sites via the Internet.
to do a bit more than just
Best
Nanny
Newsletter
10. CPR and First Aid: Get CPR and First Aid
childcare. Sell yourself by
certified.
crying she had lost her job
11. Education: Use your down time to take a child
emphasizing your skills at
the first week of October
related course or research current childcare issues.
home management, light
has found a job before print12. Network: Tell anyone who will listen that you
housework, meal preparaing this issue. She has just
are searching for a new nanny position.
tion, tutoring, swimming
signed a contract making
13. Have a back-up plan: Is there another
lessons, and so on. When
$65,000 per year as a nanny
profession you can fall back on while you search for a
parents realize that they can
great nanny job?
in Hoboken, New Jersey.
14. Savings: Have a special savings account stashed For Ana, her former boss
be more effective at making
away that you can dip into if needed.
money because of what you
losing his job became her
15. Temporary jobs: Work temporary and parttake off their proverbial
blessing in disguise.
time jobs until you find a great full-time position.
plate, they are more willing
16. Focus and target: Keep in mind that your next
to pay top dollar.”
Thank you also to
employer won’t only choose you, you choose them.
Claudia Kahn,
Sacha Taylor of Nannies
Owner of The Help
and More in Atlanta, Georgia; Susan Buczak of
Company, in Santa Monica, California writes, “We
Christian Nanny in Knoxville, Tennessee; and
have not yet seen a decline in our business, but we
Shari Kendall-O'Neill, Owner of Amazing Placeare expecting it. We have had calls from many good
ments, LLC for their contributions to this article.
nannies that have lost their job and are seeking new
(Continued from p. 10)
Be the Best Nanny P. 11
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Be the Best Nanny P. 13
Be Quoted in
Best Nanny Newsletter
Take Monthly Poll
www.bestnannynewsletter.com/
monthlypoll.htm
Canadian Child Care Federation
Committed to EXCELLENCE
in early learning and child care
1-800-858-1412
www.cccf-fcsge.ca
Email: info@cccf-fcsge.ca
INA Membership Drive
Win a free i-pod.
S
ome of you may be familiar with
the International Nanny
Association, (INA), a not for
profit association that serves as the
umbrella association for the in-home child
care industry by providing information,
Susan Tokayer, education and guidance to the public and to
President of
industry professionals. INA is currently
Family Helpers
having
a membership drive and I would
and Co-President
like to invite you to join. From October,
of INA.
2008 thru March, 2009 the nanny who
refers the most new members wins an i-pod. Anyone that
refers five or more new members gets a free conference
registration. The 2009 INA Conference is going to be in
Dallas, April 23 - 26.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about your
profession, and to also participate in helping to get the word
out about the value of nannies and what nannies really do!
Please visit INA’s web site at www.nanny.org to learn more
about the organization. Please call the INA Membership
Office at 1-888-878-1477 if you have any questions.
Together we can take the nanny profession to a new
level!
Be the Best Nanny P. 14
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PO Box 43477
Upper Montclair NJ 07043
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● 914 Mt. Kemble Ave., Suite 304
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Best Nanny Newsletter is published for in-home child
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