A verbal agreement can be nice and easy. It feels less intimidating, so most people stop there.
DON’T STOP! A verbal agreement carries no weight in “the real world”.
A contract is important because it protects you and the family. It clarifies expectations, payments, responsibilities for both sides. It’s legally binding once both parties sign. Everyone needs a contract because we are humans. We all forget things sometimes and aren’t always clear communicators. Just in case there are disputes in the future your contract is there to help.
True Story: I picked up one of the kids I have after school. We wanted to make “shiny” slime, so we had to make a quick pit stop by a grocery store to pick up some glitter. This was no big deal because I had permission from her mom since it was just on the way. We ran in, grabbed what we needed, and were off. As I pulled out of my spot, another car came out of nowhere and hint my bumper! 🤦🏽♀️ What was I going to do?! What if she got hurt?! What would her mom say?! Thankfully, I didn’t have to worry about any of that. Because I was pulling out slowly, nobody was hurt! I knew what her mom would say because we’d discussed what to do in this situation ahead of time. It was in my contract.
-Rainey Knight
CONTENTS
1. Start Date & Location
2. Work Hours & Dates
3. Compensation & Taxes
4. Job Responsibilities
5. Child Development & Health
6. Training & Physical Health Requirements
7. Transportation
8. Confidentiality
9. Trial & Termination
This sample contract is all you need to start your nanny business.
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YOU NEED A CONTRACT
Having a contract will make it clear to you and the family what your job responsibilities are. A contract will tell everyone what to expect. You won’t feel like you’re being taken advantage of, and they won’t have the ability to take advantage of you.
If your nanny family ever asks you to do something beyond what’s stipulated in the contract, you can just point back to the contract. That’s what a contract’s for.
A contract is there to protect the relationship between you and the family.