Guidance on the Holiday Bonus for the Nanny or On-Call Babysitter

  

Dear Wee Care, 
"Thank you, thank you for sending Lily our way.  She is FABULOUS! Since she is our first nanny, can you provide us with some guidance on a Christmas/holiday bonus?" Understandably, we get this question a lot during this time of year.

To answer your question, a full-time nanny can usually expect a holiday bonus of one week's pay - two week's salary depending upon her length of service.  Additionally, if the nanny has been with the family under a year, half of her weekly salary is standard. If the nanny is  just starting, a $100 gift card sets a nice tone.  A hand-written note of thanks expressing your sincere appreciation and referencing a yearly highlight of the caregiver/child relationship is an additional way to show your genuine gratitude. 

Some families will include an extra little something coming from the children like a homemade card, cookies or her favorite confection which surrounds the monetary gift with genuine warmth and appreciation from the child.

For the regular on call  babysitter that provides care several times each month, a gift equal to one night's pay are the norm. Many families choose to provide a $50-$100 gift card to her favorite shop, cafe, nail salon etc.

Housekeeper/Cleaner,  one or two week's pay, depending upon her length of service and a small gift like  a bottle of wine.

Obviously, this is a general guideline of industry norms in the NY Metro Region. Some families give more or less depending on the particular circumstances and family budget.  


Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Helping Nannies & Caregivers Learn to Swim

Do you think you've ever missed a good job opportunity because the family has a pool or lives near a beach and requires a swimmer? Unfortunately, we have exceptional nannies that experience this on a regular basis. So many nannies grew up surrounded by beautiful beaches but later developed an intense fear of the ocean, and never learned to swim. It is an unfortunate situation to be in but there is something you can do about it. 

Jeff Krieger, M.S., has a wonderful program called Strategies for Overcoming Aquatic Phobias (SOAP). Jeff is a combination of swim teacher and encouraging coach/therapist. He has worked successfully with many nannies and caregivers.  His mix of patience, understanding and empathy helps to put even the most fearful of beginners at ease. Of course, it helps that Jeff really loves what he does.  You can find him teaching his course throughout Westchester, Manhattan and the Bronx.

 I (Mellisa from Wee Care) always wanted to be a swimmer. However,  I was fearful of being in water over my head and could barely make my way across the pool. I recently completed Jeff's course and am now swimming laps!  I took the course with several other students from all walks of life. None were swimmers. Some were terrified of even going into the pool and others only knew how to doggie paddle. After a couple of months of weekly classes, everyone was swimming, really swimming. Not like Micheal Phelps, but capable swimmers able to do multiple laps in an Olympic size pool. We are happy to recommend Jeff's course, it really works. 

For more information about learning to swim and the course click here.

    
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)-FAQs for Nannies and Domestics

Over the last few weeks, we have been getting questions from nannies and families alike about the Affordable Care Act  (Obamacare) that went into effect last year. For those without health insurance or people shopping for new insurance, we wanted to put forth some helpful and reliable information. Open enrollment starts on November 15, 2014–February 15, 2015. Many who sign up are eligible for income based subsidies to help pay for the insurance. After the marketplace closes in February 2015, you cannot get coverage until next year unless you have a qualifying life event like losing your job, getting divorced or having a child.

Below are FAQs and answers from a recent NYT article. We hope this helps.

FAQs Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

 Health Care Plans for Nannies and Domestics Residing in CT

•  Access Health CT- Connecticut's official health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). (1-855-805-4325)
• HUSKY- Healthcare for UninSured Kids and Youth. 

Health Care Plans for Nannies and Domestics Residing in NY

• NY State of Health - Official health plan marketplace of NYS under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). (1-855-355-5777)
• Child Health Plus - New York State health insurance plan for children.

Healing Hearts Fundraiser in Stamford on Nov. 22, 2014 to Help Improve the Lives of Children with Developmental Disabilities and Neuro-Motor Challenges

We are proud to recognize and support our friends at Healing Hearts of Stamford, CT. They are holding their Gala Fundraiser on Nov. 22, 2014 at the Italian Center in Stamford, CT. Two of the key administrators and founders of Healing Hearts are good friends, and wonderful and caring souls. Tom Bacha and Kimberly Colletto dedicate their time, energy and resources to making a profound difference in the lives of children with special needs. 

Healing Hearts Recreational and Social Division is dedicated to improving the lives of children with a wide range of developmental disabilities and neuro-motor challenges. Classes are open for children of all abilities. Healing Hearts staff has vast experience in education and acquisition of skills in play, language and motor/sensory. Each class emphasizes the importance of peer interaction, increasing language skills and age appropriate activities.

Part of the proceeds will go toward the operating expenses and additions to Healing Hearts' new 1000 square foot indoor Sensory Gym and sponsorship of a room for the new Healing Hearts Club House.  For more information, please contact Kimberly Colletto (203-708-0076) or click here. It’s a wonderful cause!

Nanny Background Screening is more than a Nanny Background Check

From  International Nanny Association (INA), October 15, 2014

The nanny industry – nannies, nanny referral professionals, nanny background screeners and educators – share an overwhelming concern for the wellbeing of the children being cared for by a nanny in their home. We are all child care professionals. Sadly, there is yet another story making the news rounds about a nanny hired from an online venue mistreating the children in her care. The nanny was ‘caught’ on a nanny cam. The International Nanny Association (INA) and the Alliance of Premier Nanny Agencies (APNA) want to inform parents that a computerized background check is quite simply insufficient ‘screening’ to evaluate a nanny applicant. The digital, criminal “background check” creates a false sense of security for families. Read article here

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

10 Tips from the Best Nanny Industry Insiders About Nanny Job Satisfaction

When families hire a nanny, they enter the relationship with the best of intentions to establish a mutually rewarding long term relationship between the nanny and the family. You have gone to a lot of effort to locate this nanny, what actions can you take as the nanny employer to insure your mutual satisfaction? What are the keys to nanny job satisfaction?

HomeWork Solutions consulted with the most successful nanny recruiters and this is what they told us: Wee Care weighed in on not micromanaging your nanny. Read the article here.

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

NATIONAL NANNY RECOGNITION WEEK SEPTEMBER 21 - 27, 2014

We recognize and truly appreciate the important role nannies play in helping families by making such a vital difference in the daily lives of the children they care for day after day. It doesn't get said enough-THANK YOU, THANK YOU! 

We want to offer some suggestions for how families can recognize and show appreciation for their nanny on National Nanny Recognition Week. The thought and your sincere wishes that come with your present can mean far more to your nanny than the actual gift.  A heartfelt card or video from her charges expressing how much their nanny means to them should accompany any gift.

Some ideas:

·        A gas card

·        Gift certificate to a spa or nail salon

·        Godiva chocolates or her favorite type of chocolate

·        A Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks gift card

·        Gift certificate to a nice restaurant she mentioned

·        Zumba or Yoga classes

·        Give some extra time off to spend with family or friends 

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

International Nanny Association states, "Use Caution When Hiring a Nanny Using Online Services"

Good article from the International Nanny Association, the authority on in-home child care since 1985, about exercising caution when using an online listing board like Care.com, Sittercity, Craigslist etc.

Use Caution When Hiring a Nanny Using Online Services

The International Nanny Association is aware of a recent incident involving a nanny in New Jersey who was hired to care for a child for 4 hours. According to sources, the mother found the nanny passed-out, drunk and the child crying and in a soiled diaper. The child was physically uninjured and the nanny was arrested. The family hired the nanny through an online service.

The International Nanny Association acknowledges that online child care services provide a quick and cost efficient way to secure child care. Parents using these online resources, however, assume total responsibility for all caregiver vetting – the websites have iron clad disclaimers that clearly state this. An interview, even an in-person interview, is not sufficient. It is imperative that thorough nanny background screening checks be run on any person one chooses to care for their children and that the caregiver’s references must be scrupulously checked.

The International Nanny Association suggests that parents seeking qualified and extensively screened child care providers consider a professional nanny referral agency in their local area. INA-member agencies are listed in our online membership directory. Experienced nanny referral agencies have deep expertise in caregiver screening, the kind of experience that comes from daily nanny interviewing, screening, and reference checking. Background screening will only reveal when an applicant has been caught and convicted of a crime. Putting a recruiting professional in your corner dramatically reduces the risks of a bad hire.

Emotionally and physically safe and secure in-home childcare is our mutual goal.



Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

The authority on in-home child careabout exercising caution when using one of the many child care listing sites like Care.com or Sittercity. 

Great Job Bedford Village Swim & Dive Team

Congratulations to the Bedford Village Swim and Dive Team (BVSDT) for a strong showing in their first year competing in Division II. Great job by the swimmers, coaches and volunteers. We are proud to be a sponsor of these determined young athletes!

See you in 2015.

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Online Nanny and Job Sites Can Put Children at Risk

Interesting article from the Association of Nanny Agencies (ANA) about some of the overlooked risks of using an online site to secure a child care provider.

As with any encounter originating online, we advise job seekers and potential employers alike to exercise common sense before agreeing to meet anyone you corresponded with online. The first meeting should always be in a diner or Starbucks and make certain to get the full names and contact numbers of anyone you're meeting with beforehand. Call to confirm the appointment and establish the legitimacy of the contact information. And if something seems awry,  trust your gut and move on!

 
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Pound Ridge 5K and Kids Fun Race and Fireworks Show-Saturday, July 5th

POUND RIDGE 5K AND KIDS RACE

Saturday, July 5th is the 15th annual Independence Day Race in Pound Ridge, NY.  Enjoy the holiday weekend with a 5K run through scenic Pound Ridge. The race is followed by the Kids Fun Race for toddlers to tweens. The 5K starts at 9AM and the kids' races begin after the 5K is completed. 

Race Information and Registration

Pound Ride Elementary School

7 Pound Ridge Road Pound Ridge, NY 

FIREWORKS SHOW

The spectacular annual Fireworks show starts around dusk in the Pound Ridge Town Park. Fireworks, music and don't forget your picnic basket.
 July 5, 2014  Saturday, Pound Ridge Town Park 199 Westchester Avenue

It is a great day of fun for the whole family. Wee Care will have fun summer giveaways for the kids. We hope to see you there! 

4 on the Fourth Road Race in New Canaan, CT July 4, 2014-Race Results

Congratulations to the winners and to all the finishers.

 Four on the Fourth Race in New Canaan, CT July 4, 2014     

 RACE RESULTS.

  
 July 4th is the 32nd annual (4 on the Fourth) Independence Day Race in New Canaan, CT. Great way to start off the day with a 4 mile run along scenic Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan, Conn.

Please stop by and say hello as Wee Care Nanny Agency will again be sponsoring post-race refreshments at the finish line and giving out frisbees and beach balls for the children. We hope to see you there!
 
Race starts at 9 AM, St. Mark's Church, Rt. 124 New Canaan, Conn.

For more information about the race or to register online,  click here

Tony Dovolani, from "Dancing with the Stars" Lends Support to Healing Hearts of Stamford

Our friends at Healing Hearts, a Stamford nonprofit, will have a fund raiser this August.

Tony Dovolani, from "Dancing with the Stars", will be there to help celebrate the grand opening of Healing Hearts Indoor Sensory Gym. Tony stopped by recently to meet and dance with one of his biggest fans, Jessica Meunier.  Her beautiful bright smile and laughter says it all.  

Check out the video here.

Two of the key administrators and founders of Healing Hearts are good friends, and wonderful and caring individuals. Tom Bacha and Kimberly Colletto dedicate their time, energy and resources to make a profound difference in the lives of children with special needs. Healing Hearts is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicating to improving the lives of individuals with special needs. They aim to address social and recreational needs of children,teens and adults with a variety of neuro-developmental disabilities. Healing Hearts currently serves children,teens and adults in lower Fairfield County, CT.

Classes are open to children,teens and adults of all abilities and Healing Hearts staff has vast experience in education and acquisition of skills in play,language,and motor/sensory. Each class emphasizes the importance of peer interaction,increasing language skills and age appropriate activities.

For more information on Healing Hearts, contact Kimberly Colletto at 203-355-9395.

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency