Turnover in the home childcare demographic is much higher than other lines of business.
Good, consistent childcare is very difficult to find. If you find a great employee you will want to keep them around,
as it is beneficial for the children and their development. Turnover can negatively affect the family.

Here are some quick tips/guidelines to help you become an employer of choice:

1. MAKE A CONTRACT/WORK AGREEMENT/JOB DESCRIPTION

This can range from very basis to extensive. It should contain a simple listing of your expectations.

• Work hours and pay (weekly or hourly)
• The handling of taxes
• Benefits: vacations (yours and hers), sick days, health insurance, if relevant
• Plans for transporting children to school or activities

2. TREAT THE NANNY WITH RESPECT

Treating your caregiver like a servant in a Victorian household is a sure way to send her looking for a new job.
Treating a nanny with respect will also influence your children. Children who make unreasonable demands, or who treat their nannies like personal maids,
do not endear themselves to otherwise excellent childcare providers.

3. DON’T ADD EXTRA DUTIES WITHOUT EXTRA PAY

This is your employee. You have an obligation to set up certain work conditions. You can expect her to walk the dog,
clean the kitchen and take your clothes to the dry cleaner only if those duties are included in her initial job description.
If you need to add extra responsibilities, you should first ask the caregiver and then expect to pay more.

4. MAKE SURE YOU SPECIFY WORK TIME AND DATES CLEARLY

Keeping a consistent and clear work schedule helps both the employer and employee.

5. KEEP YOUR EXPECTATIONS REALISTIC

Could you handle all the responsibilities that you are expecting from the nanny? As the children grow, do these demands remain reasonable?

6. EXPRESS SINCERE APPRECIATION

People respond to compliments, they revel in positive reinforcement. If you can’t raise your nanny’s salary,
consider other expressions of your appreciation: tickets to a movie or concert, a meal out at a restaurant etc.