Nanny Advice Needed

[Fancy Face]

Hi there! Happy New Year to you all.

Need some rapid advice about getting a nanny. We have a daycare provider already for our 2 year old and have set up the same provider for our 1 year old. The problem arises in that the 1 year old likes to sleep in the morning, has a very flexible sleep schedule and a very gentle personality. One of the kids at the daycare we send our 2 yo to is very big (although she's 2 yo too) and is double the size of our 1 year old. We have seen her treat another 1 yo with brutal force and even though the provider (her mother) is there, we got so scared for the little one and later the provider herself said she was worried about the child's tendencies. We're petrified to send her to the provider because of this child (her daughter) and are thinking of the live-in or live-out nanny option even though we are really happy with the current provider. The sleep schedule, etc is also another reason why we want to go this route. It will be easier for us, too as we both work and have to catch the GO train.

So, where can I get a good nanny from - possible agencies, websites or even referrals of qualified people you know that are looking for this kind of arrangement? I know I'm not asking all the questions here but want to start this thread for someone to help me with this quest.

Thanks in advance!

[condorguy]

We got our nanny through www.canadiannanny.ca (http://www.canadiannanny.ca)...give them a shot. A lot of our friends have gotten nannies through this web site and are happy.

[Tiberius]

Just curious... how much does a nanny cost?

[Hybrid88]

What a paid site!? There got to be another site similar to this without signing up.

We got our nanny through www.canadiannanny.ca (http://www.canadiannanny.ca)...give them a shot. A lot of our friends have gotten nannies through this web site and are happy.

[volan]

We got our nanny through a "nanny wanted" poster on the notice board of our local grocery store.

[kamanda]

You could try www.amacare.ca

[qster]

We got our nanny through www.canadiannanny.ca (http://www.canadiannanny.ca)...give them a shot. A lot of our friends have gotten nannies through this web site and are happy.

That depends on if the nanny is there just for the day or is a live-in nanny.
Cost can be $800 - $1,400/month. Variables are the number of kids and experience of the nanny.

[ai_c]

you can try craigslist or kijiji, several postings there but depending which city you are from.

[Bullseye]

That depends on if the nanny is there just for the day or is a live-in nanny.
Cost can be $800 - $1,400/month. Variables are the number of kids and experience of the nanny.

That range still seems really cheap to me, I had heard $2k+. Just daycare in the Toronto area can cost $1k per month easily, if a nanny could be had for the around the same rate, wouldn't everyone do it? Especially if you had more than one child?

[condorguy]

We have a nanny and we pay her $500 every 2 weeks. On top of that we pay all of her taxes, EI, CPP, etc. In addition, she lives with us so she gets free food, lodging, etc.

So it all adds us to about $1400-1500 per month all things considered.

[Fancy Face]

We got our nanny through www.canadiannanny.ca (http://www.canadiannanny.ca)...give them a shot. A lot of our friends have gotten nannies through this web site and are happy.

Thanks! How long did you post on their website - 2 months or 6 months and in what time frame did you get your nanny? Have all nannies registered on that site had background security checks done? Are there any loopholes? What happens if she's sick or has to leave for an extended period of time? Do they provide a replacement at no extra cost?

Take care.

[mart242]

That range still seems really cheap to me, I had heard $2k+. Just daycare in the Toronto area can cost $1k per month easily, if a nanny could be had for the around the same rate, wouldn't everyone do it? Especially if you had more than one child?

:lol: That's exactly what I was thinking when I was reading about the cost! Do they cook meals as well? Come home and bingo, hot meal ready as well!

[Bullseye]

We have a nanny and we pay her $500 every 2 weeks. On top of that we pay all of her taxes, EI, CPP, etc. In addition, she lives with us so she gets free food, lodging, etc.

So it all adds us to about $1400-1500 per month all things considered.

How many hours does she work per week? If it's full time, I can't understand why anyone would want to be a nanny? 40 hours per week would work out to $6.25/hour, plus food and a room, with no benefits. You can really find good dependable and trustable help for that cheap?

[volan]

How many hours does she work per week? If it's full time, I can't understand why anyone would want to be a nanny? 40 hours per week would work out to $6.25/hour, plus food and a room, with no benefits. You can really find good dependable and trustable help for that cheap?

Most nannnies come here from other countries and they come here to try and make a better life for themselves and for their families. After 2 years they can apply for a "proper" work visa. Once they get their visa they are free to work anywhere they want, but in the meantime if they are here on the live-in caregiver program they must follow the rules. So they do their time and then go and work for Timmies, or a nursing home, etc.

[qster]

That range still seems really cheap to me, I had heard $2k+. Just daycare in the Toronto area can cost $1k per month easily, if a nanny could be had for the around the same rate, wouldn't everyone do it? Especially if you had more than one child?

Its simple math.
Daycares charge you on a per kid basis. So if you have 2 kids its about $2K+ per month.

Going the nanny route is the best option when you have 2 kids, however the hard part is find the RIGHT nanny! Not just any nanny will do.
The better ones command a premium and there aren't many to go around.
Thats why most people go the daycare route.

With a nanny, you are entrusting the safety of your child to the nanny's care whereas in a daycare setting there are usually more than 1 person caring for your child. This is why they are nanny cams are the market.

[qster]

How many hours does she work per week? If it's full time, I can't understand why anyone would want to be a nanny? 40 hours per week would work out to $6.25/hour, plus food and a room, with no benefits. You can really find good dependable and trustable help for that cheap?

Nanny rates are $9-10/hr.
Live in nanny rates are reduce since you substract room/board from their pay.

For nannies who come from abroad $9-10 is a lot of money compared to the economy they came from.

[Fancy Face]

Does anyone understand what it means to enroll in the Live in Caregiver program as an employer? This is also for the nanny situation.

Thanks!

[qster]

Does anyone understand what it means to enroll in the Live in Caregiver program as an employer? This is also for the nanny situation.

Thanks!

The nanny must enroll into this program if they are from abroad and want to work in Canada.

The nanny must live at the employer's residence.

Here is more information.
http://www.liveincaregiverprogram.com/

[gmark2000]

Our live-in British nanny will be free coming this September. She has 20 years experience and has been in Canada for over a decade. She prefers to stay in the Oakville/Burlington area. PM me if you want more info.

We have twins and it was definitely cheaper than two full time daycare spots. Plus we can arrange to go away for an evening, weekend or a week without the kids (she has banked time when we go away and she still gets paid).

[nalababe]

Nanny rates are $9-10/hr.
Live in nanny rates are reduce since you substract room/board from their pay.

For nannies who come from abroad $9-10 is a lot of money compared to the economy they came from.

must depend on neighborhood. When we were looking the expectation was 1500 to 2000+ net a month.

[Shaf]

I am also looking for a nanny and have a few questions (that may help the OP as well).

1. How are nanny taxes calculated? For example, if the nanny is asking for $1000 / month (take home), how much will this actually cost me after taxes that i have to pay for the nanny? Do i get any refund of these taxes at any later date?

2. Nanny Cams - any recommendations on which one to get? Will i need one for each room in the house? How much will it cost and is it easy to setup and access when away from home?

Thanks!!

[qster]

I am also looking for a nanny and have a few questions (that may help the OP as well).

1. How are nanny taxes calculated? For example, if the nanny is asking for $1000 / month (take home), how much will this actually cost me after taxes that i have to pay for the nanny? Do i get any refund of these taxes at any later date?

2. Nanny Cams - any recommendations on which one to get? Will i need one for each room in the house? How much will it cost and is it easy to setup and access when away from home?

Thanks!!

You can claim child care expenses to reduces your taxes at the end of the year.

As for nanny cams, you can't place them in any change rooms or bathrooms in the house.

[ai_c]

1. How are nanny taxes calculated? For example, if the nanny is asking for $1000 / month (take home), how much will this actually cost me after taxes that i have to pay for the nanny? Do i get any refund of these taxes at any later date?


You can download a program from the CRA website. It's called TOD or Tables on Diskette. Just plug in the numbers and it will calculate for you how much CPP, EI, etc is.

[Yours]

We have a nanny and we pay her $500 every 2 weeks. On top of that we pay all of her taxes, EI, CPP, etc. In addition, she lives with us so she gets free food, lodging, etc.

So it all adds us to about $1400-1500 per month all things considered.

Where did you found this nanny?

[condorguy]

Where did you found this nanny?

From the canadian nanny web site that I posted earlier in the thread.

[shopper_holic]

Hi guys, I'm also looking for advice. We're expecting our 2nd child and our first is currently in daycare. Sending 2 kids to daycare is going to put a hole in our pockets and we're looking for the most economical option and welcome any suggestions anyone may have.

We're considering a nanny but don't really want to lose our privacy by hiring a live-in, not to mention giving up one of our limited bedrooms. However, we know a live-out will cost more. Does anyone prefer a live-in vs. a live-out and why? Does anyone have a live-out nanny and how much do you pay them a month, including taxes? What are the hours like? Can they also do light housework?

Also, what does anyone think about hiring a nanny from an agency? What are the fees like? I called one place (it was referred by a friend) and they said their fees are $500 and that includes the referral discount. Is that expensive? But the agency does all the paperwork and background checks for you right? So the nanny would be more trustworthy?

Thanks everyone!

[frogblender]

My calculations on nanny taxes, plus an idea on how to slash nanny costs, is in a new thread:

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6640146#post6640146

[luckycanuck]

From a old nanny


I worked as a nanny(live in/out)...and then after I became a parent I have done home daycare here in East York.

I know several of the neighbourhood nannies as I am that mom with daughter at the park with them all.

Advantages to live in --flexibility often of the nanny. I know for me after my regular shift (7am-5:30pm) if the parent was on call so was I. I even had my own beeper and would have to be able to be home within 10 minutes. I got paid a flat rate of $15 an hr for that overtime. ( I worked for doctors). I got paid $300 a wk plus room and board.

Duties: include bathing, playing with,homework, light housekeeping and dinner prep.

What they got: Canadian, ECE, first aid, experienced,

The family had 3 children under 9.


When I lived out I worked 7:45- 4:30 for teachers, I had all the same vacation time they did but did not get paid for the summer. Thank God for a summer only job. With living out I was less flexible.

Again I had the same kind of job description.

Nowadays I have done the home daycare route but really you have to be careful if you choose this route EVEN if you use an agency ( when I returned to the workforce for 2 yrs, I went this route).

Advantages to livein most of all are flexiblity and saving a wee bit, with liveout you get often a decent provider.

As for a nanny cam I am glad that no parent that I was employed with never thought they needed to check on me. I would of quit on the spot. Because this is a trust position. If you dont trust them after spending time with them then dont hire or if you get a gut feeling and you will if something is off replace them fast or do the early arrival home.

If you are really thinking you need that cam then get one that is internet connected, so you can check in from work. Some daycares these days have these.

Now if you do the nannycam you have to remember most of the time you child and the nanny wouldnt be in view, they should be at the park,library, early learning center etc. so you wont see much.


As for current fees
Babies $40 a day under 2
Preschoolers $35 a day till grade 1
After School $15 a day PA days $35
Eveings$10 an hr

and yes I am worth every penny:D

[luckycanuck]

Sometimes agencies can be good other times not so hot on getiing quality nannies.

Even if an agency sends you someone you want to do your own checks.

[branat]

Sometimes agencies can be good other times not so hot on getiing quality nannies.

Even if an agency sends you someone you want to do your own checks.

Two years ago, we were looking for a nany for our 3 and 5 years old kids. We speficially requested a nanny that can cook and take care of the 3 years old.

The angency, found thru Parents magazine, sent us two candidates. The first one said she didn't have to cook for the previous employer because they were vegetarians.

The second candidate was a beauty. Her qualification is that she's a mother. She never worked as a nanny before. Yes, she can cook and she thinks she is a good cook. But she wanted to know if she can have her own filipino food because she doesn't eat like other food. Yes, she can work weekends with advanced notice so she can cancel her maid job on the weekend!!!

All agencies wanted us to sponsor a nanny over. They willing to work cheaper, etc. Unfortunately, they're not obligated to work for you once they arrived. They cannot be deported, preventing nanny abuse, if they don't want to honour their contracts. They have up to 1 year (?) to look for similar job.