A good nanny agreement protects everyone involved. Your nanny knows what to expect. You know where you stand. And those awkward "wait, we never talked about that" conversations? Mostly avoided.
We built this sample nanny contract to cover all the things a handshake doesn't: pay, overtime, PTO, house rules, and what happens if things don't work out. If you decide to fill it out using our contract builder below, our little will pop up to help you with tips wherever things get tricky. All you have to do is fill in the blanks and download when you’re done. Tada - it’s ready for signatures from both you and your nanny.
This Sample Nanny Contract is designed for general informational purposes only.
It is not intended to provide, and does not constitute legal, tax, or other professional advice by
Poppins Payroll, LLC. You should consult with a lawyer and/or tax professional if you intend to enter
into a legal contract.
Nanny Agreement
This Nanny Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered onbetween(the “Parent(s)”) and(the “Nanny”) whereby the Nanny agrees to provide care for the
child(ren) identified below (the “Child(ren)”) commencing onin accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below:
1. Personal information
a. Parent information
b. Child information
c. Nanny’s information
d. Worksite address
e. Emergency contacts & authorized pickups
2. Work hours and location
a. Nanny work hours
The Nanny’s work hours are as follows:
The Nanny shall arrive promptly and shall not depart early without specific consent from the
Parent(s). The Nanny and the Parent(s) shall adapt to emergencies and unexpected changes to the
schedule as they arise. The Nanny shall never leave a child unattended at any time while on duty.
The location may be changed from time to time by the Parent(s).
The Nanny
will will not be required to travel with the family.
3. Compensation
a. Nanny compensation
The Nanny shall be paid $ per hour. Any
hours in excess of 40 in a single 7-day workweek will be paid at the overtime rate of $ per hour (not less than 1.5x the regular rate, as required by the FLSA).
The Nanny will be paid $ per hour when
watching the Child(ren) only, and $ per hour when watching the Child(ren) and the children of another family. Any hours worked in excess of 40 in a single 7-day workweek will be paid at the overtime rate of $ .
When the Nanny provides overnight care, they shall be paid $ per night (in addition to any applicable hourly rate for hours worked during the overnight period).
The Parent(s) shall issue payment (“Pay Period”). All payroll shall be paid in arrears, which may be up to days after the end of the pay period.
b. Timekeeping
The Nanny agrees to track hours using . Hours shall be submitted to the Parent(s) by each pay period.
c. Guaranteed hours
Guaranteed Hours are common in regular nanny arrangements and help protect both parties from scheduling ambiguity. They ensure the Nanny receives consistent pay even when the family doesn’t need care (e.g., during a family vacation), and protect both parties from ambiguity.
4. The Nanny’s duties
The Nanny shall devote their full time, attention, and ability while on duty and shall follow all lawful instructions of the Parent(s). The Nanny agrees to perform the following selected duties:
5. Benefits
a. Holidays
The Nanny shall receive the following paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and
These holidays are paid at the Nanny's regular hourly rate when they fall on a day the Nanny is regularly scheduled to work. If a holiday falls on a day the Nanny is not regularly scheduled to work, no additional pay is owed.
If any of the above holidays occur on a weekend, the Nanny shall be given the official federal
holiday that is observed.
b. Paid time off
The Nanny shall be granted paid time off (“PTO”) of hours (the “PTO Grant”) per twelve months of service. PTO may be used for
any reason, including vacation, illness, medical appointments, family care, and personal business.
The Nanny shall be eligible for PTO starting days after the first day of work.
PTO accrues weekly over the course of the year.
In the event that the Nanny’s employment is terminated, accrued unused PTO will be handled as
follows:
The Nanny agrees to use best efforts to give the Parent(s) sufficient advance notice before being
absent due to illness. The Nanny agrees to give the Parent(s) at least weeks’ advance notice before taking
vacation.
c. Sick leave
The Nanny shall be granted hours of paid sick leave per year, separate from PTO. Sick leave may be used for the Nanny's own illness, injury, or medical appointments.
Note: Many states require paid sick leave for household employees, so check your state's law before completing this section.
d. Family vacations and events
When the Parent(s) do not need the Nanny during regular work hours (e.g., during a family vacation),
the Nanny:
e. Insurance
f. Automobile
g. Meals and food
h. Additional benefits and reimbursements
6. House rules
a. Screen time
b. Discipline
The Nanny shall follow the Parent(s)’ direction and preferences concerning discipline. Under no
circumstances shall the Nanny use physical discipline of any kind, including spanking or hitting.
Violation of this policy is grounds for immediate termination.
c. Visitors
The Nanny is is not allowed to have visitors. The Nanny shall provide
hours advance notice of visitors.
d. Phone and personal use
While on duty, the Nanny agrees to limit personal phone use to emergencies and scheduled breaks. The Nanny agrees not to use the Parent(s)' devices, log into family accounts, or access the family's Wi-Fi for personal use without prior permission.
e. Excursions
The Nanny will provide the Parent(s) with advance notice of any excursions
f. Substances
Smoking and vaping are not permitted while on duty — including during outings, in the home, and in vehicles transporting the Child(ren). Visitors may not smoke or vape on the premises.
The Nanny is not permitted to use, or be under the influence of, alcohol or any controlled substances or recreational drugs, including cannabis regardless of local legal status, while on duty. The Nanny shall not be under the influence of any substance, even if legal or by prescription, if it impairs their ability to care for the Child(ren).
g. CPR and first aid
h. Vaccinations
i. Home security
The Employer does does not use security cameras or monitoring devices in the home. If yes, camera locations:
The Employer does does not use GPS tracking for the children during outings
The Nanny acknowledges and consents to these tools during working hours.
j. Other house rules
7. Term and termination of employment
The term of this Agreement shall continue until it is terminated by either party in accordance with
the provisions hereof. The Nanny is an at-will employee and may choose to work for the Parent(s) for
as little or as long as the Nanny desires. Likewise, the Parent(s) may continue the Nanny’s
employment for as little or as long as they wish. Both parties agree to provide days’ advance notice of intent to
terminate this Agreement (or pay in lieu of such notice), except when such termination is for cause.
At the time of termination, and prior to receipt of final paycheck, the Nanny agrees to return all
property of the Parent(s), including but not limited to house and car keys, remote entry devices,
and car safety seats.
a. Reference letters
Upon request, and provided the Nanny has completed months of employment in good standing, the Parent(s) agree to provide a written reference letter within days of the request.
b. Employer termination conditions
The Parent(s) may immediately terminate for cause and without any advance notice for the following:
c. Employee termination conditions
The Nanny may immediately terminate for cause and without any advance notice for the following:
8. Confidentiality
The Nanny understands that any and all private information obtained about the Child(ren) and the Parent(s) during the course of employment, including but not limited to medical, financial, legal, career, and asset information, are strictly confidential and may not be disclosed to any third party for any reason. The obligations of the Nanny under this clause shall survive termination of this Agreement.
a. Social media
The Nanny agrees not to post photos, videos, or identifying information about the
Child(ren) or the Employer’s household on any social media platform without the prior written
consent of the Parent(s).
9. Accuracy and completeness of information
The Nanny represents and warrants that the information provided in the course of their application or
interview is accurate, and that they did not omit any material information that was requested. The
Nanny represents and warrants that they do not have a criminal record and are permitted to work in
the United States. The Nanny agrees to promptly notify the Parent(s) in the event that they are
convicted of a crime.
10. General provisions
a. Entire agreement
This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Nanny and the Parent(s) with respect to the
Nanny’s employment and supersedes any and all prior understandings, written or oral. This Agreement
may not be amended, waived, discharged, or terminated orally, but only by a written instrument
signed by all parties. By entering into this Agreement, the Nanny certifies that they have carefully
read all provisions of this Agreement and voluntarily and knowingly enter into it.
b. Severability
Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall be
deemed severable from the remainder of this Agreement. The remaining provisions shall be construed
to preserve to the maximum permissible extent the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
c. Governing law
This Agreement shall be construed under and in accordance with the laws of the state where the
workplace is located.
Signatures
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed and
delivered.
Parent(s):
Nanny:
Appendix: nanny share addendum
Complete this addendum when entering a nanny share arrangement.
Each participating family must also execute a separate main Agreement directly with the Nanny,
as each family is a separate legal employer.
Participating families
Family A:
Family B:
Pay rates
Each family's rate must independently meet or exceed applicable minimum wage.
W-2 reporting
Each family must issue their own W-2 to the Nanny for their portion of wages paid.
Care location
Primary care will take place at:
Sick child
If one child in the share is sick:
If a family keeps their child home because the other child is sick,
they still owe their portion of the Nanny's guaranteed hours.
Family departure
If one family leaves the share, they agree to provide
weeks' notice.
The remaining family may retain the Nanny at their full single-family rate.
Some fields look empty — that's fine if they don't apply to your arrangement. Ready to download?
Nanny Agreement
This Nanny Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered on between (the “Parent(s)”) and ((the “Nanny”) whereby the Nanny agrees to provide care for the child(ren) identified below (the “Child(ren)”) commencing on in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below:
1. Personal information
a. Parent information
Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Phone Numbers:
b. Child information
c. Nanny’s information
Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Phone Numbers:
d. Worksite address
Same as the Parents’ address above.
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
e. Emergency contacts & authorized pickups
Emergency contact (other than Parent(s)):
Phone:
Relationship:
The following individuals are authorized to pick up the Child(ren):
2. Work hours and location
a. Nanny work hours
The Nanny’s work hours are as follows:
Monday: Tuesday:
Wednesday: Thursday:
Friday: Saturday:
Sunday:
The Nanny shall arrive promptly and shall not depart early without specific consent from the Parent(s). The Nanny and the Parent(s) shall adapt to emergencies and unexpected changes to the schedule as they arise. The Nanny shall never leave a child unattended at any time while on duty.
The location may be changed from time to time by the Parent(s).
The Nanny be required to travel with the family.
This is a live-in nanny arrangement. Live-in arrangements have different overtime thresholds and may include additional terms (room and board, private space, house access). If selected, consult a payroll professional for applicable rules.
3. Compensation
a. Nanny compensation
Hourly The Nanny shall be paid $ per hour. Any hours worked in excess of 40 in a single 7-day workweek will be paid at the overtime rate of $ per hour (not less than 1.5x the regular rate, as required by the FLSA).
Nanny share The Nanny will be paid $ per hour when watching the Child(ren) only, and $ per hour when watching the Child(ren) and the children of another family. Any hours worked in excess of 40 in a single 7-day workweek will be paid at the overtime rate of $ per hour (not less than 1.5x the regular rate, as required by the FLSA).
.
Overnight care When the Nanny provides overnight care, they shall be paid $ per night (in addition to any applicable hourly rate for hours worked during the overnight period).
The Parent(s) shall issue payment (weekly/biweekly/semi-monthly) (“Pay Period”). All payroll shall be paid in arrears, which may be up to days after the end of the pay period.
b. Timekeeping
The Nanny agrees to track hours using . Hours shall be submitted to the Parent(s) by each pay period.
c. Guaranteed hours
Guaranteed Hours apply. The Employer guarantees payment for hours per week at the Nanny's regular hourly rate, provided the
Nanny is available and willing to work. If the Employer does not need the Nanny during scheduled hours for any reason, the Nanny shall still be paid their guaranteed wages. Any hours worked above the guaranteed minimum are paid additionally at the regular (or overtime) rate.
Guaranteed Hours do not apply to this arrangement (e.g., on-call or as-needed schedule).
4. The Nanny's duties
The Nanny shall devote their full time, attention, and ability while on duty and shall follow all lawful instructions of the Parent(s). The Nanny agrees to perform the
following selected duties:
• Put the absolute safety of the Child(ren) first at all times,
including never leaving a child unattended while on duty.
• Prepare the following meals for the Child(ren):
• Tidy up after the Child(ren).
• Bathe the Child(ren) at least
times per week.
• Do laundry for the Child(ren) as needed.
• Launder the bed linens of the Child(ren) at least once every
.
• Perform the following household cleaning:
• Participate in and supervise the following activities with the Child(ren):
• Administer medicine to the Child(ren) as follows per written instructions
provided by the Parent(s). The Nanny shall not administer medication
outside of these written instructions.
• Research and plan activities with child development and educational value.
• Read to and engage in age-appropriate activities with the Child(ren).
• Take the Child(ren) on playdates.
• Use the Parent's automobile to drive the Child(ren) to activities and
events. The Nanny shall not drive any automobile with the Child(ren)
without a valid driver's license. If using the Employer's vehicle,
the Nanny should be listed on the Employer's auto insurance policy.
• Use the Nanny's automobile to drive the Child(ren) to activities and
events; properly equip the Nanny's automobile with appropriate car seats
and safety devices (to be purchased by the Parent(s)). The Nanny shall not
drive any automobile with the Child(ren) without a valid driver's license.
• Grant access to home for service personnel
(e.g., cable/telephone repair, pest control,
package delivery, housekeeping).
• Purchase groceries (at the expense of the Parent(s))
for the Child(ren).
• Keep a daily log with notes on meals, nap times,
medication, activities, and progress.
• Other duties:
5. Benefits
a. Holidays
The Nanny shall receive the following paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
The Nanny shall also receive the following paid holidays: .
These holidays are paid at the Nanny's regular hourly rate when they fall on a day the Nanny is regularly scheduled to work. If a holiday falls on a day the Nanny is not regularly scheduled to work, no additional pay is owed. Note: Federal law does not require premium pay (such as time-and-a-half) for work performed on holidays — any holiday pay rate above the regular rate is at the Employer's discretion.
If any of the above holidays occur on a weekend, the Nanny shall be given the official federal holiday that is observed.
b. Paid time off
The Nanny shall be granted paid time off (“PTO”) of
hours (the “PTO Grant”) per twelve months of service. PTO may be used for any reason, including vacation, illness, medical appointments, family care, and personal business. The Nanny shall be eligible for PTO starting days after the first day of work.
PTO accrues weekly over the course of the year.
In the event that the Nanny’s employment is terminated, accrued unused PTO will be handled as follows:
Paid out at the Nanny’s regular hourly rate.
Forfeited, unless otherwise required by state law.
The Nanny agrees to use best efforts to give the Parent(s) sufficient advance notice before being absent due to illness. The Nanny agrees to give the Parent(s) at least
weeks’ advance notice before taking vacation.
c. Sick leave
The Nanny shall be granted hours of paid sick leave per year, separate from PTO. Sick leave may be used for the Nanny's own illness, injury, or medical appointments.
Sick leave accrues at a rate of hour(s) per hours worked.
Sick leave is front-loaded at the start of each year.
d. Family vacations and events
When the Parent(s) do not need the Nanny during regular work hours (e.g., during a family vacation), the Nanny: will be paid their regular rate for those scheduled hours (see Guaranteed Hours, above)
When the Parent(s) do not need the Nanny during regular work hours (e.g., during a family vacation), the Nanny: will not be paid, and the Nanny may use accrued PTO if desired.
e. Insurance
The Nanny understands that medical insurance is not provided by the Parent(s).
The Parent(s) shall provide the following health insurance benefits for the Nanny:
The Parent(s) shall pay
% of the Nanny's automobile insurance (not including the deductible).
The Parent(s) shall provide Workers Compensation insurance.
f. Automobile
The Nanny shall be compensated for work-related mileage at the current IRS standard mileage rate per mile.
The Nanny shall use an automobile provided by the Parent(s) for:
.
If the Nanny regularly uses their own vehicle for work, the Employer shall reimburse the difference in insurance premium for ‘Business Use’ coverage on the Nanny’s personal vehicle.
g. Meals and food
The Nanny shall have the option of preparing meals for themselves from food purchased by the Parent(s).
The Nanny shall provide for their own meals.
h. Additional benefits and reimbursements
The Parent(s) will reimburse the Nanny for all pre-approved expenses incurred by the Nanny while caring for the Child(ren).
Reimbursements shall be made within
days of receipt of receipts or documentation.
The Parent(s) shall also provide and/or reimburse:
6. House rules
a. Screen time
The Child(ren) are allowed to watch television with the following limitations:
The Child(ren) are allowed screen time on
with the following limitations:
b. Discipline
Discipline shall be as follows:
The Nanny shall follow the Parent(s)' direction and preferences concerning discipline.
Under no circumstances shall the Nanny use physical discipline of any kind, including
spanking or hitting. Violation of this policy is grounds for immediate termination.
c. Visitors
The Nanny is allowed to have visitors.
The Nanny shall provide
hours advance notice of visitors.
The Nanny is not allowed to have visitors.
d. Phone and personal use
While on duty, the Nanny agrees to limit personal phone use to emergencies and scheduled breaks. The Nanny agrees not to use the Parent(s)' devices, log into family accounts, or access the family's Wi-Fi for personal use without prior permission.
e. Excursions
The Nanny will provide the Parent(s) with advance notice of any excursions
outside the home.
The Nanny will provide the Parent(s) with advance notice of any excursions
more than
blocks from the home.
The Nanny will provide the Parent(s) with advance notice of any excursions
more than
miles from the home.
f. Substances
Smoking and vaping are not permitted while on duty — including during outings, in the home, and in vehicles transporting the Child(ren). Visitors may not smoke or vape on the premises.
The Nanny is not permitted to use, or be under the influence of,
alcohol or any controlled substances or recreational drugs,
including cannabis regardless of local legal status, while on duty.
The Nanny shall not be under the influence of any substance,
even if legal or by prescription, if it impairs their ability
to care for the Child(ren).
g. CPR and First Aid
Required as a condition of employment
(the Employer agrees to reimburse certification costs)
Preferred but not required
Not required
h. Vaccinations
Required (specify):
Not required
i. Home security
The Employer does use security cameras or monitoring devices in the home.
If yes, camera locations:
The Employer does not use security cameras or monitoring devices in the home.
The Employer does use GPS tracking for the children during outings.
The Employer does not use GPS tracking for the children during outings.
The Nanny acknowledges and consents to these tools during working hours.
j. Other house rules
7. Term and termination of employment
The term of this Agreement shall continue until it is terminated by either party in accordance with the provisions hereof. The Nanny is an at will employee and may choose to work for the Parent(s) for as little or as long as the Nanny desires. Likewise, the Parent(s) may continue the Nanny’s employment for as little or as long as they wish. Both parties agree to provide days' advance notice of intent to terminate this Agreement (or pay in lieu of such notice), except when such termination is for cause. At the time of termination, and prior to receipt of final paycheck, the Nanny agrees to return all property of the Parent(s), including but not limited to house and car keys, remote entry devices, and car safety seats.
a. Reference letters
Upon request, and provided the Nanny has completed months of employment in good standing, the Parent(s) agree to provide a written reference letter within days of the request.
b. Employer termination conditions
The Parent(s) may immediately terminate for cause and without any advance notice for the following:
c. Employee termination conditions
The Nanny may immediately terminate for cause and without any advance notice for the following:
8. Confidentiality
The Nanny understands that any and all private information obtained about the Child(ren) and the Parent(s) during the course of employment, including but not limited to medical, financial, legal, career, and asset information, are strictly confidential and may not be disclosed to any third party for any reason. The obligations of the Nanny under this clause shall survive termination of this Agreement.
a. Social media
The Nanny agrees not to post photos, videos, or identifying information about the Child(ren) or the Employer’s household on any social media platform without the prior written consent of the Parent(s).
9. Accuracy and completeness of information
The Nanny represents and warrants that the information provided in the course of their application or interview is accurate, and that they did not omit any material information that was requested. The Nanny represents and warrants that they do not have a criminal record and are permitted to work in the United States. The Nanny agrees to promptly notify the Parent(s) in the event that they are convicted of a crime.
10. General Provisions
a. Entire agreement
This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Nanny and the Parent(s) with respect to the Nanny’s employment and supersedes any and all prior understandings, written or oral. This Agreement may not be amended, waived, discharged, or terminated orally, but only by a written instrument signed by all parties. By entering into this Agreement, the Nanny certifies that they have carefully read all provisions of this Agreement and voluntarily and knowingly enter into it.
b. Severability
Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall be deemed severable from the remainder of this Agreement. The remaining provisions shall be construed to preserve to the maximum permissible extent the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
c. Governing law
This Agreement shall be construed under and in accordance with the laws of the state where the workplace is located.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered.
Parent(s):
Signature:
Date:
Printed Name:
Parent(s):
Signature:
Date:
Printed Name:
Nanny:
Signature:
Date:
Printed Name:
Appendix A
Nanny Share Addendum
Complete this addendum when entering a nanny share arrangement.
Each participating family must also execute a separate main Agreement
directly with the Nanny, as each family is a separate legal employer.
Participating Families
Family A:
Family B:
Pay Rates
Each family's rate must independently meet or exceed
applicable minimum wage.
W-2 Reporting
Each family must issue their own W-2 to the Nanny for
their portion of wages paid.
Care Location
Primary care will take place at:
Sick Child
If one child in the share is sick:
If a family keeps their child home because the other child
is sick, they still owe their portion of the Nanny's
guaranteed hours.
Family Departure
If one family leaves the share,
they agree to provide
weeks' notice.
The remaining family may retain the Nanny at their full
single-family rate.
For help with nanny share payroll and W-2s,
visit poppinspayroll.com.
will pop up to help you with tips wherever things get tricky. All you have to do is fill in the blanks and download when you’re done. Tada - it’s ready for signatures from both you and your nanny.
