Summer is supposed to be a time to relax and recharge. However, if you have kids, you know it can sometimes feel like trading one set of demands for another. Suddenly, the school year’s routines are replaced with the puzzle of summer childcare. Between day camps, family trips, and relying on helpful friends and relatives, the weeks can fly by, leaving you wondering where the break went.
For many families, a key piece of that summer puzzle is finding reliable care for school-aged children who aren’t quite ready to be home alone all day. This is where a summer nanny can genuinely simplify things and bring more fun into the season for your kids.
Thinking this might be a good fit for your family? Here’s how to find and hire a summer nanny.
What exactly is a summer nanny?
Often, a summer nanny is a college student on break or a teacher with the summer off who’s looking for temporary work. For education students, it’s a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience with children. Teachers might be seeking a different way to use their skills or simply want to work during their time off.
Because it’s a temporary role, finding the right person might take a bit more effort than filling a permanent position. Also, demand can be high as many families seek this type of flexible childcare during the summer months, offering an alternative to the set schedules of camps and programs.
It’s important to note that a summer nanny role differs from occasional babysitting. You’re looking for someone who can provide consistent, all-day care, not just supervision for an evening.
Why consider a summer nanny?
Similar to the benefits of a year-round nanny, a summer nanny puts you in control of your children’s care. You can collaborate with them to plan activities and outings that align with your kids’ interests.
Plus, having a nanny come to your home eliminates the daily rush of drop-offs and pick-ups at various locations.
A summer nanny can handle transportation to swim lessons, sports practices, music, or summer school, freeing up your time and energy. This flexibility allows you and your children to create a summer that truly suits their desires.
After the structure of the school year, kids often appreciate a bit more freedom and the chance to explore their own interests. A summer nanny can help with that.
When should you start looking?
It’s wise to begin your search sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until the last minute! May is an ideal month to start looking, interview potential nannies, and make a hire, giving you the best selection of candidates.
The hiring process can move quickly, so consider using a local nanny or placement agency. They often have a pool of pre-screened candidates and can help match you with individuals who meet your specific needs.
Other good sources for finding candidates include college job boards, referrals from people you know, and local parent/nanny Facebook groups.
What qualities should you look for in a summer nanny?
The basic requirement is someone who can keep your kids happy and safe until school resumes. However, a more detailed job description will help you find candidates who truly fit your needs and save you time in the long run.
Think about how you envision your children spending their summer days. What activities are important to them? Hire a nanny whose skills and personality align with those needs and with whom you feel comfortable.
Your job description should clearly outline:
- Schedule: Specific days and hours of work.
- Pay rate: Hourly wage and overtime.
- Certifications: CPR, lifeguard, first-aid, etc., if required.
- Job duties: Driving, activity planning, light tidying related to the children, meal preparation for the children, etc.
- Your expectations: Specific activities or outings you’d like them to do with the kids.
- Experience: Previous nanny, teaching, or summer camp counselor experience.
- Special skills: Sports, swimming, languages, music, etc., that might be beneficial.
- Driver’s license: If they will be transporting your children.
Remember that pay rates can vary based on your location, the job responsibilities, and the nanny’s experience. Local nanny agencies can provide insights into the typical rates for your area.
Include details about your children, such as their ages, genders, and any specific needs or interests, in your job description.
A summer nanny might not tick every single box, so prioritize the “must-have” qualities versus the “nice-to-have” ones.
Vacations and time off
If you’d like your summer nanny to join you on a family vacation, be sure to mention this in the job description or early in the interview process. Consider all the logistics involved when making this decision.
Conversely, if you have a vacation planned without your nanny, let them know upfront. Discuss whether they will be paid during that time. Providing ample notice allows them to plan accordingly, perhaps finding temporary work during those weeks.
Also, ask about any time off your potential nanny might need during the summer so you can plan for backup care if necessary.
Making your decision
Regardless of where you find your candidates, plan to conduct interviews.
Start with a brief phone or virtual interview to get a first impression, especially if you have several promising applicants. This can help you narrow down your choices.
Follow up with in-person meetings with your top candidates. Meeting at a park or, if you’re comfortable, at your home can give you a sense of how they interact with your children. Pay attention to your kids’ reactions as well. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more than just a yes or no answer.
Just as you would when hiring a permanent nanny, conducting a thorough background check is essential. If you work with an agency, they likely handle this process, but always ask for and check references, no matter how you found your nanny.
Once you get them hired, it’s time to set up payroll, as even a temporary or seasonal employee can earn enough to meet payroll and tax obligations. Call us at (800) 929-9213 for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with a household employment expert. We’ll discuss your obligations as a household employer and how to meet them.
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