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In-Home Care

In-Home Care refers to child care in the family home by a Nanny (live-in or live-out), Au Pair or Mother's Helper. Our referrals are limited to agencies that assist parents in finding in-home care. Regulations are limited to those that pertain to NYS Labor Laws. There are currently no regulations or requirements regarding nanny care. The United States Department of State regulates Au Pairs.  Read more here.

 

Nanny

  • Provides care in your own home and is hired and employed by your family.
  • Not a licensed form of care and the caregiver may or may not have training in child development.
  • In 1998, Kieran’s Law took effect, allowing parents to access NYS criminal history information about potential in-home caregivers. Click here to access the  New York State Office of Children & Family Services publication to read more about Kieran’s Law. 
  • Salary and benefits are negotiated by the caregiver.
  • Employer (parent) has tax obligations (including with-holding taxes, FICA and other IRS requirements). Visit the IRS website for more information.

 

A major advantage of having a Nanny is that you can control the schedule. It can be year-round, full- or part- day, and you may be able to have a shared care arrangement with other families.

 

Au Pair

  • Regulated by the US Department of State, which designates specific agencies to arrange placements. Call Council for a list of Au Pair agencies or click here for the list.
  • A person from another country who wants to experience life in your community and country.
  • Lives with the family for a year, providing limited child care (up to 45 hours per week) and sometimes light household help in exchange for room and board and a stipend.
  • Special arrangement which provides a cultural exchange experience for both the family and the caregiver.
  • Agency placement fees can be expensive, and families are required to pay up to $500 for educational expenses.

 

An Au Pair may have different expectations regarding his or her responsibilities than you do, so be sure to make your expectations very clear.

 

Mother's Helper

  • Provides care while a parent works in the home.
  • Usually has little or no previous child development training or experience and is not left alone with children for more than brief periods.

 

Click here to find out what to look for and what questions to ask when choosing In-Home Care.

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