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Unfortunately, since I could only control for one variable (experience) I am afraid we are still not getting a complete picture, however the results are interesting in a number of ways. There were several factors that were fairly consistent no matter what the experience level. Number of Children: Area in US. Hours worked in a week 41% of the Nannies with 0 - 1 years experience report working 40 - 45 hours per week. 23% work 46 - 50 hours and only 16% work over 50. Given the fact that the responses of all three groups to the questions above were very similarly,
I believe the results show that experience is a big factor in salary. We did have one category
deviate from the trend, the 0 - 1 Year showed 26% making over $500 p/week. Since 16% of the 0 - 1
Year group reported working over 50 hours per week, this could account for the higher salary.
Please note that this survey was very crude and leaves
a lot to be desired. It does not take into account live-in vs. live-out and since I cannot monitor who
fills out which survey, there may have been some respondents who responded under the wrong experience
level. I think this survey was a good first attempt and will provide an excellent starting point for
a more in depth effort in the future. Leaving your search until the last minute: Childcare spaces are in chronically short supply, so it pays to start your childcare search as soon as possible especially if you're looking for childcare for an infant. While you may still luck out and find the childcare arrangement of your dreams despite the fact that you have left your search until the last minute, you increase your odds of finding something suitable if you start looking a little sooner. As a rule of thumb, you should have your search well underway by the end of your second trimester of pregnancy. Of course, if you've got your heart set on finding a space for your child in a particular daycare center, you will want to get your name on the waiting list even earlier than that perhaps even as soon as your pregnancy test comes back positive. Not understanding what makes for a good childcare arrangement: Most parents spend more time researching car purchases than they do in educating themselves about what makes for a good childcare arrangement. Before you start evaluating various childcare arrangements, you'll want to arm yourself with the facts. Find out what caregiver-child ratios are appropriate for children of various ages; what training childcare workers are required to have in your particular state; what health and safety features you should be looking for when you're evaluating a childcare center or home daycare; and what makes for a fun and stimulating childcare program. Neglecting to consider your family's long-term needs: Changing childcare arrangements is hard on both you and your child. That's why it's important to consider your family's long-term needs before settling on a particular arrangement. Will the quiet home daycare environment that is ideal for your sleepy newborn be an equally suitable setting when she becomes a rambunctious toddler? Will your child's space in the company daycare center disappear if you decided to change jobs? Is the nanny you're thinking of hiring committed to your family for the long term or for just a year or two? These are the types of questions that you need to consider before settling on a particular childcare arrangement. Not checking the caregiver's references carefully enough: It's tempting to rely on your gut instinct when you're evaluating a particular childcare arrangement, but you owe it to your child to check things out a little more thoroughly. That means checking the references of the nanny, home daycare provider, or daycare center staff person who will be caring for your child. Because many people are reluctant to badmouth a particular childcare provider out of fear that they'll be sued for making slanderous remarks, you really have to read between the lines when you're conducting a reference check. Bottom line? If the person providing the reference is less than enthusiastic about the caregiver's ability to care for young children, start looking for another caregiver. Failing to understand your responsibilities as an employer in the event that you decide to hire a nanny: The moment you hire a nanny or other in-home caregiver, you automatically become her employer at least in the eyes of the IRS. That means that you are responsible for finding out whether she's legally entitled to work in the United States; paying her the minimum wage and complying with other state and federal labor laws; withholding social security and medicare taxes, the Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA), and federal income tax from her pay checks; carrying Worker's Compensation Insurance (where applicable); and notifying the government that this person is working for you. Just a quick word of warning: you shouldn't assume that you're off the hook if your caregiver happens to work for you on a part-time basis: even if she makes less than $1000 from you per calendar quarter, the government might still consider her to be your employee. While there are plenty of other issues to consider when you're choosing childcare for your child, you'll be well on your way to making a good decision if you manage to avoid making these five mistakes. Good luck! The Unofficial Guide to Childcare Order
the Book The Food Allergy Network (www.foodallergy.org) The second is an "Ingredient Notice" page which you can view at http://www.foodallergy.org/ingredients.html. Just because a product was safe the last time you purchased it, doesn't mean the ingredients have stayed the same! It is very important to read all labels all of the time. Food manufacturers work with FAN to provide information about changes in their products. This site also offers recipes, research information, and a neat shopping area with tons of allergy related projects, posters, pins, puppets and educational materials. Allergic Child (www.AllergicChild.com) Some great features of this website include the "How to Read a Label" page which teaches you how to spot ingredients that contain traces of each specific food item. The site also gives wonderful explanations along with symptoms for each specific food allergy. The Smith's explain the Epipen Jr. (an auto-injector filled with epinephrine for allergic emergencies (anaphylaxis)only.) They explain why an allergic child should wear a MedicAlert bracelet and where to get one and they provide a list by state of Support groups for children with allergies and their parents. They also have a terrific links page to continue your research. If you have a child or take care of a child with food allergies, whether mild or severe, do yourself and your child a favor and take a look at these two sites. I know I am a lot more educated and sensitive to the prevalence and severity of food allergies, as a result of these websites. ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
