by PFC Caregiver & Household Screening   When a family or agency asks about background checks, they are typically thinking about checking an individual’s criminal history or perhaps verifying their previous employment—as a domestic employee or otherwise. At a minimum, those two items should be included in any background investigation.  However, depending on the role the individual may play in the family’s life, the family’s reputational and security concerns, and a host of other issues, family employers often seek information about a candidate’s financial and personal circumstanc ..read more

There’s no doubt about it: the world today can be a difficult place. We often hear about conflict, violence, and other strife happening close to us, and far away. Yet, amid the sadness and darkness in the world, there is always light to be found. Even when it doesn’t feel like it, there is goodness everywhere you turn. Maybe it’s a simple smile from one stranger to another, or a kind and encouraging word from a friend. Teaching our children to be the change we want to see in the world is doable, too. Sometimes it starts with those little gestures. Here are some ways to inspire children to be c ..read more

by eNannySource Background checks are an essential part of the prescreening hiring process for nannies. Gathering as much information as legally possible on a candidate allows parents to make educated and informed decisions about whom they choose to leave their children with. Yet when it comes to background checks, parents and nannies are often misinformed about what they are and what they mean. Clearly communicating what a background check is, and isn’t, can ensure parents are empowered to make the right hiring decisions for their family.   Myth: All background checks are created equally ..read more

By HomePay What is my cost? The gross hourly rate for a nanny can vary depending on location, experience, and qualifications. Once a family pays a nanny $2,700 in a calendar year (for 2024) or $1,000 in a calendar quarter (in most states), they are on the hook for nanny taxes. Between the IRS and state, these taxes make up about 10% of the gross pay. Nanny taxes can be complicated, but a household payroll provider like HomePay can handle the details and leave families with more time for what really matters. Fees can range from $45 to $90 per month, depending on the location and the level of se ..read more

Toddlers are a tornado of energy – their activity whirls all day long until suddenly, it doesn’t. Parents and Nannies know what might be coming next: a toddler meltdown. The best way to avoid these is to maintain consistency with routines and schedules. Toddlers thrive on routine. It provides a sense of rhythm and security that helps them know what’s coming next and what to expect. Here are some additional things to remember when it comes to the benefits of routines for your little one. Routines create a sense of safety.Predictability is important for toddlers. It helps them feel comfortable a ..read more

The phone is ringing, your children are yelling at each other, you need to cook dinner, and there are new emails in your inbox that need your attention. It’s a fact that we are pulled in multiple directions every day. Life is busy, but having routines and schedules that help balance out the hectic part of life can help benefit your physical and mental health. Here’s how.   #1: It helps manage stress. Continued stress can put you at risk for a variety of health problems – heart disease, chronic sickness, diabetes, weight gain, and more. It can also negatively impact your focus at work and ..read more

by Enginehire Let’s face it, technology is a huge component of a successful business, and why wouldn’t it be? Technology increases efficiency, streamlines processes, maintains your data flow, all while reducing costs and saving you time.  Beginning with our first client, a one-woman-show nanny agency owner, everything we’ve ever created at Enginehire is built because it is what our agency owners tell us they need to grow and simplify running their businesses while never sacrificing their services and what makes them standout.  In listening to our clients, we’ve seen 3 must have agenc ..read more

This month, we are taking some time to celebrate our INA Members. To show you how much we appreciate you, we have giveaways, discounts and member spotlights to fill your days.  Spotlights Each day in February we will be highlighting one of our members. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages every morning to see who we are spotlighting that day. If you would like to apply to be part of our spotlight series you can fill out this form.  Discounts We want to put $20 back in your pocket! Just be one of the first 75 members to fill out this form and pay for another year of membership ..read more

by Katie Brenneman Bringing in a Nanny is a great way to free up some time while ensuring your child gets the care they need. However, you may find that you start to worry about your home’s security while you’re away.  Most Nannies are trained to handle emergencies and will take preventive measures to secure your home. However, you can always sure up security by taking a few proactive steps yourself.  Outdoor Safety All children love to play outdoors in the yard. Outdoor playtime for Nannies too, who can let kids blow off some steam in a safe, controlled environment. However, acciden ..read more

by HomeWork Solutions Nannies are the employees of the families they work for. As defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act(FLSA) and by IRS Document 926. As such they should receive a W-2  each January to account for the wages paid the previous year. Unfortunately, sometime families are unaware that in hiring a nanny, they became household employers with tax and labor law obligations. Nannies who have not received a W-2 from their employer can follow the steps below to resolve the issue. Important dates January 31st– IRS requires employers to mail W-2s by this date. February 15th – The ea ..read more