What Is the Difference  Between a Nanny and a  Babysitter?

Nannies. Daycare providers. Babysitters in Castle Rock & Parker. These are people with the skills to keep little ones happy, safe, and entertained. They provide a great deal of care when parents or guardians need to step out of the house for a few hours, or perhaps are working from home but need someone reliable to watch the children. So, what is the difference between these three? Which one is best for your situation? While all three have one thing in common (that is to care for your children), they are quite different. 

Babysitters

When you hear the word “babysitter,” you’re likely to think of your next-door neighbor’s teen daughter that could use some extra cash from watching over your child. Babysitting as a profession has actually come a long way when it comes to the expectation of responsibilities.

A babysitter is usually someone who is considered on-call as needed and works a couple of times a week or a month, depending on the need of the person or family. Their schedules are pretty open and will be relied on for a couple of hours here and there throughout the week. Babysitters work with a variety of families as well.

Babysitting responsibilities usually include supervising play to occupy your child. While they’ll most likely not be vacuuming or cleaning, if needed, the babysitter can do extra tasks like these occasionally.

While a babysitter will most likely not be required to hold a specific education, they do hold basic first aid and CPR. They also need to have an exceptional way of understanding and relating to children. 

Babysitters are usually paid by the hour and pay is determined by the area in which you reside. You also don’t have to go through a government agency to hire them as they work with a variety of families where cash payments are accepted. Sometimes babysitters take on a much more in-depth role with a child, such as helping with school work or cooking a meal. This type of involvement will require a higher hourly rate of pay. 

Nannies

A nanny is one that works full-time for one particular family. They either live with the family, or in some cases they live off-site. Their schedule can range anywhere from 30 to 50 hours a week, depending on the family’s needs. A nanny’s duties will require much more than a babysitter. Nannies create daily schedules, perhaps helping with homework, making sure children’s clothes are washed and put away, picking up and dropping off children, preparing meals, and also providing emotional care for the children. This hands-on role allows a nanny to become an extension of the parents. Nannies usually work very closely with the parents.

A nanny is required to have professional goals and specialized skills when it comes to child care. They will have an advanced background with a combination of experience. They will typically hold an advanced degree in early childhood education or perhaps a teaching certificate. They are often skilled to work with children with special needs.

Because of the lengthy requirements of a nanny having a full-time, in-house position, nannies are paid by W-2 and would be considered as hourly employees by the family. The families would then offer medical insurance, holiday pay and even sick or vacation time. All taxes and legal requirements are worked out between the family and the nanny. Nannies also require a higher pay per hour and it depends on the education, the area in which you reside, laws, levels of education and background, and more.

The importance of having a reliable, trustworthy and fun sitter is everything, especially when you need them in a pinch! Don’t think twice about your next date night and contact Leah the Sitter today.