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Free nanny contract template (Word)

Reviewed by Clausery editors · · 3 min read

A contract between a family and a nanny (or au pair/babysitter) defining duties, work hours, pay rate, overtime, paid time off, benefits (health, mileage, taxes), house rules and termination terms.

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A nanny contract (or nanny work agreement) sets out the terms of in-home childcare: hours, schedule, duties (childcare only vs housework related to children), pay rate, overtime, paid time off, holidays, sick days, mileage/reimbursement, tax withholding, trial period and termination notice.

In many countries nannies are employees (not independent contractors) — families are responsible for payroll taxes, workers comp and minimum wage/overtime compliance. A contract protects both sides and avoids awkward mid-employment conversations.

What to include#

  • Family and nanny. Employing family names and address; nanny name and contact; children names/ages; start date and schedule (days/hours).
  • Duties and scope. Primary childcare responsibilities (meals, bedtime routine, school runs, homework, activities); additional household duties related to children (laundry, tidying kids rooms); explicitly excluded duties.
  • Compensation. Hourly rate, pay frequency (weekly/bi-weekly), overtime rate (as required by law), performance review/raise schedule, and method of payment.
  • Benefits and time off. Paid time off (vacation, sick days, holidays), health insurance stipend if offered, mileage reimbursement for driving children, paid parking/tolls, and continuing-education/professional-development support.
  • Taxes, house rules and termination. Tax classification (nanny as employee with proper payroll/withholding), emergency medical authorisation, confidentiality/social-media policy, trial period, notice period for termination (typically 2-4 weeks) and severance terms.

How to fill it in#

  1. Step 1: Do a trial period first

    Build in a 30-60-90 day trial period for both sides to confirm fit.

  2. Step 2: Align on duties upfront

    Be specific about whether cooking, light housework, pet care or homework help is included.

  3. Step 3: Pay legally

    Use a nanny payroll service to handle tax withholding, workers comp and compliance — misclassifying as contractor creates liability.

  4. Step 4: Set a schedule and overtime

    Specify fixed hours; overtime rates apply when hours exceed legal thresholds (40+ hours/week for live-out in many US states).

  5. Step 5: Agree termination terms

    Standard notice is 2-4 weeks or pay in lieu; include grounds for immediate termination (neglect, safety).

Pet sitting agreement

For pet-specific care.

Employment agreement

Standard employment contract; nannies are often employees.

Remote work agreement

For families where parents work from home.

Coaching agreement

For parent coaches (different from in-home care).

Free contract templates

Full template library.

Questions

Is a nanny an employee or contractor?

In the US nannies are almost always household employees with tax/overtime obligations; misclassification triggers IRS/state penalties.

Do I need to pay overtime?

Live-out nannies in most US states must receive overtime for hours over 40/week or over a daily threshold; live-in rules vary.

What about mileage?

Reimburse IRS standard mileage rate for miles driven while transporting children.

Do I provide health insurance?

Not required by law in most places; some families offer a stipend as a benefit.

Can I terminate without notice for neglect?

Yes for serious issues (safety, abuse, neglect); include immediate-termination grounds in the contract.

Browse all templates →

These are general templates, not legal or tax advice. Have anything unusual reviewed for your jurisdiction.

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