This article offers a quick reference that outlines the general standards for hiring a nanny. Hopefully, this information will help you create a competitive position that attracts the best possible candidates for your family. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Nanny Qualifications

When hiring a nanny, certain qualifications and requirements are generally expected. At a minimum, a prospective nanny should have non-family-member experience caring for children. Additional qualifications often include:

• Training in early childhood education
• First aid training
• Child and infant CPR
• Reliable transportation with a safe driving history
• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• English proficiency (or other relevant language skills for your family’s needs)
• Traits such as reliability, honesty, and trustworthiness
• Physical ability to care for a young child
• Ability to plan, organize, and multitask with minimal supervision

At Kensington, we not only uphold these basic qualifications but also exceed them through our rigorous screening process. We specifically require a minimum of 5 years of recent, verifiable professional experience. Our agency specializes in identifying the most qualified nannies and provides the added assurance that candidates have demonstrated excellence in their roles—setting them apart from those found on generic online databases.

Typical Nanny Job Duties

A full-time nanny typically performs a range of duties centered on creating a safe and nurturing environment for children. These tasks can include:

• Supervising children’s activities
• Preparing meals
• Dressing and bathing
• Handling diaper changes and potty training
• Doing housework related to childcare (e.g., cleaning up after meals or playtime)
• Engaging in educational and developmental activities
• Planning indoor and outdoor play
• Driving children to and from activities
• Administering discipline
• Administering medication (when needed and approved)

Expectations vary by family and are usually outlined in a Work Contract. Kensington provides a customizable family/nanny work contract to ensure all essential details are covered. We also assist families who need a nanny-housekeeper combination, adding household cleaning duties to the role.

Custodial vs. Whole Child Care

A babysitter primarily supervises a child to keep them safe. A nanny, however, typically invests time each week planning and implementing developmental activities. These activities encourage growth in social, emotional, and cognitive areas—focusing on more than just supervision.

Nanny Pay Rates

South Florida

• Typical Range: Ranges can vary depending on current market conditions. Live-out $25–$35+ per hour, Live-in $1,500-1,800 per week, Specialized care (Newborn Care Specialists, Montessori-trained, bi-lingual, special needs experience) $30-50+ per hour
• Who Gets Top Pay: Nannies with more than 5 years of recent, non-family, long-term private nanny experience tend to command higher rates.
• Factors Influencing Pay: Number of children, special needs, cooking or housekeeping duties, educational background, scheduling flexibility, and more.

Families offering competitive salaries generally attract more experienced and motivated candidates. Offering under $25 per hour may still attract applicants but might result in a lower level of motivation or long-term commitment. Most nannies rely on a stable income; therefore, consistent weekly pay—even during family vacations or travel—helps attract and retain top talent.

Dallas-Fort Worth

• Typical Range: Ranges can vary depending on current market conditions. Live-out nanny $22-32+ per hour, Live-in $1,000-1,400 per week, Specialized care (Newborn Care Specialists, Montessori-trained, bi-lingual, special needs experience) $30-40+ per hour
• Who Gets Top Pay: Similar to the above, nannies with extensive verifiable experience, specialized skills (e.g., special needs, tutoring, or caring for multiples), and flexible availability generally earn higher rates.
• Factors Influencing Pay: The same considerations apply (number of children, special skills, additional duties, and so on). Competitive salaries coupled with a consistent schedule tend to attract stronger candidates in the DFW market.

Full-Picture Nanny Recruiting

Successful hiring hinges on attracting qualified candidates by considering the entire scope of the job, not just compensation. Even a high hourly rate may draw fewer applicants if the schedule or demands are challenging. For example, a position that pays $30/hr for 40 hours per week but includes every Saturday with extended working hours might limit the candidate pool due to scheduling constraints.

Key Factors to Consider:

1. Work Schedule and Availability – Is weekend or evening availability required?
2. Job Duties – Will the nanny be asked to handle family meal prep, grocery shopping, housekeeping, etc.?
3. Number of Children and Ages – Different age ranges require varying levels of experience and energy.
4. Child’s Activities or School Schedule – Driving and extracurricular involvement can affect hours and responsibilities.
5. Compensation Package – Hourly/salary pay, PTO, bonuses, holidays, sick days, and other benefits.
6. Specialized Skills – Special needs care, tutoring, multiples (twins or triplets), or any unique qualifications.

Summary

When hiring a nanny, it’s crucial to understand local standards and expectations—whether you’re in South Florida, Dallas-Fort Worth, or elsewhere. Kensington offers comprehensive guidance on nanny qualifications, job duties, and salaries tailored to various regions. Our rigorous screening ensures referred nannies exceed basic qualifications and demonstrate excellence in their roles. Nannies provide whole-child care, engaging in developmental activities that go beyond simple supervision. We also offer tools like customizable work contracts to simplify the hiring process. For additional advice on determining competitive pay rates and attracting top candidates, please contact Kensington.

This information is intended as a general guide. Actual qualifications, duties, and rates may vary depending on the unique needs of each family and regional cost-of-living factors.