25 Numbers Nannies Should Know

When it comes to being a nanny, there’s lots of information a nanny must retain about the children she cares for, employers she works with and home that she works in. While it’s not necessary that a nanny know every one of these numbers by heart, it’s certainly a good idea to write them all done and store them in an easily accessible to her place.

In no specific order, the top 25 numbers nannies should know include:

1. Emergency Telephone Number. While 9-1-1 is typically the fastest and most efficient way to summons help in an emergency situation, the direct phone numbers to the local dispatch office, police and fire station can come in handy should the 9-1-1 system be down.

2. The Number for Poison Control. 800-222-1212. For nannies are concerned about a poison exposure, they can call poison control to get free, confidential and expert medical advice 24/7.

3. Her Employer’s Phone Numbers. Employers typically have at least three phone numbers: a home phone, cell phone and work phone. Nannies should be familiar with every number where her employer could regularly be reached.

4. The Pediatrician’s Phone Number. Nannies are often responsible for taking children to medical appointments, to schedule and change appointments or to call the nurse to ask medical questions. Nannies should have this number handy.

5. The School’s Phone Number. For children in school, nannies should know the phone number to report absences, to ask questions or to contact the child’s teacher or school staff.

6. The Child’s Health Insurance Number. In case of emergency treatment or even routine care, having a copy of the card can facilitate problem free billing.

7. The Home Alarm Code. Nannies who work in homes with alarm or security systems should know how to arm and disarm the alarm and contact the provided should the need to assistance arise.

8. The Child’s Height and Weight. Whether it’s for determining the proper dosage of Tylenol or shopping for clothes or car seats, knowing the child’s height and weight will come in handy.

9. The Child’s Date of Birth. A nanny will need to know the child’s date of birth for everything from planning age-appropriate lesson plans to completing paperwork and sign-up sheets for activities and classes.

10. The Child’s Dentist Phone Number. If a child falls and chips a tooth, a call to the dentist will be in order. Having the dentist’s number will come in handy.

11. The Appropriate Dosage of Any Medications. For children who are on any type of medication, knowing the exact dose is vital to preventing overdose. Nannies should also be familiar with the child’s over the counter pain and fever reliever dose, however they should not administer medication without the consent of their employers.

12. Her Employer’s House Number. While it may sound silly, anyone who has ever been in an emergency knows how quickly a well-known fact can slip the mind. Having the employer’s address readily available may come in handy.

13. The Local Police Phone Number. To report nonlife threatening matters, a call the business line of the police department may be required.

14. The Local Fire Department Phone Number. Many local fire stations have certified car seat and passenger safety technicians available to check the installation of car seats. They also have water pumps on hand should a homeowner need assistance and specialized instruments for measuring carbon monoxide, should a nanny suspect a leak. Knowing how to reach the fire department directly can be helpful.

15. The Child’s Clothing Sizes. Whether intentionally shopping for clothing or coming across a great sale, knowing the child’s current clothing size can be important.

16. The Child’s Shoe Sizes. The same is true with a child’s shoe size. Knowing what size he measures now can help you to monitor foot growth and determine what size he’ll be the next season. Kid’s feet grow fast so you’ll want to be sure to alert the parents as soon as shoes become to snug.

17. Her Gross Salary. Nannies and employers typically talk salary but often forget to mention if it’s net or gross. Knowing exactly how much you make before taxes can help avoid any confusion with regards to salary expectations.

18. Her Net Salary. Every nanny wants to know how much money she’ll have in her pocket at the end of the week. Your net salary will tell you just that.

19. Tax Withholdings. What’s coming out of your paycheck? You’ll want to know and confirm your taxes are being withheld accordingly.

20. Weekly Hours Worked. Knowing how much you work each work is essential to determining how much you’ll earn. Live-out nannies who work over 40 hours in a 7-day-period are eligible for overtime compensation. In some states live-in nannies are too.

21. Number of Vacation Days Earned. Having a clear understanding of how much time off you have is important. Nannies should always use their vacation time to recharge and refresh so they don’t suffer burnout.

22. Number of Paid Sick Days Provided. Knowing how many sick days you have available to you can clarify if you’ll be paid for taking time off due to illness.

23. Number of Personal Days Provided. Since nannies work business hours, making medical and professional appointments can be tough. You’ll want to know how many days you have available to use for personal reasons and if you’re being paid for the time you take off.

24. The Closest Out of State Relative’s Phone Number. Should the local phone or cell phone system be down and you can’t make instate calls, you and your employer should have an out of state delegate you can contact to relay messages, if necessary.

25. Any Pertinent Pass Codes. From the codes required to enter a child’s preschool to the code used to log onto the family’s photo sharing site to upload photos, if you’re required to gain access to privy information, you’ll want to be sure you have the pass codes required.

Taken From Become a Nanny