How much for nanny/Babysitter?

chiquittabanana · #1 12-05-2005, 01:36 PM

What would be a fair amount of money to pay for a nanny-babysitter in the DR.

I am going with my husband for the X-mas holidays and I made arrangements with a girl who used to give my child Occupational Therapy while I lived in SD, she will be on vacation during my stay, so I asked her if she could baby-sit for me, so I can get out and play some golf with my husband, get some tan lines and enjoy a New Year's Eve party.

The problem is,,, she is a Therapist not a babysitter, I don’t want to offend her, I don’t really know what amount I should offer.

She will be staying with us at the apartment we rented; she will go to Guavaberry with us while we play or around the beach, but we will be also around for the baby. All her expenses will be covered during the time she is with us. Should I offer a flat rate for the whole stay or a daily amount? Suggestions please!!!!!

andrea9k · #2 12-05-2005, 02:13 PM

For how long are you staying?

I would offer her the same money she makes in her regular job, if I knew it.

Otherwise, I would offer 2,000 pesos per week. A thank you present would let doors open for the next time you need her.

Jess

expatsooner · #3 12-05-2005, 02:14 PM

I would say that a small but fair flat rate would be appropriate. It doesn't have to be huge since you are covering all her food and expenses but she should get some cash as well.

The amount would really depend on how much supervision/work you expect her to do and how much expertise is needed to help supervise/babysit your child. I am assuming since she was your child's therapist before that there is some sort of disability that means some specialized care is needed which raises the price a bit.

Bottom line is she is taking care of your child and you want her to be happy to do so. Perhaps you should consider what rate you paid her as a therapist to give yourself a guideline.

married2dominicano_fl · #4 12-05-2005, 02:20 PM

Facts to take in consideration are?

How long are you staying?
How many hours a day will she be "babysitting", even if you are around?
Is it just during the daytime? nightime? all day?

Even if the expenses are being paid, the compensation should equal to the hours/time she's actually working for you. As an example, a live-in nanny, although the expenses are covered for her housing she still gets a daily flat rate or a weekly; however its arranged.

chiquittabanana · #5 12-05-2005, 03:08 PM

We will be there on the 22, but I asked her to come and stay with us from the 26th until the 1st. and I expect her to look after the baby for those days, so 7 days.

My child is autistic,,,she will be 3 in January and needs attention 24/7 but my intention is for her to look after the baby while I either play or get some sun. We plan to meet some friends for dinner couple of nights while we are there and the night of New Year’s Eve we will be attending the Party at the club. Other than those times, we will always be around and playing with her in the water by the pool or the beach. She is a picky eater and we have a feeding pattern which cannot be alter, so we will be doing the feeding as well.

I told my husband that my guess was a 100 bucks for those 7 days, what do you guys think?

rellosk · #6 12-05-2005, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiquittabanana

We will be there on the 22, but I asked her to come and stay with us from the 26th until the 1st. and I expect her to look after the baby for those days, so 7 days.

My child is autistic,,,she will be 3 in January and needs attention 24/7 but my intention is for her to look after the baby while I either play or get some sun. We plan to meet some friends for dinner couple of nights while we are there and the night of New Year’s Eve we will be attending the Party at the club. Other than those times, we will always be around and playing with her in the water by the pool or the beach. She is a picky eater and we have a feeding pattern which cannot be alter, so we will be doing the feeding as well.

I told my husband that my guess was a 100 bucks for those 7 days, what do you guys think?

You're asking someone to work for you during their vacation, during the holidays when she would normally be with her family. Someone that has cared for you child in the past in a professional manner. Someone that you know and trust. You want her to be available to work 24/7, for seven days.

Does $100US, which is probably less than a round of golf for you and your husband really sound reasonable to you?

IMHO, being that this is not a permanent position, the fact that you are providing her with food and board should not even come into the picture.

A.J. · #7 12-05-2005, 03:48 PM

You must also take into consideration that even though you will be there also - she is almost on 24 hour call given that she will be expected to stay with your child when you and your husband have someting to do where the child would not enjoy.
She is also not going to be going home during that time which you shoud also calculate.
Consider the fact that $100 = 14.28 dollars a day. You would not be able to get the kind of knowledge she has for $30 dollars a day.

HOWMAR · #8 12-05-2005, 04:00 PM

I'm going to have to agree with Rellosk. She probably is making in the area of 12,000/month for 44 hrs/week with a 5.5 day week. Using that as a guide she makes almost $100/week with no nights, 1/2 day Saturday and no Holiday. Dominican labor law provides for double pay on holidays and night differential. Even with meals provided at $100 she is about even with her normal job, but you are entrusting her with the responsibility of your child.
IMHO, if it were me, I'd probably pay her $200.

chiquittabanana · #9 12-05-2005, 04:05 PM

Yes, rellosk, it is less than a round of golf, but not for us, we are members and just pay a minimal fee.

Please don't take me wrong...That’s the reason why I am asking the forum’s opinion. When I was there last October, I asked her if she knew anybody who could do it for me, someone she was familiar with, she said she didn't know anybody to really recomend, but she was going to look for me. Last week she called me here and asked me if I was able to find the sitter, because she was on holidays during that time and she would like to do it. I was surprised.

I told her that I made a few calls to the club and I was told by one of the hostess that they could provide me with a sitter while I golf, but I rather have someone with a more personal reference and the fact that I would like to go to the New Year’s Eve party was a big factor. My child will probably be sleeping before I go to the party, but sleeping or not, I didn’t want to leave her with a stranger alone for the night. I don’t want her to be available 24/7… I just want her to look after the baby while I play and go out for couple of nights and the party. The rest of the time I want her to just hang out with us.

What is your opinion,,, if you were in my shoes,,how much would you pay? What do you think is a fair rate? Keep in mind that it is DR,, not Canada or US

A.J. · #10 12-05-2005, 04:22 PM

I would pay her $200 for the week.