PROFESSIONAL

For caregivers:

Reliability & punctuality

• Arrive on time and adhere to scheduled hours.

• Notify the family as soon as possible if delays or emergencies occur.

Role and boundaries

• Follow the duties outlined in the contract or job description.

• Respect the family’s privacy, home rules, and personal belongings.

Communication

• Speak respectfully and maintain professional tone with the child and family.

• Provide clear, timely updates about the child’s condition, incidents, or concerns.

• Ask questions when instructions are unclear and confirm changes in care or schedule in writing when possible.

For families:

Clear expectations

• Provide a detailed job description that lists duties, hours, and any care needs.

• Review and agree on routines, medication, dietary restrictions, and emergency procedures.

• Make sure the caregiver understands house rules and any household logistics (entry codes, parking, pet care, etc.).

Fair employment practices

• Honor agreed hours, duties, pay rates, and contractual terms.

• Pay on the agreed schedule

• Treat caregivers with respect and address performance concerns privately and constructively.

Communication

• Inform caregivers of schedule changes, cancellations, or expectations as early as possible.

• Share relevant health updates or changes in the child condition promptly.

• Provide constructive feedback and acknowledge good performance to build trust and a positive working relationship.

RESPECT

For caregivers & families

Kindness

• Treating one another with patience and consideration.

Dignity

• Valuing each person's role, boundaries, time, and contribution.

Honesty

• Transparency about expectations, concerns, and relevant information.

The right match is not just about qualifications; it's about compatibility, trust, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of the child.

As parents and caregivers, we set the example. When we show calm patience, clear communication, and genuine appreciation, we model the behaviors we hope to see returned.

Respect begins in small moments: listening without interrupting, honoring schedules, acknowledging effort, and speaking with courtesy when concerns arise. It grows when we recognize that everyone involved- parents, nannies, teachers, therapists, and extended family, brings unique strengths and perspectives.

Practical ways to live this respect:

• Communicate expectations clearly and kindly. Share routines, preferences, and boundaries so caregivers & parents provide consistent care.

• Honor time and commitments. Be punctual for pickups and meetings; caregivers do the same for appointments and agreed-upon hours.

• Recognize contributions. Say thank you, acknowledge hard work, and celebrate small wins in the child’s development.

• Maintain professional boundaries. Respect personal privacy and the limits of each role; coordinate but don’t micromanage.

• Build trust through transparency. Address problems directly and respectfully; work together on solutions and future expectations.

• Prioritize the child’s wellbeing above ego. Focus conversations on the child’s needs, progress, and comfort.

When families and caregivers operate from kindness and dignity, the child benefits most. They feel safe, valued, and supported by a team that models healthy relationships. That shared commitment- creates a stable, loving environment where children can thrive.

SAFETY

For caregivers:

Background screening

• Undergo thorough identity verification, criminal-record checks, and reference checks before placement.

• Provide documentation of professional qualifications, certifications (CPR, First Aid), and training completion.

Commitment to childcare safety

• Follow established safety protocols for supervision, safe sleep, medication administration, transportation, and emergency response.

• Promptly report any unsafe conditions.

Honest disclosure of relevant information

• Share upcoming absences or scheduling conflicts as soon as they are known to ensure uninterrupted child supervision.

For families:

Clear emergency and household procedures

• Provide written emergency plans: primary and backup emergency contacts, nearest hospital, preferred pediatrician, and any medical conditions or allergies.

• Clear information about household and caregiving environment

• Inform caregivers of any pets, other children, or regular visitors, and any cultural or religious practices that affect caregiving.

Shared expectations

Open communication

• Maintain honest, respectful, and timely communication about schedule changes, concerns, and child wellbeing.

• Use written notes or shared logs for important daily updates (meals, naps, behavior, medication).

Confidentiality and professionalism

• Respect privacy: handle personal and medical information sensitively and only share with authorized persons.

Incident reporting and follow-up

• Agree on a clear process for reporting accidents or safety concerns.

This set of practices helps create a safe, transparent, and trusting environment for caregivers and family’s wellbeing.