Hopefully, duties are based upon a comprehensive job description and work agreement, agreed upon by both parties. This is an essential basis in hiring a professional nanny. Typically, the nanny is responsible for every thing that revolves around the children in her/his charge. The focus of the nanny should be the delivery of quality childcare. Feeding, bathing, naps, outings and playing are usually nanny territory. Also nannies are charged with full responsibility of the child’s safety, well being and growth and development while they are on duty. It is expected that every nanny has a good understanding of early childhood developmental stages, needs and challenges and can create appropriate activities. Other important areas are discipline and limit setting and socialization. Many nannies are expected to assist with light housework as it revolves around the care of the children. Included might be upkeep of the children’s bedrooms and play areas, children’s laundry, preparation and cooking of the children’s meals, straightening up of the kitchen and family room, car pooling, grocery shopping, assistance with family dinner preparation and clean up and other household management tasks as time permits. Also included might be any other tasks that are mutually agreed upon by the employer and nanny. It is our experience that the needs of the children are best served when the housekeeping responsibilities are clearly less important than the child care responsibilities. All nanny schedules will be mutually agreed upon by contract specifying conditions of employment prior to the actual commencement of work. The conventional work week of a nanny can vary from 20 – 60 hours. Employers should be aware of over-time, when the work week exceeds 40 hours. Typically nannies work 2-5 days a week and have two days off- usually weekends.