Ending the Employment Relationship Gracefully
The Art of the Goodbye
The end of a nanny contract is unlike corporate termination. You are firing a member of the family ecosystem.
At-Will vs. Notice
While most employment is "at-will" (can end anytime), standard nanny contracts require 2-4 weeks notice from either party.
- Safety Exception: If safety is a concern, termination should be immediate, with pay in lieu of notice.
Severance Standards
If you are letting a nanny go due to "no fault" (e.g., kids starting preschool, family moving), the industry standard is:
- 1 week of pay for every year of service.
- Payout of all accrued/unused PTO.
The Transition
Children need closure. If possible, allow a "goodbye week" where the nanny can have a final special outing with the kids. Suddenly disappearing can be traumatic for toddlers who have formed a secure attachment.