Trusting Connections Nanny Agency

Industry Insights

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Nannies + Babysitters – Are you being paid fairly and legally?

Here at Trusting Connections Nanny Agency, we strive to be nanny advocators and industry educators. If you are a nanny, babysitter, maid, house manager, or a family assistant, you are entitled to all the basic benefits an employee should get. Learn what you should be receiving with this informative video below from Trusting Connections’ Co-Founder and Co-Owner, Rosalind Prather.


Nanny Tax + Misclassification

Did you know the IRS always considers nannies and babysitters as employees, not independent contractors?

Whether you are working for an agency or privately with a family, you should be given a W-2 at the end of the year if your salary or pay reaches $2,100 or more. A common misclassification most nannies and babysitters experienced is being considered as Independent Contractors. An indicator that you have been improperly classified is when the agency or family gives you a Form 1099. As an employee, you should be getting a pay stub that articulate the numbers of hours you’ve worked and the taxes that your employers have paid on your behalf. You should also be entitled to other benefits like minimum wage, overtime pay, and required in some states, paid sick leave.

Why Does This Matter?

So what’s the difference between a W-2 and a 1099? What’s the harm in receiving the wrong form before filing your taxes? It hurts you more in the long run than you think

1) You are being double taxed
Normally, a portion of your taxes should be covered by your employers such as social security and Medicare. With a 1099, you are paying both the income tax you are responsible for paying and the employer’s share as well. So even though a $50,000 job may sound like a sweet deal, you’re looking at a huge cut after you calculate all the taxes you’ll be paying.

2) Employment Verification Issues
If you are paid cash under the table or improperly classified, it can be disadvantageous when you need to verify employment. Income verification is required when you buy a car, rent an apartment, or request for unemployment benefits. It may not be an issue now but can become a huge dilemma in your future.

How To Protect Yourself

1) Do Your Research + Ask Questions
 So how do you prep and protect yourself from these legal issues and nuisances? Before getting hired, we encourage you to sit down with the agency or family and review your rights as a legal household employee. If you are currently being paid cash or getting a 1099 at the end of the year, inform and educate them. Give them the benefit of the doubt as some may not be aware of the legalities for household workers.

If the agency or family is not willing to give you proper tax documents, there are ways and actions you can do to better protect yourself. There are two IRS forms you can fill out – Form 4852 and Form 8919, depending on the situation and circumstances.

Click here for From 4852
Click here for Form 8919

2) Join An Agency
To prevent and avoid the stress and legal matters, join an agency like Trusting Connections. We employ all of our nannies and babysitters. We follow legal guidelines to ensure our employees are well taken care of. This includes paying the portion of your taxes, getting a consistent bi-weekly paycheck, receiving a W-2 at the end of the year, earning overtime pay, and accruing sick leave (for those working in the state of Arizona).

We Truly Care

As former nannies, we are passionate about supporting and advocating for nannies and babysitters all over the nation. We believe the work you do is so important. Your impact in the lives of families is significant and you deserve to be treated fairly.

We are happy to be a reliable resource for you, whether you are a TC nanny or not. Give us a call or email us for any questions. You can also swing by to any of our three office locations to meet and talk.

Tucson Office: 3390 N. Campbell Avenue #100 Tucson, Arizona 85719
Phoenix Office: 1490 S Price Rd, Suite 210D Chandler, AZ 85286
Dallas-Fort Worth Office: 751 E Southlake Blvd. #122 Southlake, TX 76092

Here are other resources and articles you should read regarding nanny taxes:

Nanny Tax: Pitfalls and Need-to-Knows for Your Taxes
Why Professional Nannies Want to be Paid Legally

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34th INA Conference – Recap

As a nanny agency who continue to strive and be industry educators and nanny advocates, Trusting Connections was proud and honored to attend the 34th Annual INA Conference, hosted by the International Nanny Association, on March 21-24, 2019 at the Jung Hotel in New Orleans.

For most of our staff, including me, this was our first time in the wonderful city of jazz. This conference was not only a great learning experience for me but also an opportunity for me to explore and see what this infamous city that brought all the saints marching in has to offer. And, it did and more.

34th INA Conference Welcome Reception

It was my second time attending the INA conference; my first one was last year in Tucson, where TC is home-based. You can read about my INA Conference experience here. This year was a record high, with more than 250 attendees from all around the world, from Switzerland to Uganda. Everyone came together to learn and connect.

I want to highlight some key takeaways I took from the conference but first, I want to rave about a few things I got to do in this historic city.

Food. Food. Food.

  • Shrimp & Grits
  • More delicious food!
  • Gumbo

First of all, there’s no doubt when it comes to food in New Orleans, especially seafood. Crabs legs, crawfish, shrimp, fish, and so much more deliciousness. But let’s not forget about the gumbo, po-boys, jambalaya, and grits. Let’s not forget the sweets – the beignets, pralines, and king cakes too! What I’m trying to say is that I ate good food. I ate a lot.

Historic Buildings, Horrific Tales

TC Team getting pumped up before our ghost tour! L to R: Caroline, Mallory, Sabrina, Rosalind, Kim, Ana

Our wonderful boss is a big fan of the paranormal. Did you know New Orleans is one of the most haunted cities? We booked a ghost tour to end our Friday night. A 4-mile walk from one building to another, following the chilling stories that each one carried. And of course, that included the infamous LaLaurie Mansion. Our staff also got to thoroughly explored the French Quarter. We visited Cafe Du Monde, Jackson Square, the Saint Louis Cathedral, and the Mississippi River.

A City That Loves Jazz

  • Saint Louis Cathedral
  • Night Art Market at Frenchmen Street

One of the top things I listed on my “to-do” was to visit a jazz bar/lounge. My co-workers and I visited Frenchmen Street and the popular Bourbon Street. New Orleans is truly a city filled with jazz music lovers and artistic individuals. The sounds of trumpets, saxophones, clarinets, bass, drums, and guitars fill the air, from dusk to dawn.

INA Conference – Key Takeaways

The INA conference was as eye-opening and remarkable as the city lights and festivities. Above all the things I got to experience in New Orleans, attending the Conference offered me one of the most insightful, educational, and informative lessons about the nanny industry.

Here are a few key takeaways I personally took from this conference:

  1. Always have the egg and yolk in any conversation you have and use ‘because’. Have intention and reasoning to back up that intention in your daily decision-making process.
  2. When it comes to speaking and public talking, use and explore the full range of your voice. It’s important to use your diaphragm to create different tones.
  3. It’s all about body posture. They way you sit, stand, and move can change the message you are trying to convey.
  4. Social Media is always changing. Their algorithms are updated every week. To attract your target audience, you have to study the metrics and pattern of your social media channels.
  5. Nannies, Newborn Care Specialist, and Childcare Professionals are important people. They play a big role in a family’s life. They existence is vital and paramount in a child’s life – especially during their developmental phase.

Let The Good Times Roll Indeed

In conclusion, the 34th INA Conference was a great opportunity for the Trusting Connections’ staff to get together and bond. We saw one of our nannies there and couldn’t be more proud of having her learn and grow with us. Above all, the workshops, seminars, round tables, presentations, and conversations were so insightful. I learned so much more than I hoped for during those three days. I met wonderful like-minded people who are passionate about childcare and businesses who carry a similar vision as Trusting Connections’.

Finally, I want to end my recap post with a short video of our Co-Founder and INA’s secretary on the Board of Directors, Caroline, taking a moment to recognize all childcare professionals. Because of their passion, hard work and dedication in childcare were what made this conference possible.

34th INA Conference Caroline’s Speech

I hope to have more of our TC nannies attend next year’s conference as well as other childcare providers around the nation to join. You won’t regret it.

Oh, and did I forget to mention that next year’s conference is going to be in Montreal?

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Gift Ideas For Your Nanny For National Nanny Recognition Week

We will be celebrating nannies all over the nation next week for National Nanny Recognition Week. According to NNRW.org, National Nanny Recognition Week is a week during which “families, businesses, and the media will be encouraged to focus on the positive aspects of the nanny profession, the important role nannies play in the lives of the families and the wonderful contribution they make in the lives of the children they care for.”

Did you know nannies are legally recognized as household employees? That means our nannies are and should be acknowledged as professional childcare providers and caregivers.

Nannies and other childcare providers play a vital part in the children’s life. Busy working families rely on nannies to provide the attention and care for their kids during the most important stages of the child’s development. The significant role nannies play is crucial in the family’s life and with NNRW happening next week, this is THE perfect time to show your love and appreciation to them.

Trusting Connections have gathered up some great gift ideas that you can give to your special nanny next week! Trust me, these gifts will leave a big smile on their faces!

 

trusting connections nanny agency

Nanny Bag

Drive to your local Target and pick up one of these super cute Nanny Bags. They are so versatile and fashionable. This way, your nanny doesn’t have to carry three different bags every time she takes the kids to the park!

 

trusting connections nanny agency

Personalized Jewelry

Nothing says we appreciate your hard work and love you as much as a personalized jewelry piece. Check out Something Remembered to see all the selections and items you can choose from. They are known for their special and customized items for any occasion to make a person feel special on their day!

 

Trusting Connections Nanny Agency

Spa & Salon Package

We all know nannies are super hard workers. Running around and chasing after the kids every day can leave the body sore. Reward your nanny with a spa package so she can take a long and deserving relaxation session! Reach out to your local spa and salon to purchase some gift certificates/package today.

 

Trusting Connections Nanny Agency

Bath Relaxation Gift Basket

A nanny deserves a much needed long bath. Gift her/him a gift basket filled with her favorite scented candles, lotion, bath bombs, and essential oils. Bath and Beyond carry numerous gift baskets you can choose from, including some DIY items so you can customize!

 

trusting connections nanny agency Tucson phoenix dallas fort worth

More Vacation Days

Make her/his day by surprising her/him with a few days off. Add some vacation days to their agenda so they can enjoy making personal plans! Rewarding a nanny a few extra days off can drastically influence their job motivation and increase job satisfaction. Show your appreciation by giving him/her some personal time.

 

trusting connections nanny agency

Adult Coloring Books

Almost all nannies engage in some form of arts and crafts activity with the kids they are looking after. It can be fun, but also stressful when it comes to the mess! Adult coloring books will help relieve the nanny’s stress and help them focus and relax. You can easily purchase one on Amazon as well as your local craft store, so grab one today! The nanny can also enjoy coloring her book while the kids color theirs!

 

trusting connections nanny agency

Keurig – Cofee & Tea Set

From helping the kids get ready for school all the way to help parents tuck them into bed, the nannies’ schedule can be quite busy and sometimes, they may need a bit of a pick-me-up. And you can help by gifting them a Keurig! Whether they are a tea person or a coffee fan, having a Keurig within reach can give them a quick coffee/tea break before getting back to their hectic daily schedule.

 

There are so many other ways you can show your love and appreciation to your nanny next week. Reach out to her/his friends and family and see what’s her favorite perfume, her favorite artist, restaurant, hobbies, etc. This will make your gift more personal and special, knowing that you put thought and research into this. Let show our nannies all the love and acknowledgment they so deserve!

 

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Reliable Childcare Parents Can Trust – Phoenix’s Newest Nanny Agency

 

Make way Arizona, Phoenix just got the next Mary Poppins. Well, a team of Mary Poppins to be exact. Trusting Connections Nanny Agency have opened our doors and settled in Phoenix, serving families all over The Valley. With office operating in Dallas-Fort Worth and Tucson, Phoenix will be our third and newest location.

Trusting Connections is an award-winning sitter and nanny agency, providing safe and reliable childcare for all occasions 24/7, 365 days a year. If you’re a parent who’s looking for occasional care, full-time, consistent care, backup or sick care, Trusting Connections is the one to call. With our unique business model, offering membership packages and flexible services, families can customize and request care with ease. We are local, child care experts committed to offering exceptional, personalized care and superior customer service.

What makes Trusting Connections different from the rest?

We Get Personal

We meet every single one of our families in their homes. Families can speak to our Phoenix office staff directly without the hassle of fighting an automated system to get a question answered. The families we work with are important to us, and we value their thoughts and opinions deeply. We stay proactive in communicating with our Phoenix families through daily social media engagement, weekly blog posts, and monthly newsletters.

Fully-Screened & Agency Employed Nannies

Parents no longer need to worry or stress about billing, scheduling, or hiring. Trusting Connections takes care of everything. All the nannies are employed by the agency, meaning we hire, train, and manage them. We take care of their taxes, insurance, liability, and any other risks that parents face when attempting to hire a nanny on their own.

As for our recruitment of nannies, Trusting Connections is selectively picky, hiring 1 out of 9 nannies that we interview. We truly have one of the most rigorous screening processes in Phoenix and the industry, overall. All of our nannies go through an extensive and thorough hiring process. Minimum requirements must be met before hiring, some of which includes:

  • At least two years of professional childcare experience
  • At least three professional references
  • Complete Sex Abuse Awareness Training
  • Pass 5-Panel Drug Test
  • Comprehensive Criminal Background Criminal Check
  • Pass TC’s Core Care Competencies Exam ©

Click here to see the whole list of requirements TC has for their nannies.

24/7, 365 Days A Year, Service You Can Count On

Trusting Connections works hard to provide consistent, safe, trustworthy, and reliable childcare for families around the clock, even at a moment’s notice. We offer our members Emergency Back-Up Care for families who need last minute care, 24/7, 365 days a year. There are no usage requirements for families; parents can use our services as much as they want or as little as they need. You just simply pay for what you use.

Reliable Childcare Services For Every Occasion

Not only families in Phoenix can enjoy the peace of mind Trusting Connections offer, but churches, hotel and resorts, businesses, and daycare centers all around Phoenix can experience safe and reliable care as well. Trusting Connections offers a wide variety of services including hotel and resort care, special events care, corporate care, church care and much more. From weddings to conferences, Trusting Connections can and will deliver nothing but the best childcare for our Phoenix families and community. Trusting Connections is an industry leader that is truly raising-the-bar when it comes to standards of excellence for private child care services. Explore all the services we offer here.

Trusting Connections will be hosting a free event for Phoenix families in celebration of the grand opening of our award-winning nanny agency and sitter service on Saturday, October 13th from 9:30- 11:30 MST. There will be breakfast treats, games and activities for kids, door prizes and more for the whole family.

For event details, please click here.

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Our Nannies And Sitters Are Here To Help

It’s that time of year again where summer break is coming to an end and a new school year is about to begin. Parents have already begun or will soon begin planning out their weekly schedule and for some, will be doing so with a little bit of anxiety and slight panic.

Things Every Working Parent Struggle With

Parents will find themselves planning, coordinating, more planning, finding and juggling flexible ways to mesh their work schedule with their children’s school schedule to ensure that everyone gets dropped off where they need to be and be picked up at the right time. Nothing is worse than having to pick up your kid at 3 pm and quickly drive them to their soccer practice that starts at 4 pm but only to get an email of an urgent mandatory staff meeting at 2:15 pm. Sounds familiar to any parents here?

How about scenario two: Waking up a little bit earlier than usual to prep and pack your kids’ lunch before heading off work to finish up a big project that has a 2 pm deadline but then find yourself in a bind when your child is in bed with a fever, stuffy nose, and a cough out from nowhere. Unexpected, unpredictable, and unpreventable. Sound relatable yet?

These situations can leave parents in disarray and overwhelm so why not let someone help and take over that anxiety and stress? We have a solid solution for you!

A Solution For All Parents

Did you know that the childcare industry is currently valued at $47 billion and still growing? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of childcare workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job opportunities for childcare workers are expected to be favorable.”

There’s a reason why the childcare industry is favorably growing, and that’s because busy working parents realize they do need that extra hand of help taking care of their children and there are many nanny agencies out there solely built and founded to provide those services!

Nanny agencies such as Trusting Connections is focused on helping and alleviating the stress that comes in finding reliable, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and experienced nannies and sitters for families of all situations. Our team of nannies and sitters can help parents with before and after-school care, meal prep, tutoring and much more. Whether you are a new parent needing a little overnight help, or a family who is looking for consistent care, it can all be done with the help of a nanny or a sitter! Let’s not forget date nights and those unanticipated sick days as well!

Trusting Connections understand how stressful this time of year can be for parents, so we want to help. August is a busy month for everyone, but it’s also a special month for us as Trusting Connections is celebrating our 7th Anniversary!

tc nannies and sitter august special sale

In celebration of our anniversary and the crazy back-to-school season, Trusting Connections is having the biggest sale of the year. Families can enjoy 40% off any of our sitter service membership. Let an agency like Trusting Connections help schedule a fitting nanny for your family. Our team of experts can help you find the right plan that best serves your family.

Trusting Connections – A Reliable Resource

Trusting Connections is an award-winning nanny agency focused and dedicated to providing full-service care for families all around Tucson, Phoenix, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Founded in Tucson by two former nannies, Trusting Connections and their team of childcare experts work hard matching families up with qualified nannies and sitters for all occasions. Recently, Trusting Connections have signed a contract with the University of Arizona as the selected vendor for UA’s Sick Care and Emergency Back-up Care program.

So parents, let our nannies and sitters help you with your back-to-school and other child care needs. Enjoy some free time in the morning to drink a good cup of coffee, finish that project with confidence, throw your best ideas out to your boss at the weekly staff meeting, plan out a spontaneous date night with your significant other next Friday, or schedule a weekend getaway. Get the peace of mind knowing you have a reliable and safe resource for all your childcare needs 24/7, 365 days a year.

Register anytime between August 1st- 31st and use promo code “drive40” to get 40% off our membership fee. This offer expires on August 31st and is only eligible for first-time family registrants. Parents can explore all the services Trusting Connections offer on our website in our Services page.

Trusting Connections Nanny Agency is here to deliver modern childcare to families while providing and serving priceless values and experience.

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A Recap of the 33rd Annual INA Conference

A few weeks ago, Trusting Connections along with other nanny agencies and nannies all over the world joined together at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa for the 33rd INA Conference, hosted by the International Nanny Association.

It was my first INA conference and my first time visiting Arizona and as a first-time attendee, I wanted to take in as much as I can. If I were to describe Tucson in one word, it would be: Cacti.

CactiMountains and dry heat would tie for second place, but nothing beats the vast prickly defining plant you pass every 3 feet. Fun fact: did you know the seguaro cactus is protected under the Native Plant Protection Act? Becuase these plants take an incredibly long time to grow (having an estimated lifespan of 150-200 years), any removal or damage of the plant, anywhere, is a serious crime. You can face a felony criminal-damage charge and get up to twenty-five years in prison for cutting down a saguaro cactus. You sure don’t want to prick your way into that situation!

Besides the great view, I had a great experience at the conference. The attendees were all so welcoming and had a lot to share. I can tell that every single person there was passionate about childcare and genuinely love what they do. I strongly recommend anyone who is in the childcare industry or love working with kids to attend next year’s conference in the wonderful city of Jazz, New Orleans! There are many things you can invest your time and money in and the INA conference is an important one. Here’s a quick recap of my trip and hopefully it may help you see the value and worth of coming to next year’s conference!

Thursday Night – Opening Reception & Group Dinner

INA Opening receptionThe conference started off with a happy hour reception with plenty of ice-breaker activities to meet everyone and introduce ourselves. It was an hour of fun-about-me facts, munching on delicious appetizers, and enjoying the scenery in awe. After meeting a few new agency friends, we all ended the night with a group dinner at El Charro, one of the most popular Mexican restaurant in Tucson, filled with good vibes and laughter.

Friday – Nannies, the Most Important People Ever

INA Conference

After a hearty breakfast and one or three good cups of coffee, attendees sat down to listen to our keynote speaker, Dr. Lynne Kenney, as she discussed on how we can elevate our productivity and live a better and healthier life. It was incredibly motivating and inspirational to hear. The conference strategically planned out several workshops that highlighted different topics and areas attendees can pick from. The topics ranged from financial planning and budgeting, marketing, recruiting, cultural sensitivity, to newborn care seminars. For new and experienced nannies and agency owners, attending these workshops is an invaluable opportunity. A key

takeaway from Friday, I believe, is that nannies are among the most important people in the world. The responsibilities of a nanny are critical. Nannies are in charge of taking care of the children, creating, molding, teaching, and manifesting the children’s behavioral skills and their overall development. A profound and very true statement indeed.

Friday Night – Dancing the Night Away, Western Style

Old Tucson

Trusting Connections Team

After the information-filled day, I kicked off my heels and put on my first ever cowboy boots! Our TC team all put on our matching TC shirts and cowboys boots as we two-step our way over to Old Tucson, located adjacent to the Tucson Mountains, to enjoy a delicious southern BBQ feast! Old Tucson is a movie studio and premiere film location, known to film many classic western films starring John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Elizabeth Taylor and more! There was food, drinks, and lots of dancing.

Saturday – Importance of Branding

Sunday started with another good healthy breakfast and some mingling before the second day of workshops begin. I was very excited for today as several seminars and workshops focused on the importance of social media and other Marketing tips you can do to help your company. My takeaway from Sunday is that the essence and importance of your brand, your logo, and your behavior with clients and other agencies really do signify your company and what you stand for.

Saturday Night – Partying up with Trusting Connections

Pinata

After two exciting days filled with networking and insightful webinars, Saturday night ended with a fiesta some attendees described as, “a perfect cherry on top” to finish their conference trip. It just wouldn’t make sense for Trusting Connections to pass the opportunity of having the INA conference be held in Tucson and not host a party for all the attendees! A big shoutout to our Co-Founder and party planner, Mrs. Rosalind Prather, for setting up an unforgettable party for the TC team and INA attendees. We’re talking about delicious food, chips and salsa, drinks, live music, a red carpet entry behind TC’s huge backdrop banner (with props for that picture perfect selfie or groupie), and a body-sized cactus pinata! I couldn’t think of anywhere else to end my conference trip than to be with my incredible TC team and everyone else.

INA Conference – A Worthy Investment

To sum it up, the 33rd Annual INA Conference was filled with educational and insightful workshops, fun group gatherings, multiple networking breaks, loads of food, unlimited Starbucks coffee, endless laughter and conversation, countless amount of selfies and snaps, and breathtaking view of mountains and Seguaros. Overall, I believe my first INA Conference was nothing but amazing.

If you are interested in learning more about INA or information about next year’s conference, please visit the International Nanny Association website.

Written by Kim Tran, Marketing Assistant at Trusting Connections Nanny Agency.

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