Nanny Agency JobsSeparate a named holiday, a family closure and an assigned workday before agreeing to coverage.
Name the date and the assignment
Ask which date is at issue and whether the family expects ordinary care, travel, a shorter shift or no work. “The holidays” is too broad to settle a schedule. Check your written agreement and the family calendar together. If the children are out of school, that does not by itself mean the nanny is off; the school-holiday guide addresses that separate coverage question.
Separate schedule from pay
For each date, write the proposed hours, whether you are working, whether a paid holiday or other benefit is offered, and the source of that term. Ask how a changed family plan will be handled. The US Department of Labor explains that the federal FLSA does not itself require pay for time not worked on holidays. That narrow federal statement does not settle your agreement, state or local rules, or pay for work performed.
Check changes and coverage
If the family travels or closes its home, ask whether you are expected to work elsewhere, remain available or take time off. Record the answer before reserving the day for them. If a holiday shift is offered after the schedule was agreed, ask who approves the change and how it will be recorded. Do not assume a premium rate, a replacement day or an unpaid closure without the actual terms.
Send one clear question
Original sample message: “Could we confirm the plan for Monday, November 2? My usual hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please let me know whether I am scheduled to work, the expected location and hours, and how this date is treated under our agreement.” Replace the fictional date and hours with the real ones. A response should resolve the date, not just say “holiday schedule.”
Close the calendar
Record the final schedule in the shared calendar and retain the written confirmation. If the pay term remains unclear, ask payroll or the employer for the applicable agreement and local rule before treating the amount as settled. Compare the result with the benefits offer guide and guaranteed-hours guide, which answer different questions.