Nannies Aren't Sick-Day Shields: Our Nanny Sick Child Policy Protects Caregivers & Kids

Feb 23
2 min read

The Old Normal Wasn't Okay

For too long, families have texted:

"She's just warm-- it's probably nothing."

"He's been coughing for a week, but can you still come?"

Day cares would send those kids home, but nannies were expected to show up.

The result?

Caregivers caught illnesses they didn't cause.
They burned through their limited paid sick days.
They felt forced to choose between a paycheck and their health.

That stops now.

The New Tried & True Standard

Effective immediately, No Tried and True nanny will be asked or expected to work when a child is contagious or ill enough that school or a daycare would send them home.

Here's how it works:

Mild cold? Normal sniffles are fine. Some kids naturally run a little warm, and that alone isn't a deal-breaker.
Contagious illnesses or ongoing fever? If the illness lasts several days, or if the nanny requests a doctor visit and the family refuses, care stops until the child is cleared.
Guaranteed pay remains. If care is canceled for sickness, the nanny is still paid as agreed.
3-5 paid sick days remain protected for the nanny's own illness-- never for days lost because a family's child infected them.

This policy will now be written into every agency contract we draft and enforce.

Respecting Parental Choices-- While Protecting Nannies

We recognize that vaccination is a personal family decision.

But personal choice does not mean ignoring a caregiver's health.

Families who decline vaccines or refuse medical evaluation when a nanny requests it must still:

Communicate honestly about symptoms and doctor visits.
Follow the zero-sick-care policy without exception
Respect that the nanny's health and safety are equally important

Boundaries and respect aren't negotiable.

Why Families Benefit Too

Some parents worry this policy will complicate their work schedule.

But in reality, everyone wins:

Children recover faster when parents keep them home and seek medical care when needed.
Nannies stay healthy, preventing staffing gaps.
Families maintain trust and consistency with the caregiver their children know and love.

Healthy households start with clear expectations.

Professional Care & Our Nanny Sick Child Policy

It's a myth that "germs are part of the job."

Pediatric nurses and teachers follow strict infection-control standards and have the right to refuse unsafe conditions.

Nannies deserve the same professional respect.

By embedding this nanny sick child policy in every Tried and True - Nannies & Sitters contract, we safeguard:

Children's health
Parent's peace of mind
Nannies' well-being and career longevity

Want professional childcare that values health, transparency, and respect for everyone in the home?

Contact Tried & True - Nannies & Sitters to secure care backed by a clear zero-sick-care policy.