Nanny vs AU Pair in Canada

[2forMe]

I am really having trouble figuring this stuff out.
So from what I understand a Au pair does not work full time, gets more of an allowance,so are they tax deductible? Can the money I pay be claimed as child care expenses? But how do I find one? Or are Nannies the better way to go?
What I need is someone to look after my school age kids, so it is not full time, so I am not sure a nanny from overseas would be keen to work for me for say less than 20 hrs per week. But I think it is easier to get a Visa for an official nanny as opposed to an Au pair...
Also I am in Ontario so if I found a Nanny I would pay minimum wage, plus room and board... but I am having trouble wit the math as to how much I would be paying for 20 hrs a week.. not sure how all the deductions for cpp, ei work etc. Then can I claim how much for child care on my taxes?
I am just so confused!!!
Does anyone have experience in this.. can you please help me out! thanks

 

[drag n' fly]

An Au Pair provides childcare and light household duties. A nanny provides childcare only and is responsible for preparing meals etc only for the children. A live in in Calgary makes approx 1500 a month f/t with 325 taken off for room and board. You will have a hard time finding a p/t live in and it could be a logistical nightmare. A live out nanny is more costly.

A friend of mine recently used this website to help guide her in finding a live in nanny.hth

http://www.nannies4hire.com/tips/1061-working-with-a-nanny-agency.htm

 

[stefanospops]

I don't have a good understanding how things work, but I live in Toronto and have been thinking about finding someone to share a nanny with. I just need someone part-time to give my wife a bit of a break. Where are you located? If you wanted to discuss sharing someone I am open to it.

 

[2forMe]

Too bad I am in Ottawa. I do understand the difference in work and visa requirements for Au Pair vs Nanny... but I am not sure of what the tax implications and child care credits are... plus no clue on how to find someone. Agencies seem to mostly be for Nannies and since I only need about 20 hrs per week I figure it would be hard to find a official Nanny for that little hours. I only pay approx. 400 per month for after school care as it is , for both kids, so I am not wanting to pay a whole lot more (not including room and board etc).. that is why I thought of Au pair...as it is not really even 20 hrs...Oh well the search continues

 

[cabmom]

I've had many Au Pairs and now have a Nanny.
As the person above stated they do not look after the children full time. I got my Au Pairs from www.greataupair.com. I had one from France, one from England and one from Kentucky. They arranged for their own work permits.
The Nanny has to work a minimum of 30hrs. That's what mine does. It's $10/hr with deductions of $85.25/week for room and board.
My nanny has a sister who is in England right now that would love to be sponsored. I can give you more details if you like.
Let me know if I can help, been down this road many times.

 

[2forMe]

I've had many Au Pairs and now have a Nanny.
As the person above stated they do not look after the children full time. I got my Au Pairs from www.greataupair.com. I had one from France, one from England and one from Kentucky. They arranged for their own work permits.
The Nanny has to work a minimum of 30hrs. That's what mine does. It's $10/hr with deductions of $85.25/week for room and board.
My nanny has a sister who is in England right now that would love to be sponsored. I can give you more details if you like.
Let me know if I can help, been down this road many times.

Ah thank you... I was hoping you would reply as I remember on a previous thread that you have had Au Pairs... but could not find the thread to remember your screen handle.. will send you a PM later on tonight....just popping in quickly before work

 

[crash2000]

I've had many Au Pairs and now have a Nanny.
As the person above stated they do not look after the children full time. I got my Au Pairs from www.greataupair.com. I had one from France, one from England and one from Kentucky. They arranged for their own work permits.
The Nanny has to work a minimum of 30hrs. That's what mine does. It's $10/hr with deductions of $85.25/week for room and board.
My nanny has a sister who is in England right now that would love to be sponsored. I can give you more details if you like.
Let me know if I can help, been down this road many times.

wow thats a good deal if you have more then 1 child, I pay that just for daycare for one child.

 

[alamode]

I'm a widowed dad with three kids, 9 yr old son and twin 6 year old girls. I've had a live in nanny for just over 2 years, and could not live without her. Even though my kids are now in school full time (the girls started gr 1) its great to come home and the kids are safe and sound, homework done, a clean house and dinner ready.

I got our nanny from http://helpinghandscanada.com/

If you have any other full time nanny questions, Id be more than happy to answer.

 

[2forMe]

Thanks for the info everyone. I am still researching as from what I gather Nannies must be paid for 30'hrs week, but I do not have the $$ nor do I need someone for that much time. Also I am not sure, but it does not seem that I would be able to claim child care expenses if I went with a Au pair... the search continues!