Candidate Resources

Access valuable resources to help you excel as a domestic staffing professional. Succeed in your career with helpful articles, tips, and tools from Town + Country Resources.

All the support you need to grow your career

We know that finding the right job can be challenging. That’s why we offer resources to support your career growth, including skill development, certification programs, job search tools, and industry insights. Explore them below to help you excel and achieve your career goals.
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Health & certifications

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CPR and first aid certification

Town + Country requires all childcare providers to be CPR certified, as we believe it is critical to the safety of the families we serve. Having the knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies effectively can make a life-saving difference. Beyond compliance with regulatory standards, having a CPR certification instills confidence in both caregivers and parents, knowing they are prepared for any situation.

CPR certification course

TB testing

Town + Country Resources requires that all childcare candidates placed through us have had a tuberculosis (TB) test within the last four years. TB tests are available from most primary care physicians and health clinics. If your doctor does not offer the test, consult the resources below.

TB testing sites

TrustLine

TrustLine is California’s only background check for in-home caregivers, including nannies and babysitters, that is recognized by the state. By becoming TrustLine registered, you’ll gain a significant advantage in your career.

Optional childcare certifications & courses for professional development

While formal training isn’t required to become a nanny, pursuing specialized childcare courses or obtaining a nanny certification can enhance your professionalism and expertise. It also demonstrates that you are dedicated to your career.

But which childcare training courses are worth considering? Check out our blog post to find out.

Insurance & payroll

Town + Country Resources is not your employer, but we are here to support you throughout your career. To ensure you find the best position for you and get the best possible offer, we've included some helpful resources for you to reference.

Employee tax & payroll calculator

HomePay provides a user-friendly tax and payroll calculator to help you navigate your paychecks more easily. This tool helps you understand what your paychecks will look like and determine the exact amount you need to earn. By using HomePay’s calculator, you can gain clarity on your compensation and ensure you’re meeting your financial goals.

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Health insurance

Choosing healthcare coverage when starting a new role can be daunting. We’ve partnered with Catch to simplify this process, which offers comprehensive solutions to help you navigate your benefit options. Catch is an official partner of HealthCare.gov and supports ACA-compliant plans only.

At Catch, you can find health, dental, and vision insurance that fits your life. And with Town + Country Resources, you get tailored plan recommendations, a custom benefits advisor, and one-on-one support all year long. You also receive free consultation services from Catch to ensure you make informed decisions about the health benefits and medical coverage of your new position.

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Domestic staff benefits

In Texas and California, domestic staff are entitled to several benefits under the law. Household employers are required to adhere to all tax and wage laws pertaining to nannies and other domestic workers. In addition to federal laws that apply nationwide, employers must also follow specific rules and regulations set by their state and city.

See what you’re entitled to below. If you have any questions, please connect with your employer.

Benefits of being paid legally (on payroll vs. in cash)

Many domestic workers, including nannies, housekeepers, and caregivers, may have faced the decision of being paid “under the table” or “on the books.” While the former might seem appealing due to avoiding taxes or other deductions, the advantages of being paid legally and fully reported can far outweigh the short-term benefits of off-the-record wages.

Benefits of being paid on
the books

Short-term

Long-term

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Salary negotiation

Negotiating your salary can be intimidating, but with the right approach, you can confidently advocate for your worth. Whether you’re a nanny, a housekeeper, or a personal assistant, this guide offers practical tips and strategies to help you negotiate fair compensation, understand industry standards, and secure a package that reflects your skills and experience.

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Legal & compliance

Employment laws

If you are hired to perform duties and provide services in someone’s private home, you are generally considered their employee rather than an independent contractor. It’s important for you to be correctly classified as an employee and for your employer to make the proper tax filings and payments. If they fail to do so, it could be considered tax fraud by the IRS.

Learn more about domestic worker rights and regulations by visiting these links:

IRS standard mileage rates

The IRS publishes standard mileage rates that employees, self-employed individuals, or other taxpayers can use in computing the deductible costs of operating their car for business, charitable, medical, or moving expense purposes.

Several states in the US require employers to reimburse employees for mileage or work-related expenses, including the use of a personal vehicle for business purposes. The key states with explicit mileage reimbursement laws include California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Montana, Iowa, and Washington, DC.

View the IRS’s current standard mileage rates here.

Placement opportunities

Town + Country Resources has been placing top-quality professionals in homes and estates across the country for over four decades. Learn more about how our services can elevate your household management.
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If you need something you don’t see here, please reach out to us. We’d be happy to help!