Ever wonder why you don’t get all your vacation days at once when you start a new nanny job? Understanding how accruing PTO works can be a game-changer, both for planning your time off and for balancing your finances.

Let’s break it down so you can feel confident about budgeting your time off.

1) What does “accruing PTO” actually mean?

When we talk about nannies accruing PTO, we’re talking about earning paid time off over time, rather than getting it all at once. Just like in most professional jobs, paid time off is typically earned per week or per pay period.

Let’s say your contract includes 10 paid vacation days per year. That means you’re earning a little bit of paid time off (PTO) each time you work. For example, if you work full time, you might accrue about 0.83 days per month. That adds up to 10 days over the course of the year.

Accrual helps employers manage PTO fairly, especially if you leave the job early or don’t stay a full year. It’s also a way to show commitment to the job over time, because you’re earning the benefit as you go, all of which is why it has become industry standard.

2) Why don’t I get all my vacation days at once?

Totally understandable question! Many new nannies expect to have vacation days right away. But most families (and payroll systems) use an accrual model to align with standard HR practices.

Think of it like this: you wouldn’t expect to be paid for a year’s worth of work on your first day. Similarly, when you accrue PTO, you earn paid time off as you work more hours and build that time up gradually.

This system protects both you and your nanny family. It ensures you’re getting the paid time off you’ve earned and sets up everyone with expectations from the beginning.

3) Taking a vacation without accrued PTO

What if you need time off before you’ve earned enough days? Life happens, and that’s okay.

Here are a few ways to handle it:

• Unpaid time off: Just let your employer know you’d like a day or two off, unpaid. This is super common early on in a role. Have a conversation about your request, and—while you’re at it—ask how they’d like you to bring up these requests in the future.
• Make-up time: If you’re not comfortable missing out on pay, offer to work an additional day or add extra hours the week before or after your time off. This way, your paycheck stays consistent, even if the time off is technically unpaid.

The key is communication and flexibility. Most families appreciate a proactive nanny who’s willing to find a solution that works for everyone. When it comes to nannies accruing PTO, showing awareness of how it works is a major green flag to employers.

4) Why we recommend waiting 90 days to use PTO

Here’s a best practice we often suggest: try to avoid taking paid time off within your first 90 days of a new nanny job.

Why? Because those first three months are a crucial adjustment period for everyone. It’s when trust is built, routines are established, and your role really takes shape. Many families view this as a “probationary period,” even if it’s not formally stated.

Waiting to use PTO not only helps you accrue enough days to make your time off paid, but it also shows professionalism and commitment to your new position.

Understanding how accruing PTO works as a nanny helps you plan smarter, communicate better, and feel more empowered in your role. Whether you’re brand new to your job or navigating your next vacation, you’ve got this!