What was my salary as a "nanny live in position" in Annapolis, Maryland?

Question

I went to the United States as a tourist but i decided to study.I went to live with family friend.The deal was to live in, work and study.
I was taking care of two children,a four year old autistic boy, and a three years old girl.The boy was non verbal and couldn't use the bathroom so i had to change him all the time, he had other problems, such as a special diet (i had to make special juice out of young coconuts, make green vegies kept in jars) and he was putting everything in his mouth so i had to keep him away from everything.
I was working from 7 in the morning till 11 in the night from Monday to Suturday.
I had to live in a room without a window and without heat.(I was working from December till May)
My salary was US 250,00 and i was paying for my food, doing the houswork (cleaning the whole house).I had no previous experience.
I left and returned to Greece where i'm working but since i had no idea of a nanny salary, i'm asking you.
Please help me.I

Answer 1

As an American responding, I can tell you that your "salary" of $250 a week plus room and board is standard for an au pair. An au pair being someone who comes to live with a family who works 45 hours a week as a child care provider but attends school and receive a stipend.

However, your hours working were in violation of American labor laws and should have been reported to the labor board in Annapolis. You should not have been made to work more than 45 hours and are entitled to breaks.

Because your situation was a personal arrangement as a friend and not through a legitiimate company who would check in on you, no one was there to help you and I'm sorry this happened to you. It was cruel to put you in that situation.

I listed some links to agencies who place au pairs in the US from overseas so that you can see what your experience should have been.

Answer 2

I have no idea of salaries per say for a nanny in the US, but I do feel that the family is leaving a very severely autistic boy in the care of someone without the training necessary to take proper care of him. (Not your fault, just that severely autistic kids need visits with specialists, etc...). It sounds like the parents are taking advantage of your lack of info. I would contact any childcare/nanny companies in your areas and ask, and follow up on any info or contacts they give you. Good luck.

Answer 3

no offence, but sounds like you were working for slave labor salary.. i would think 500 to 600 a week would be right for the amount of work you said you did.. but even i would have wanted at least 800. and they pay for food.. but i am not a expert in this field.. just my personal opinion