Nanny time-off questions

Hi Nanny Employers!

We're excited to welcome a new full-time nanny to our family in Northern California! We're working on a contract and want to make sure it's fair and comprehensive. We plan to offer a competitive hourly wage, federal holidays, 5 sick days, and PTO. But we have a few questions where your experience would be super helpful:

• PTO:
• How much PTO is standard for full-time nannies in our area?
• Does the nanny typically choose all their PTO days, or can we request certain times off?
• Can PTO be used in small increments (days, partial days) or should it be taken in full weeks?
• How much notice should the nanny give us before using PTO?
• Extended Time Off:
• We travel abroad for about a month each year (planned 3+ months in advance). Are we obligated to pay our nanny her full salary while we're away, even if she isn't working?
• Could we ask her to use some of her PTO during this time?
• Are there other options, like offering a reduced salary while we're gone?
• Guaranteed Hours and Flexibility:
• We occasionally take long weekends (Thurs/Fri off). Can we adjust her schedule accordingly? For example, could we ask her to work 9-hour days Mon-Thurs if she has Friday off?

Thanks so much for your insights and advice!