How many days of paid vacation and sick days should I get as a nanny?

Do you live with them? I think I would ask for one week a year full pay, and 3 sick days. And any of the major federal holidays that they won't need your assistance with.

The thing is, it's not like you are asking for the days off so I think it's reasonable that when they take vacation that you still be paid. Your life and bills go on whether they are on vacation or not. And since they seem to be fairly sensible, I'm sure they won't think that one full week a year is unreasonable. You shouldn't feel bad though, I have to pay my daycare any time I take my kid on vacation plus all major federal holidays. It's pretty much the norm.

No, it is NOT appropriate for you to say anything at this point in time in regard to expecting to be paid NOW. These types of matters should have been addressed at the time you took the position and if not then they have no obligation to pay you for work you do not do. Use this as a learning experience and in the future, make sure these matters are addressed prior to hiring. You might discuss the issue with them in the manner of what you would like in regard to future arrangements- do you get any weeks of paid vacation- perhaps it could coincide with their vacations? Would more notice be good for you, so that you can plan accordingly?- if so, ask about that. But I think it is presumptuous of you to even consider you should get paid for something you do not do. Are you a livein nanny? If so, some of your bills are reduced even though you are not working those days- they will still be covering your housing and utilities. If not, then you might ask if since you will not be working in the capacity as a nanny during the vacation, if you could housesit and/or petsit, etc. and in that manner still earn something.