Frequently Asked Questions
If you see an important question that isn't answered here, please let us know!
Q & A
General
How much is it to create a user account? (Quick Answer: FREE!)
I can't log on. How can I get my password?
Sitters
How can I make my sitter profile active?
Do I have to check the website for new jobs?
How do I let parents know I am interested in their job posting?
When will parents respond to my notifications?
Parents
Can I post my job for free?
How will it work?
Is Sitters Place a referral agency?
How do you differ from a nanny referral agency?
Does Sitters Place employ the sitters and nannies listed on the website?
Do you offer low income referrals?
Are the sitters screened by Sitters Place?
How do you suggest we screen our sitters?
What do I need to leave with the sitters?
How soon can I meet the sitters?
How much do the sitters cost?
Are the sitters in the network for date nights, long term care, or both? Do you have both sitters and nannies?
Can I post my job for free?
Yes, you can post your babysitting or any other caregiving needs for free after you join. This is how we give you the chance to see the response to your needs before deciding on a paid membership.
How will it work?
- Browse our sitter profiles at any time for free, even without a user account.
- Create a FREE user account.
- You can list your job needs for the sitters to see.
- Active sitters can select your job and an email will be sent to you with a link to the sitter's profile.
- You can decide on a membership package and pay.
- We will update your user profile accordingly.
- You begin the selection process.
Is Sitters Place a referral agency?
Sitters Place is not a referral agency. We offer a network for local sitters and nannies to post information about the services they provide. Then we let you decide on the right person for your family.
How do you differ from a standard nanny referral agency?
Nanny agencies employ sitters and nannies and they charge you for the services and fees. They typically charge a 4 hour minimum, setup fees, $15-$18 an hour, and travel charges. Before you get your foot out the door you already owe $60-$72. Our memberships give you a low-cost option to choose a sitter and you pay the sitter directly. SittersPlace.com is not involved with your private transactions with the sitters.
Does Sitters Place employ the sitters and nannies listed on the website?
No. Sitters Place does not employ the sitter or nanny--you do! By providing a network, as opposed to a nanny referral agency, you get to choose who you hire, how much you pay them, and there is no hourly minimum. We empower you to make the right choice for your family.
Do you offer low income referrals?
Some nonprofit agencies receive government funds from the state to help low income families. These agencies provide financial assistance to families for preschool and daycare, childcare training courses, as well as other services and support. There are at least two in Sonoma County, including 4C's. For more information on how to receive 4C's assistance please contact us.
Are the sitters screened by Sitters Place?
We provide local resources for background checks, CPR, child education and more for sitters. Many of our sitters are screened and/or have extensive training. We also have sitters who simply have good references or have completed a babysitting course and are now looking for positions as "Mommy Helpers." You have the freedom of requiring as much or as little as you want.
How do you suggest we screen our sitters?
There are several things that you can do to learn about the sitters. We strongly suggest listening to your instincts and spending the extra time to verify the sitters' past babysitting experience and references. Here is a quick list of things you can do:
- Require whatever background checks and certifications you feel comfortable with. (TrustLine, fingerprint scan, CPR, First Aid, etc.) Then make sure you check the certifications.
- Get references from local parents and call them.
- Give the sitter a phone interview.
- Have the sitter meet your children to see how they interact.
What do I need to leave with the sitters?
You may already know the answer to this, but here are some links to some great checklists. :)
PintableChecklists.com's checklist
PintableChecklists.com's checklist for multiple kids
ListnSave.com's List This one is good because it leaves a place for sitters to leave phone messages.
How soon can I meet the sitters?
Once you are a paid Sitters Place member, we will provide you with the contact information for any of the sitters you are interested in and any that have expressed interest in your job posting. Then you can contact them and make arrangements when you wish.
How much do the sitters cost?
Sitters will state their hourly rates depending on a number of factors including: the sitters experience, the type of job you are requesting, the location of the job, and more. The fastest way to get results is to post your job for free and list the fee you are willing to pay in your listing. Then only the sitters who meet your criteria will reply. If you do not want to post your job you can search for sitters within your price range and view their profiles. It is free either way and both ways are effective.
Are the sitters in the network for date nights, long term care, or both? Do you have both sitters and nannies?
We have all types of sitters and nannies and they are looking for all types of jobs. The sitters range in age, experience, certifications, and availability. If you're unsure that you will find someone for your needs, you can post your job for free and see the profiles of the sitters interested in your job. Start by creating a FREE user account.
How much is it to create a user account?
User accounts for sitters and parents are always free. The only time we ask for money is if parents see quality sitters they want to contact. You can create a user account, post jobs, and veiw detailed sitter profiles for free. FREE user account
I can't log on. How can I get my password?
Here is a link to reset your password. If you need your username, please email us. Reset password
How can I make my sitter profile active?
Log on and click on edit profile. Make sure all the information on the profile pages is filled out. Then mark yourself active. You will need to be set to active status to respond to job listings and to be found by parents.
Do I have to check the website for new jobs?
If your profile is all the way filled out and active, you will receive a nightly email with all the new jobs that were listed for that day. Or you can come back to the site whenever you like and be the first one to respond!
How do I let parents know I am interested in their job posting?
If you are logged on and your sitter profile is marked active, then you will see a checkbox next to each listing when you browse jobs. By selecting the job and then clicking on submit at the bottom, it will send a notification to the parents of the job listing with a link to your profile.
When will parents respond to my notifications?
It really depends on when naptime is. Just kidding! Parents will get your notifications immediately, but it may take them some time to review all the sitter profiles. Also, parents have the option to post jobs before they decide on a membership package. Tip: Make sure your profile is the best reflection of you. Your picture and your writing skills can greatly affect the impression parents will have of your babysitting skills.
