Frequently Asked Questions
If you see an important question that isn't answered here, please let us know
Q & A
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.
How is Sitters Place different from a referral agency?
We are providing a network of local sitters to you so that you have a list a mile long of sitters and nannies in the area. You can come straight to the source for local sitters. When the site is finished, you will have your own profile so you can remember which sitters you have used and you can rate the sitters you have used. You will have tools to make searches for the type of sitter you want and to post the babysitting needs you have. Referral agencies are expensive and they do not give you the choice on who ultimately watches your kids. Our membership fees for the website are minimal and we do not charge anything related to the sitter fees--that is strictly a private transaction between you and your sitter.
Are the sitters screened by Sitters Place?
Sitters Place gathers information on the sitters so we can provide profiles on each, but we want you to have the control over who ultimately watches your child. We encourage our sitters to have background checks and CPR training, but we do not require these for sitters to be listed. We are a network, as opposed to a referral agency, so we are trying to bring parents and sitters together in one place. We provide suggestions on how to interview and screen your sitters so that everyone stays safe.
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. :)
WorkingMom.com's checklist This one has you sign to give the sitter permission to get medical treatment for your child.
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?
The hourly rate is something you will negotiate privately with the sitters since Sitters Place does not take any off the top or set the rates. The sitters' rates may depend on how far they need to travel and how many kids you have, among other things. We have noticed that the range of hourly rate depends greatly on the amount of experience that the sitter has.
Are the sitters only for temporary jobs or can we find a nanny here?
We have all types of sitters and nannies. They range in age, experience, certifications, and availability. So, yes, we have nannies. If you're unsure that we will find someone for you, we can post your job for free and then once you see quality of the sitters that respond, you can decide on a membership. Just create a free user account and then post a job. 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.
