ML Interest Tag: background-check

Read This Before Moving Your Family Abroad

By Madeleine Nicholas

Moving a family to a foreign country is no easy task. Traveling with kids is enough of a challenge as it is, let alone making the adventure a permanent change. Not only are there new cultures and languages you may have to adapt to, but there are also different laws and regulations that you must learn and follow. 

If you’re moving to a foreign country for work or any other reason, your mind is probably bogged down with endless to-do lists and worries. Luckily, you’re not the first person to take your family on a global experience, and you definitely won’t be the last. If you’re a parent currently considering moving abroad, make sure you do these things before you make the trek. Any parent knows how tough travel, alone, can be with kiddos—moving internationally is a whole other ballgame!

1. Secure an International Work Visa 

Chances are, you and/or your partner will want to secure a job in the place where you’re going. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as moving there and handing out resumes—you’ll need a visa. Obtaining a work visa is easier and quicker in some countries than others. Research the different work visa laws in some of the major countries across the globe to see what you and your family will need to do.

From interview and background check requirements to how long your visa will be valid, different countries have different processes and policies. You can expect to wait anywhere between 4 days to a full year before your visa is processed making you eligible to work abroad. This means you should look into applying for a visa as soon as you know you’ll need one so that nothing delays your departure. 

2. Start Adapting to a New Culture 

If you or your kids have only ever lived in one place, relocating can lead to serious culture shock. This, on top of missing home, can make for a very difficult adaptation process. Instead, do your research before you jet off and have conversations with your children so they know what to expect. Start introducing the new culture into your life, even if it’s as simple as introducing typical cuisine at meal time so that your kids are less overwhelmed with different menu options. With adequate preparation, your family will feel at home in your new country as soon as you land. 

3. Meet People on Similar Adventures 

Simply talking to someone who understands your situation can be extremely comforting. There is something soothing about talking face-to-face with someone who has been in your shoes and knowing that they survived. This alleviates some of the uncertainty of leaving your homeland that you know and love. 

It’s also a good idea to network with people who may be living close to you abroad so you feel less alone after your move. If you are moving for a job, try to build relationships with co-workers who are also making the move. This is especially beneficial for your children so they feel like they still have a strong group of friends and family in a new place. 

As a parent, taking your child from the place they’ve always known can seem like a very risky move. But it can also help them grow exponentially as a person, improving their cultural and adaptability skills. With the right preparation, moving abroad doesn’t have to be as stressful as it sounds!

Madeleine Nicholas
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm a Los Angeles-based mom of two. I'm passionate about personal finance and love getting to know other parents! If you love dogs, you're a friend of mine (and and kids).

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8 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Hired a Nanny

By Jennifer Landis

After having my second baby, it quickly became apparent something had to give. I could not continue to work full time, raise two children and run a household. At the end of a few arguments, my spouse and I decided hiring a nanny was the best solution for our family.

I wish I had known several things before embarking on this journey, so in hopes of sparing other readers trouble, I decided to write about my experience. Here are 8 things I wish I had known before hiring a nanny. I hope you find them as helpful as I would have back in the day.

1. Don’t Search When You’re Desperate

When we found our nanny, we posted a desperate request on social media. This is not a recommended method for finding help. Posting online is a good way to identify prospects, but not make a final hiring decision.

My hubby was on his way to a business trip, and I knew there was no way I could manage work and childcare obligations. We ended up going with the first person who responded to our ad. This was a mistake.

2. Take Time to Review Resumes

After our first nanny disaster—long story short, she didn’t have the greatest work ethic—we took more time finding the second. We looked over resumes, and we took the time to contact references, something we didn’t bother with the first time.

Many people request references from employees, but few take the time to contact these people. This is a mistake. Always contact at least one or two of the references listed by a potential nanny. Sometimes, one call is all it takes to ease your mind, but if something seems off, you can ask more probing questions to be sure.

3. Use a Quality Referral Service

If you’re not keen on running a background check on your own, going through a referral site like Care.com can help you find higher quality child care. The most important tip for using such a site is specifically stating your needs—if you have three children, one of whom has a disability, advertising for a baby-sitter may not get you the type of applicant capable of providing the level of services you desire.

Do you want a nanny who also will help clean and prep meals? State this in the advertisement. The same goes if you need a nanny capable of tutoring your child in advanced algebra—not all have this qualification.

4. Remember You Are an Employer

You might not think of yourself as one of the fabled job-creators, but guess what? You are. This means you are responsible for issuing year-end tax documents as well as withholding if you choose to hire a nanny as an employee—a status automatically granted to those you pay $2,100 per year or more to.

If this is the case, you will need to withhold Social Security, Medicare and unemployment taxes from your nanny’s paycheck. I highly recommend using personal accounting software for this—the initial expense costs far less than owing the IRS.

5. Get Scheduling in Writing

The primary reason we had to let our first nanny go was an incompatibility in scheduling. I say this euphemistically—the real problem was not showing up when scheduled.

If all you need is a baby-sitter after school for an hour, scheduling can prove a breeze. However, if you need a nanny who occasionally can pull overtime or work weekends, get it in writing upfront. Everyone gets sick now and then and needs a day off, but missing a flight for an important business trip due to a nanny who forgot to set the alarm—again!—can prove nightmarish if it happens too often.

6. Decide in Advance on Contingencies

Do you expect your nanny to wash and chop lettuce for your evening salad? Get this in writing in advance of making a final hiring decision. Not only does doing so ensure you get the services you desire, but it also makes things fairer on your hapless sitter who may not know meal prep fell under the job description.

Most nannies expect to watch the children and even help with homework. If you’d also like them to wipe down and reorganize the contents of your refrigerator, prepare to pay extra or at least admit honestly cleaning is part of the gig.

7. Start with a Trial Run

Have you ever taken a new job on a contingency basis, meaning you only stayed on if you performed? While most household employees behave the same as they would toward any other employer, assuming they will do so automatically can result in conflict.

Let your nanny know you will operate on a trial basis for the first two weeks. I wouldn’t extend the time further out—feeling insecure about your job can make you perform worse, after all—but it gives you ample time to evaluate if you and your nanny’s work ethics and personality are a good fit.

8. Have Monthly Talks about What’s Working

Like any employee-employer relationship, touching base periodically is key to a continued successful working arrangement. Make time every month to praise your nanny for what she does well and discuss areas that could use improvement.

Hiring a good nanny is life-changing. With our second nanny, my hubby and I achieved the work-life balance we craved. I wish I had known more the first time, but at least I learned how to find a quality nanny quickly through trial and error. Avoid my mistake by following the tips above to locate the household help you need.

Jennifer Landis is a mom, wife, freelance writer, and blogger. She enjoys long naps on the couch, sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter when her kid's not looking, and binge watching Doctor Who while her kid's asleep.  She really does like her kid, though, she promises. Find her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.

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Target’s Pillowfort Kids Line Got a Huge Spring Refresh & We Want It All

by Karly Wood

Spring is in the air and that means Target’s Pillowfort line got a refresh! The exclusive home collection for kids is already full of whimsy and style, but this updated spring collection makes it all the more buyable.

When it comes to updates, there are fabulous finds in pillows and bedding, growth charts, lamps and more. Here are a few of our faves.

Neon Butterfly Wall Light

Bright and cheery, this neon butterfly light ($35) will flutter right into your heart! It pairs perfectly with Pillowfort's "Purple Girls" collection that features light and airy fabrics and sweet prints on sheets, pillows and comforter sets.

Constellation Growth Chart

Why settle for hash marks on a door jam when you can have a Constellation Growth Chart ($20) instead? The fun and stylish wall chart not only tracks your child's growth, but it looks great while doing it. You can also check out the Pillowfort Insect Growth Chart, too!

Velvet Stitch Quilt

Coming in both an orange and a purple and gray combo, the classy new Velvet Stitch Quilt ($50) from Pillowfort is great for your big kids. The subtle, yet detailed comforter is perfect for not only staying warm but packing a design punch.

Figural Throw Pillows

These novelty pillows ($17) will become your kiddo's best friend! Expect to find adorable aliens and animals that will tie together your room design in a cinch.

Colossal Chomp Microfiber Sheet Set

Your mini dino-lover will rawr over these adorable microfiber sheets ($25)! Soft and cuddly, the multi-colored dinosaurs make a big statement against the white background. Check out the other new additions this spring, like Maritime Mates, Species Study and Dragon Dreams.

World Map Tapestry

This machine washable World Map Tapestry ($15) is great for little travelers! Made from cotton and in bright colors, it features a basic map of the world along with native animals and trees.

Fuzzy Bean Bag Chair

Create a reading nook or just a cozy place to rest with this snuggly, fuzzy bean bag chair ($50). Choose from light pink, cream, gray and turquoise.

Space Ship Wire Table Lamp

Calling all astronauts! This Space Ship Wire Table Lamp ($35) is perfect for your galactic explorer. Coming with a lightbulb and white shade, the ship-shaped base is unique and creative, without looking overly childish.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Target

 

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How to Find the Best Nanny for Your Baby

by Sarah Blight

Finding the best nanny for your baby is a delicate and often time-consuming task. Here are the tools you need to be confident, to save you time, and to be aware of all the ins and outs of selecting the right nanny. Read on for things to consider, how to start the process, and the most important questions to ask.

Also considering daycare? Read: How to Find the Best Daycare for Your Baby

photo: Jordan Rowland via Unsplash

Things to consider:

  1. What is most important to you? What are the non-negotiables for you as you begin your search? Is it cost? Is it having a live-in nanny? Is it experience? Write a list with your partner that you can refer to during your search.
  2. Location is one of the reasons parents choose nannies as opposed to daycare. Parents report that they like the flexibility and convenience of having someone come to them and watch their baby in their home. This is particularly valuable when you need someone at varying times of day or night or when your baby is sick and you still need to get to work.
  3. Timing. The nanny search process can take up to 8 or more weeks. So start early! You’ll need to decide if you want to pursue a nanny through friends and relative referrals or through an agency. There is also a third option, a nanny from another country, known as an au pair. Typically, these are live-in nannies who require their own living space within your home.
  4. Cost. Nanny agency charges can range from $1,800 for a placement to $10,000 to use their services. If you get referrals from friends and family, you’ll just be responsible for paying your nanny her salary.
  5. What’s included.  Each nanny agency (domestic and international) is set up a bit differently with its fees, so do your research and find out what the fees include for the specific agency you are considering. An agency should be screening the candidates by phone, conducting a face-to-face interview and checking references. They should also conduct a social media and online screening as well as verify CPR/first aid certification, do a background check including a 7-year driving history, county and federal criminal report, social security verification and a sex offender registry check. If you are searching for a nanny via your friends and family and word of mouth, you will save a lot of money on fees but will have to do your own vetting (i.e. background check and doing all of the above mentioned items) to make sure you know who you are hiring.

How to start the process:

  • Talk to parents who are using nannies. Find out what route they went and why and how it’s working for them. If you don’t know many working parents, check out local parent groups on Facebook. The more people you can talk to, the better.
  • Decide if you want to use an agency or do it yourself. If you go the agency route, you need to decide if you want a local or international nanny (au pair).
  • Now comes the interviewing. You will either be interviewing an agency or a potential nanny depending on the route you’ve chosen. We’ve included questions to ask the agency and the nanny below. This is where your non-negotiables list comes in handy. Remember during your interviews that there are some questions that are prohibited by law. These include asking about age, race/ethnic background, religious views, sexual orientation, marital status/plans on becoming pregnant, disability, and if the nanny has been arrested.
  • Have the nanny meet the kids and interact with them.
  • Check references: Ask for three references. When you speak to them, ask specific questions, such as “what was this nanny’s biggest strength and weakness.”
photo: Nik MacMillan via Unsplash

Questions to ask:

The more information and insight you can glean during your interview process with either an agency and/or a nanny, the better idea you’ll have if they will be a good fit for your family.

Background Questions

  1. How long have you been a nanny?
  2. How many different families have you nannied for? What were the kids’ ages?
  3. What makes you a great nanny?
  4. What other experiences with children have you had?
  5. Have you had other jobs beside nannying?
  6. Do you plan on having another job or going to school while nannying?

Past Work Experience

  1. How did you find the last family you worked for?
  2. How long were you employed there and what ages were the kids while you worked there?
  3. Why did you stop working for that family?
  4. What was that family’s daily routine like?
  5. What were your daily responsibilities?
  6. Did you ever travel with that family?
  7. Were you required to do housework, errands, cooking, work overnight?
  8. How did you handle sick kids or medical emergencies?
  9. What did you like most about that job?
  10. What did you like least about that job?

Compatibility Questions

  1. How much notice do you need for schedule changes?
  2. Are you willing to stay alone with the kids overnight?
  3. Are you willing and able to travel with the family?
  4. What hours and days are you looking for? Evenings? Days? After-school?
  5. Are there any house or kid responsibilities that you won’t do?
  6. Are you willing to do laundry, housework or cooking?
  7. How many kids are you comfortable being responsible for, and what ages do you prefer?

Personality Questions

  1. What do you like best about nannying? Least?
  2. How have you worked with the parents as a caretaker of their kids?
  3. How do you discipline kids? Give examples from previous placements.
  4. How do you handle stress? For example, a baby crying non-stop. Or a toddler not listening to your instructions.
  5. What kind of personality do you have? Do you consider yourself more easygoing and laid back or more likely to have a schedule and enjoy structure?
  6. Do you have any hobbies or things you enjoy doing on your days off?
  7. Give three words that you think your previous families would say to describe you.

Nanny Ninja Skills Questions
Listening to the nanny communicate how they would handle different scenarios they may face with your child is incredibly insightful, so come up with a few good situations unique to your baby and/or family. Additional questions may include:

  1. How do you connect with the kids you watch?
  2. How do you comfort a crying child?
  3. What are some rules in other households that you felt were effective?
  4. What are your views on childrearing?
  5. What happens when a parent’s perspective on discipline is different from yours?
  6. How do you prefer to communicate with parents throughout the day? How often will they hear from you?

Logistical Questions

  1. Do you have a reliable, safe car that can fit my kids and has seatbelts and room for carseats?
  2. Are you looking for a live-in nanny position or set hours?
  3. For non-live-in nannies: Where do you live and how would you get to work each day?
  4. Would you bring your own food or want meals/food provided?
  5. Do you smoke?
  6. Are you willing to do other jobs around the house during naptime?
  7. When are you available to start work?
  8. Do you have other commitments that could interfere with this job?

Salary

  1. What is your salary requirement?
  2. How often would you like/need to be paid?
  3. If you work additional house, such as on a weekend or overnight, what is your overtime rate? Do you charge additional fees for this time?

photo: Dakota Corbin via Unsplash

Nanny & Child Meet and Greet
If a nanny has checked all your boxes so far, it’s time for her to meet your kiddos. Some things you will want to look out for:

  • How does she interact with your child?
  • Does she take charge when she’s with them? Or does she hang back and need some direction?
  • Is she confident in her approach to kids?
  • Is she comfortable playing with kids and getting on their level?
  • Does she look your child in the eye and have clear communication with them?
  • Does your baby seem to like this person?

Red Flags
It may be possible that the wonderful Mary Poppins you’ve been peppering with questions isn’t quite so wonderful after all! Some things to look out for:

  • Nanny doesn’t have references or is not making them available to you.
  • Lots of gaps in work history and the story doesn’t add up. Or they have a lot of short-term jobs.
  • No valid driver’s license or ID.
  • No social security card.
  • The way the nanny interacts with your child makes you uncomfortable. She doesn’t seem attentive, isn’t looking your baby in the eye and doesn’t seem confident around your child.
  • The nanny is willing to take less than her former position or just very low pay.
  • Driving record is poor (if it’s a requirement for the job you are hiring for).

photo: Alex Pasarelu via Unsplash

Final Question

After you’ve asked all the questions, done all the background searches, verified references and watched the nanny interact with your child, ask her one final time why she wants this position.

Now that she has had the opportunity to get to know you better and understand the responsibilities and expectations of the job, make sure she still wants it! It also gives her an opportunity to sell herself to you as a good fit so you can see how eager she is to take care of your child.

—Sarah Blight

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Usit: Atlanta’s Newest Babysitting App

by Tinybeans Team

What started as a group project in an Emory entrepreneurial class has become Atlanta newest babysitting resource. With a user-friendly app and a network of students from Emory, Georgia Tech, Agnes Scott, Oglethorpe, and Spellman, Usit—for University Sitters—makes finding a babysitter a breeze. And, there’s no membership or subscription fee. Instead, parents pay a flat 9% rate each time they complete a job and make payment through the app. It’s that easy.

How It Works

Parents download the app and complete a preliminary questionnaire, providing name, address, children’s names, and payment information. When a parent posts a babysitting job, they specify date, time, which children need care, and offered rate. Sitters in the network are able to apply to the job through the app, making a bio and prior sitting experience visible to parents. Parents then select a sitter, confirm the job (all through the app), and wait for the magic to happen. Payment information is already stored in the app but isn’t used until a babysitting job is booked and completed, and the fee is automatically calculated based on the agreed-upon rate and hours worked (all tracked by the app), plus the additional 9% user fee. Following a job, parents rate the sitter (ratings are visible to future parent employers), and the sitter rates the experience (also available to future sitters).

Whoa, That’s Cool

When a job has been booked, parents are able to geo-locate their sitters beginning 20 minutes prior to the start of the job and then track them until the job is completed—perfect for babysitting jobs that might require pick-ups of drop-offs. Parents also have the ability to FaceTime and text with sitters at any point during the job, all through the app.

A Little Background

Originally started as the brainchild of roommates whose sorority babysitting list was a prime source of college income (oh, but don’t we love college sorority babysitting lists, Atlanta?), the two saw the need for a more user-friendly platform to create, apply for, pay for, and rate a job. Fast forward two years, note an Emory entrepreneurial course in the mix, mentorship by business professors and grad students, and a well-planned technology partnership, and voila! You’ve got Usit, which debuted in Atlanta early 2017.

Whoa, Even Cooler

While 75% of all sitters in the Usit network are Emory students, the news is traveling quickly. However, to be a verified Usitter, each student must be a student of good standing at their Atlanta university (verified by Usit), and is given the option to complete a third-party background check. Sitters who have completed the background check are noted by a blue circle around their names when they apply to a job, so parents can easily discern who has and has not undergone the check. Parents can also see how many jobs each applicant has completed through Usit, and what his or her rating is.

Getting Specific

Perhaps you need a sitter several days a week for a standing job. Perhaps you’re looking for someone with reliable transportation to drive the kiddos to practices and pick up from playdates. Whatever your special need, you’re able to specify it in a comments section of the job profile that you create. Sitters who are unable to meet your need won’t apply.

Whoa, Just Whoa

On average, job posts get a response rate of 7-11 applicants. So how do you choose? Since each sitter has been rated by previous families, you could start by checking out their ratings, or by eliminating anyone from the applicant pool who hasn’t undergone an official background check. Otherwise, you are able to scan the applicant’s bio—including an image, year in school, major, and relevant childcare experience—and then decide. Referrals are also often available from families who’ve previously employed each sitter.

How to Get It

Since the concept of on-demand babysitting is steeped in real-time needs and rapid response, downloading the Usit app to your smart phone is the most important step on your way to babysitter nirvana. For more information, visit the website, or check out the Usit Facebook page.

How do you find sitters in Atlanta? Tell us in the comments section below!

—Shelley Massey

 

 

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Now Booking: Activity-based Babysitting Service Curated Care

by Yuliya Geikhman

Who said babysitting needs to involve actual sitting? Babysitting is just another opportunity for a meaningful experience guided by someone who isn’t the parent. At least, that’s how the people at Curated Care feel about it — and the new program aims to change the way parents look at babysitting.

photo: Curated Care

Like Babysitting — But Better!
Every moment of a child’s life is a chance to learn, have fun and grow, and with Curated Care, that doesn’t have to stop when the parents are away. The sitters with the new babysitting service Curated Care will do all the things a traditional babysitter does: they’ll pick up your kid from school, watch him while you have a night out, or even guide a play date so you can relax for a bit. But the service doesn’t stop at that.

The caregivers — or as the service calls them, “Kid Experts” — will bring a dynamic, activity-led experience right to your home. Choose from a wide variety of focuses, from artistic experiences like cooking and making music, to more studious lessons like math and science. Kid Experts will come to your house armed with a smile and a full program for however many hours you’ll be gone. That means kids don’t just get to play and have fun with their babysitter — they’ll get to learn, too.

photo: Curated Care 

Curating the Caregivers
While other online services rely on parents to tell each other about their experiences with a particular caretaker, Curated Care takes that task into their own hands.

Each Kid Expert is screened and interviewed in person. If the applicant is a good match for the site, he or she must undergo a two hour orientation. After that, candidates receive a full background check, professional reference checks and ongoing professional development and support that continues after they’re accepted as a caregiver.

Many of the caretakers on the site have backgrounds in theater, arts, and childcare, and one of the goals at Curated Care is to create a community that parents can trust. Kid Experts have different hourly rates, but the average is between $20 and $25. Parents are encouraged to use the service for babysitting, or as a way to bring fun home lessons to their kids.

Get Booking!
Intrigued? Head to the site and start browsing (an app is on the way). The service, which is available in all boroughs as well as Hoboken and Jersey city, understands that life happens, so while many people book caregivers a week out, you can also set something up a day or two ahead. (For those bookings, families send booking requests to multiple “Kid Experts” to better their chances of finding someone for the date and time they need.) Many families have a regular, recurring date with a caregiver each week. You can also book full days and even overnights.

Hot Topics
Currently, the most in-demand topics are science, followed by music and Spanish — subjects that might not get as much attention in a classroom or home environment. According to Curated Care, some parents even set up weekly meeting as a way of exposing their children to different subjects and languages.

For languages in particular, Curated Care is an easy a way to immerse your child in language instruction at home. The service currently employs Kid Experts who are fluent in Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Croatian and Serbian. Note that these subject experts don’t teach through rote memorization, and instead opt for immersion methods like singing songs, reading books and playing games.

photo: Curated Care

This same idea is true for all the subjects offered on the site: Kid Experts keep it fun and playful. The service currently offers activities in music, languages, science, dance, and cooking. If you can’t find the subject you want to focus on, Curated Care has 68 (and counting!) local Kid Experts who are trained in different subject areas. Want even more control over the service?; The website lists a number of specific activities you can choose from for your kids to partake in.

Online: curatedcare.com

Do you have a sitter service you love? Tell us about it in the comments! 

—Yuliya Geikhman

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Need Childcare? There’s an App for That

by Mimi O'Connor

If you’re an NYC resident it’s almost a requirement that you have just a little bit too much going on. However, there are plenty of businesses here that want to help lighten your load — and more and more, those are companies from both Silicon Valley and Manhattan’s own tech community, Silicon Alley. And now, just as you can get take-out and cars and cleaning services and kids classes at the touch of a few buttons on your phone, you can also order up personalized, vetted childcare on demand through the new app Hello Sitter.

Lauren Mansell photo: Hello Sitter

Meet Hello Sitter
Like many, many entrepreneurs in the kid and parenting market, both tech and otherwise, Hello Sitter founder and CEO Lauren Mansell was inspired to launch the app by her experience finding childcare for her now three-year-old daughter. (We all know the issues that can arise when it comes to booking coverage: your go-to is busy, got a full-time gig, or is moving; people get sick or flake; you were never over-the-moon for the current options, you need someone at the very last minute, etc.)

The app, which just launched out of beta on June 22, promises to not only help parents find  reliable and safe childcare quickly and with ease, but also allows users to specify the characteristics of a sitter most suited to their child.

photo: Hello Sitter

Hello Sitter Basics
Hello Sitter can be dowloaded for free and no membership is required to use the app; it’s currently available for use in Manhattan and the select areas of Brooklyn of Park Slope, Williamsburg, Dumbo, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Prospect Heights, Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens and Clinton Hill.

Parents begin by setting up a profile that includes essential info such as the child’s age, allergy information, food preferences, bed and bath routines and any special needs. They can then select from a predetermined list up to five unique qualities that they would like a sitter to possess. Examples include “patient”, “healthy/active”, “understanding”, “creative”, “disciplined”, and “funny.” (The sitters themselves select the traits they feel best describe them.)

photo: Christine Schmidt via Flickr

Safety First!
Of course, sparkling personalities are great, but every parent’s first concern when booking childcare is his or her child’s safety.

Hello Sitter promises to have that covered too, with a screening process that includes a personal interview with candidates, the checking of three references, a background check and the review of applicants’ social media accounts.

Book it!
To book a Hello Sitter childcare provider, users enter the date and time they need someone, and the app’s algorithm then matches three sitters with the user preferences and booking. Bookings can be made in as little as one hour in advance and as many as seven days ahead of time. All sitters suggested are guaranteed to be available, so all users need to do is review the choices and select a caregiver; a notification will be sent out to the caregiver, who then will confirm the booking within minutes.

Should you find a sitter the whole family loves, the provider can be saved as a “favorite,” allowing them to have first access to your bookings, as well as notification of when you need childcare. Additionally, parents can view their favorite sitter’s calendar to help with planning nights out, events, etc. in advance.

The Cost of Convenience
Hello Sitter childcare rates are $21/hour for one child, $23/hour for two and $26/hour for three or four children. All payments are made through the Hello Sitter app, so you never have to worry about having cash on hand.

Hello Sitter
Online: hellositter.com

Think you’ll give Hello Sitter a whirl? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

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Reliable Sitters & Nannies from UrbanSitter – Recommended By Moms Like You

by Tina Ly
Partner Content

Organize your back to school routine with extra childcare help! Whether you’re looking for an after-school sitter or full-time nanny, UrbanSitter is your time-saving online resource. Search for sitters by the date & time you need them—or “post a job” for recurring needs. Many sitters are attending top colleges, and you can sort by background check, response time, experience, and more. Best of all, see which sitters are recommended by your friends and by parents who share your social circle (mother’s group, child’s school, etc.). Book jobs conveniently online, and even pay by credit card if you choose! Learn more.

Urban Sitter
www.urbansitter.com 

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Reliable Sitters & Nannies from UrbanSitter – Recommended By Moms Like You

by Tina Ly
Partner Content

Organize your back to school routine with extra childcare help! Whether you’re looking for an after-school sitter or full-time nanny, UrbanSitter is your time-saving online resource. Search for sitters by the date & time you need them—or “post a job” for recurring needs. Many sitters are attending top colleges, and you can sort by background check, response time, experience, and more. Best of all, see which sitters are recommended by your friends and by parents who share your social circle (mother’s group, child’s school, etc.). Book jobs conveniently online, and even pay by credit card if you choose! Learn more.

Urban Sitter
www.urbansitter.com 

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Related reads

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Reliable Sitters & Nannies from UrbanSitter – Recommended By Moms Like You

by Tina Ly

Organize your back to school routine with extra childcare help! Whether you’re looking for an after-school sitter or full-time nanny, UrbanSitter is your time-saving online resource. Search for sitters by the date & time you need them—or “post a job” for recurring needs. Many sitters are attending top colleges, and you can sort by background check, response time, experience, and more. Best of all, see which sitters are recommended by your friends and by parents who share your social circle (mother’s group, child’s school, etc.). Book jobs conveniently online, and even pay by credit card if you choose! Learn more.

Urban Sitter
www.urbansitter.com 

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