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Babysitting Placement FAQs
What services does Motor City Sitters provide for babysitting?
We provide qualified and experienced babysitters for short-term, occasional, or as-needed childcare, including date nights, events, and emergencies.
How do I request a babysitter through Motor City Sitters?
You can request a babysitter by completing our online booking form. We will then contact you to discuss your needs and invoice you for the placement fee.
How far in advance should I book a babysitter?
While we recommend booking as far in advance as possible to ensure availability, we can often accommodate last-minute requests based on sitter availability.
How do you vet your babysitters?
All our babysitters undergo thorough background checks, including criminal records, reference checks, and verification of their experience and qualifications.
What qualifications do your babysitters have?
Our babysitters have diverse qualifications, including experience in childcare, CPR and first aid certification, and, in many cases, formal training in early childhood education.
Can I interview the babysitter before hiring?
We will connect you with the babysitter best suited to your needs before care takes place. You are welcome to have a phone call, Zoom, or arrange to meet them in person if it works for the sitter and you. If you decide to use a sitter different from the one booked with you, an additional placement fee will be charged.
What are the costs of hiring a babysitter through Motor City Sitters?
Outside of the placement fee, our babysitting rates vary based on the number of children, the duration of care, and any special requirements. You can see our babysitting rates here.
(https://www.motorcitysitters.com/nanny-placement)
How do I make a payment for babysitting services?
The placement fee is invoiced through the Motor City Sitters system. All payment due to the sitter is paid directly to them on the day of care. Most of our sitters prefer to be paid with cash or Zelle/Venmo.
Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
Additional fees may apply for late-night care, holiday bookings, or special circumstances. We will inform you of any such fees in advance.
What should I provide for the babysitter during their visit?
We recommend providing clear instructions, emergency contact information, and necessary supplies for your children, such as food, diapers, and bedtime routines. While not required, it is always an added bonus to provide a meal, snacks, or stipend during the time frame the sitter will be with your children, as well as any Wi-Fi passwords or petty cash for outings if those are approved between you and the sitter during the booking.
How do you handle emergencies or special needs?
Our babysitters are trained to handle emergencies and are knowledgeable about basic first aid. Please inform us of any special needs or medical conditions in advance so we can ensure appropriate care.
What if my plans change, or do I need to cancel a booking?
We understand that plans can change. Please notify us immediately if you need to cancel or reschedule a booking. Our cancellation policy will be provided at the time of booking. If a family requests to change the date of a confirmed booking, it is treated as a cancellation. The original booking will be subject to the same cancellation fees outlined above and a new placement fee will be required to secure care for the new date.
What kind of support do you provide during the babysitting session?
We offer ongoing support through our customer service team, who can address any concerns or questions during the babysitting session.
Can I request the same babysitter for future bookings?
Yes, we strive to provide continuity of care by accommodating requests for the same babysitter whenever possible.
How do you ensure the safety and security of my children?
Safety is our top priority. All babysitters are thoroughly vetted, and we provide guidelines and training to ensure they adhere to best practices in childcare and safety.
Do you have a minimum hour requirement?
Yes, we require a minimum of three hours booked for babysitting placement. Anything less than three hours will raise the hourly rate paid to the sitter $2/hr.
What if we come home early? Do we still have to pay for the whole time booked?
Yes. In the good faith to our sitters, we required families to pay for the hours they booked if they gave an end time. Our sitters are depending on the pay for the hours they are scheduled. If you do not have a specific end time, our three hour minimum is the basic standard.
Can I get a refund on my placement fee?
No, placement fees are non-refundable. When you book with Motor City Sitters, you are securing our time and resources to match you with a qualified sitter. This policy is outlined in the contract you sign at the time of booking.
However, in certain circumstances, we may offer a credit for a future booking. If you need to reschedule with more than one month's notice, or if your sitter has to cancel last minute and we are unable to provide a replacement, we will credit your booking fee for a future use. We understand that plans can change, and we do our best to accommodate within the terms of our agreement. If you have any questions, please reach out to us!
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