Four-Step Sitter Screening Process
(Also check out our Three Step Monitoring Process)
For years now, Sittercity has been refining and testing our special formula for screening sitters so we could bring you the easiest, most effective way to find the perfect babysitting match for your family.
With Sittercity.com, hundreds of thousands babysitters and nannies across the nation are at your fingertips, and with our tried and true four-step screening process, finding the best caregiver for your family is easier than ever.
Use the Internal Feedback System
Did Sitter A ditch her last job without so much as a phone call? Is Sitter B known for playing educational games that kids absolutely love? Only parents who've employed those babysitters know the answers. But with Sittercity's internal feedback system, you no longer have to wonder whether the help you hire has a hidden reputation.
This internal feedback system allows parents and sitters to leave feedback about each other for all to see. You can learn exactly what it was about Sitter C that a previous family loved so much, or hear specifics about Sitter D's child care principles from those who experienced it firsthand. And because we value safety and professionalism amongst our sitters, all caregivers must agree to the Sittercity Pledge before applying to jobs to ensure they are taking both these issues seriously.
Conduct an Interview
Once you've narrowed down your search, the next thing to do is conduct an interview. This is an important step in gauging not only yours but the kids' reaction to their potential caregiver as well.
Of course, you'll want to ask the babysitter some important questions as well, questions whose answers will be quite telling to the type of job this babysitter will do. But what to ask? To gather the most revealing, effective questions for the interview, view our comprehensive list of questions from which you can choose the ones you feel are most important.
Check References
Sittercity helps simplify the process of checking references by having Sittercity babysitters list at least one reference in their profile that includes an email address and phone number. With a simple point-and-click, you've got easy access to a direct source who can give you insight on your potential caregiver.
Complete a Background Check
So you've found a great candidate, a model citizen, sitter extraordinaire. Perfect! But you'll want to follow through with the final step, running a background check.
Through Sittercity's partner, LexisNexis, you can instantly run a background check on your top babysitter candidate. All you need to do is click the background check link on the babysitter's profile. Background check results take just minutes to receive once the person being screened grants authorization, so you'll receive peace of mind quickly and easily.
