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Occasional Care Program
FAQ

  • Will clients always get booked with the same sitter?
    You can view and request your favorite sitters, but we cannot guarantee that the same sitter will always be available. The sitters often have additional jobs or classes, so their availability may vary. We ask that you be flexible with this.
  • How many times can requests for a sitter be made during a subscription period?
    You can request care as many times as you would like.
  • What information will the sitter receive prior to the start of the job?
    Sitters will receive a snapshot view of the family, including a photo (if one is uploaded) and details about the family, the child(ren), pets, etc.
  • Are your services available for people outside of Douglas County?
    At this time, we only serve families in Douglas County.
  • Will short notice cost more?
    No, each subscription is for unlimited bookings during the time periods of one week, 30 days, 90 days and one year.
  • What if a client needs to cancel a booking?
    The sitter will be automatically notified. Our best practices include information on how to do this.
  • Are the fees paid to CCC tax deductible?
    If you have paid your sitter or sitters 'on the books,' fees paid to a sitter service may be tax deductible. Please consult your accountant.
  • What are your office hours?
    9-5 M-F
  • When should requests be made?
    It would be ideal to provide at least 48 hours of notice. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to book a sitter, but you can place a request up to four hours before the start time of care.
  • What is the process to get started?
    If you found this list, you are on the right path. Feel free to browse over the information on this page and then, if you wish to proceed, click on the link to register with our digital platform, Enginehire. You will then create a dashboard providing information about your family and can then request a sitter.
  • Can I purchase a package to save money?
    Our subscription plans have discounts built into the options.
  • What exactly is a sitter service or occasional care program?
    Typically, families find sitters by asking teachers, neighbors, family, etc. An occasional care program ("sitter service") uses a third party to find sitters. That third party recruits sitters, interviews them, checks references, and conducts background checks. Families who need sitters register with the agency by providing information about their family. The agency refers sitters to families based on availability, interests, and experience. The families pay the agency a fee for this service, and the families pay the sitters directly for caring for their children.
  • Can I purchase a gift card?
    Absolutely! We welcome the purchase of gift cards to share with someone you know or with folks who have applied for reduced-rate services.
  • What is my tax liability for hiring an occasional sitter?
    If you pay an individual sitter at least $2700 in 2024, that sitter is likely considered your employee with tax implications. Please consult your accountant.
  • Are sitters CPR/1st Aid certified?
    Yes, all sitters are required to complete certification in Pediatric CPR and 1st Aid. We offer that training in house for those who are not currently certified. We also require sitters to complete a Trauma Informed Training (online).
  • How do I pay providers?
    Cash, check, and Venmo are all possible methods. We suggest asking the sitter what method they prefer
  • Do you offer any discounts or reduced rates?
    We will occasionally offer discounts through promo codes. As funding allows, we will try to provide other financial assistance. Please reach out for more information.
  • What happens if a sitter cancels a booking?
    Emergencies happen. Although we try to prevent cancellations, they may still occur. You can repost canceled jobs for other sitters to take. If cancellations occur during office hours, our CCC staff may be able to help set that up.
  • Is there a reminder system?
    Both you and the sitter will receive a reminder.
  • Will we be able to see pics and bios of the sitters? What else can we learn about sitters?
    Clients will have access to profiles of each sitter, which contain a photo and video, as well as the sitter's availability, employment history, references, education and any highlights the sitter has added.
  • Is there an app to book jobs?
    Yes, you can find it in the app store under ‘Enginehire.’
  • Can I cancel my subscription?
    You may cancel your subscription at any time without penalty, but we must receive that notice at least three days before the next scheduled charge date for the recurring charge to stop. You can stop charges through your Enginehire dashboard.
  • Why do you ask for gender, race, ethnicity and military affiliation?
    These questions are not required but they do help us track the usage of our services.
  • Do you offer overnight care?
    We offer occasional childcare. This is not designed to be an overnight service and there are no overnight rates. However, we do not have a limit on the number of hours for a booking.
  • I think I need more money to afford this service. Why is it so expensive?
    We understand the rising cost of child care and want to enable as many people as possible to use our services. Interested folks may qualify for a reduced rate based on income. We believe the cost of our services is offset by the peace of mind of having experienced and vetted sitters.
  • How much does it cost?
    We offer a subscription system. Each subscription option is automatically renewed and charged to your credit card except for the daily and the one (1) week options, which are non-recurring. All options are non-refundable. There is no registration or annual fee. The subscription options are as follows: One day $10 This is non-recurring. It is designed to let families use and pay per booking. One week $25. This is non-recurring. It is designed to give a longer opportunity to try us out. 30 days $50 This is a recurring charge that can be canceled with no penalty up to 3 days before the next month’s credit card charge. 90 days $125 This is a recurring charge that can be canceled with no penalty up to three (3) days before the next month’s credit card charge. One year $450. This is a recurring charge that can be canceled with no penalty for up to three (3) days before the next month’s credit card charge. * If having a credit card on file prevents you from using this service, please reach out. ** The PROMO CODE: CCCWELCOME will give you your first booking for free during our 1st month in operation to try us out without any obligation to purchase a subscription. You will still need to pay the sitters separately.
  • How do you verify and vet sitters?
    Vetting sitters means screening them and conducting background checks. We interviewed each sitter, checked their references, and conducted a background check. Our background check includes a criminal check, the national sex offenders registry, and a driving history report.
  • What is the hourly rate for sitters?
    The rate will be negotiated between you and the sitter.
  • Are additional services available?
    You will see a drop-down menu under the 'Services' tab when you complete your registration. The services you choose will be forwarded to the Community Children's Center's Family Resource Center, and a staff member will contact you.

Best Practices

  • Sometimes sitters are reluctant to accept a job lasting less than 2 hours so keep that in mind when making a request.
     

  • If you must cancel a job and that happens with less than 24 hours’ notice to the sitter, we recommend paying them for at least part of the original job. Sitters are counting on that income.
     

  • We suggest paying the sitters for the full time of the original request even if you come home early.
     

  • We suggest paying the sitters between $17 and $20 per hour, but, again, this is something you would negotiate with the sitter.
     

  • We suggest providing the sitter some reimbursement if you expect them to drive your children.
     

  • We suggest utilizing a medical form if your child has any special needs or medication needs .

Babysitter Selfie
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