We are thrilled to have partnered with our advertising sponsor Time Out Sitters, which is owned by two local moms. This babysitting service works with a number of families in San Antonio to provide top-notch babysitting services. We recently asked them to share their expertise about babysitter etiquette and how Time Out Sitters works.
About the owners of Time Out Sitters:
Tiffany and Katie met back in 1991 in Mr. Fitzgerald’s 6th grade English class. An instant friendship was forged when, on the first day of school, Katie boldly asked if she could have one of Tiffany’s dividers from her binder. They’ve been best friends ever since. Both were in each other’s weddings and started families around the same time. Their 20+-year friendship saw different career paths for a short time after college, with Katie working in event management and Tiffany executive producing for her husband’s music and sound production company. It was their shared passion for kids and family that would bring the two even closer together and encourage their decision to build Time Out Sitters.
When asked what the “secret” to this lifelong friendship and successful business is, both Tiffany and Katie will tell you “constant laughter”! They admit to being one of the fortunate examples of two people who truly love what they do, and it shows—both when it comes to Time Out Sitters and raising a family.
Should I provide meals or food for babysitters?
On occasion, families may order or cook extra food for the sitter if they are providing a meal to the kids. Other families invite the sitter to eat from their pantry/fridge. However, our sitters should be prepared, either by eating before or packing food, as we don’t expect meals to be provided.
What if I end up running later than expected?
The sitter is committed to stay until the confirmed time. Many times they are able to stay later if need be; however, there are times that they may have another commitment after the scheduled end time. We ask that our clients check in with the sitter to make sure she can stay beyond the confirmed time.
What’s standard for tipping a sitter? How much should I tip a regular sitter during the holidays?
Tips are completely left to the discretion of the family. Sitters do not expect tips but greatly appreciate them! The average range of tips is 10%–20%.
How much lead time is appropriate for submitting a request? What about cancelling/rescheduling?
The more notice, the better, but we are happy to accommodate same-day requests. There is a $15 fee for confirmed sitters for same-day requests.
Cancellations received less than 48 hours prior to the job will be charged a $35 cancellation fee. We ask that clients contact the company directly, not the sitter, by phone or email should they need to cancel a request or confirmed job. Rescheduling is considered a cancellation. This fee is collected to compensate the sitter.
Is it appropriate to ask a sitter to bathe a child?
The sitters are capable of giving baths but will only do so if the parents request this to be done. We encourage bath expectations to be reviewed with the sitter.
Do I need to discuss social media rules with sitters? In other words, do I need to spell out that I don’t want them posting pictures of my child on Instagram or Facebook?
Our sitters sign a conduct agreement when they are hired. The agreement states that they will NEVER post pictures of any child they are babysitting on social media. We also cover our expectations thoroughly during new hire orientation. You are more than welcome to reiterate your expectations with each sitter as well.
How much information should I leave for a sitter?
It is also recommended to have your instructions and requests written or printed out for the sitter prior to the sitter’s arrival. Please be detailed and remember that each family is different. We recommend scheduling the sitter to arrive at least 15 minutes before you have to leave to review and familiarize the sitter with your instructions.
If your child requires special needs, please provide as many details as possible to keep the routine the same.
How do I submit a request, and when will I receive confirmation?
The best way to submit a request is online at www.timeoutsitters.com. The log-in screen is mobile friendly. After you submit the request, an email will be sent indicating that your request has been received by the company. The more lead time you provide, the better availability of sitters. We book jobs approximately five to seven days out in the order the requests are received. If we are unable to provide you with a sitter, we will contact you immediately. Once the sitter is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email with a picture and short biography of the sitter. The sitter should call you the day before the job to introduce herself. If you do not receive a call from the sitter the day before, please contact us 210-563-1948, as this does not mean she won’t be there.
Can I request the same sitter every time?
We suggest that you try a few sitters in the event your favorite is not available. We work completely around our sitters’ schedules, so they are sometimes unavailable or may have been requested by another family. We will always ask for your preferred sitters first and then past sitters to keep continuity for you and your family.
Can I meet the sitter ahead of time?
Since we have thoroughly interviewed, reference- and background-checked each sitter before they are hired, we are not set up to send sitters to meet with families before each job. You will receive a picture and short biography as well as a phone call from the sitter once she is confirmed. Most of the sitters are college students, and we completely work around their schedules, so we cannot guarantee the same sitter each time. If you want to have the same preferred sitters as the person who referred you, we will be happy to add them to your preferred list. Just give us a call or send an email to let us know!
How do you hire your sitters?
Our sitters have been personally interviewed and extensively reference-checked by our team. We are bonded and insured, and each sitter is CPR/First Aid certified and annually background-checked. They must have childcare experience, and most of our sitters are referred to us by existing sitters. At this time, we only work with female sitters and most of them are college students; however, we do have some “mom” sitters, if you would feel more comfortable with an older sitter. As moms, we promise we would never hire a sitter unless we would let them watch our own kids!
How does payment work?
The sitter will provide you with an itemized receipt. The sitters will accept cash or check at the end of the job. Please make checks payable to the sitter. Any returned check fees will be paid by the client. Please note that sitters can only accept cash from hotel clients. Time Out Sitters will be moving to credit card only in the coming months (details to come).
What if my child is sick?
There are times when little ones get sick and you still need to go to an event or work. If you already have a sitter confirmed and your child becomes ill but you still need a babysitter, please contact the company so we can ask the sitter if she is still willing to sit for a sick child. Due to the additional care needed, a supplementary $2 per hour fee will apply.
Can a friend and I request a sitter together?
Yes! Families are welcome to combine to get one sitter; however, we consider children outside of the immediate family to be guests. Please add an additional $3 per hour per guest.[hr]
Time Out Sitters has launched a Summer Referral Program! Earn a $10 TOS Gift Certificate for every new client you refer in June & July! Follow Time Out Sitters on Facebook for more info.
