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Nannies & Babysitters - FAQ for Parents
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With thousands of nannies and babysitters nationwide, Find A Babysitter is here to help! Please read the following information explaining the site in more detail:
Why choose Find A Babysitter (FAB)?
Find A Babysitter is the largest, most effective and affordable way to find a babysitter or nanny for your family in Australia. We are proud to be the Australian market leader, giving you a quality site with a range of helpful features. By using FAB:
- QUALITY & RESULTS: You have access to a quality site that delivers results. FAB has helped over 25,000 parents find the carers they need, with an 88.8% success rate (see our testimonials!) since we started in July 2005.
- SIZE: You can access the largest database of babysitters and nannies nationwide, so you are sure to find a carer for your specific needs.
- MORE FOR YOUR MONEY: You get 3 powerful methods to find the right carer a) the broad database of carers to EMAIL and b) our JOB POSTING feature, and c) MY NOTIFICATIONS feature.
- UP-TO-DATE: You can choose the most up-to-date carers listed (plus we 'retire' any carers who don't log in regularly).
- RATINGS: You can use our Ratings System, to gain and provide feedback on babysitters and nannies so you can identify the gems easily.
- CUSTOMER SERVICE: You get timely, helpful customer service. We respond to all calls and emails within 24 hours to ensure the site works for you.
- INNOVATION: We continually enhance the FAB site to ensure we bring you the best web-site possible. We believe in being innovative and continuously improving our site. We always welcome suggestions or feedback, please feel free to contact us with your input!
- AUTHENTICITY: Behind the scenes FAB is run by Fairfax Digital (see About Us for more info). This brings a professional focus to ensure the site gives you FAB results!
- AWARD WINNING SITE: Find A Babysitter won the 2008 National Telstra Business Award for Micro-business, confirming the quality and credibility of the site as an Australian business. (see In The Media for details)
What is FAB?
Find A Babysitter is an affordable, efficient online introduction service, helping you find nannies, after-school carers and babysitters. You get three easy ways to find great carers at FAB.
1. You can send emails or SMS messages out to carers of your choice from our extensive database online.
2. You can use our Job Postings to attract ideal applicants to you (comes with the "All Carers" membership).
3. You can get email notifications from us every time a carer joins in your area, meeting your criteria!
It is a simple, thorough and cost-effective way for you to find the perfect babysitter or nanny for your needs!
You get a range of additional features as part of your membership, making Find A Babysitter.com.au great value for money. These extra features include:
- Ratings system - so you can share feedback with other parents about the nannies and babysitters (just like eBay).
- My Shortlist - so you can identify your favourites for quick reference (comes only with the "All Carers" membership).
- My Comments - so you can keep your notes about nannies conveniently online in the one place (comes only with the "All Carers" membership).
How does it work?
There are 5 simple steps:
1. JOIN: Join online for immediate access to thousands of carers! You have a choice of the "Just Babysitters" (for just evening or weekend babysitters) OR "All Carers" with a Job Posting (for daytime, after-school care and evening carers) memberships. You also have the option of choosing SMSs as an 'add on'.
2. SEARCH & SEND EMAILS: Enter your postcode and the search page will show the profiles of every carer in your area. You can narrow down the list by ticking 'advanced search' boxes based on your specific criteria. Then send emails or SMS messages to arrange an interview. We suggest that you send out:
- 6 - 8 messages if you just need a babysitter
- 10 - 20 messages for a nanny or afterschool carer
Expect at least 50% replies and allow a 7 day turnaround, although it is likely you will gain a good number of replies within days.
3. POST A JOB: If you are looking for a day-time or after-school carer we suggest using our effective Job Posting (part of the "All Carers" membership).
4. GET NOTIFIED: Click on "My Notifications" to set up an email alert every time a carer joins in your area, meeting your criteria.
5. SELECT: Conduct phone screenings, interview and reference check to select the right carer for your family. After the initial introduction through FAB, the babysitter or nanny is yours! No 'middle-man' and no ongoing agency overheads.
You can conduct a free trial search here to see profiles of babysitters and nannies available in your area.
What will the babysitters’ profiles show me?
You’ll see the babysitters’ qualifications, experience, skills, hourly rates, drivers’ licenses, first aid qualifications, police checks and references available. You will probably know more about your FAB babysitter than you know about babysitters you’ve used before, giving you peace of mind.
How many babysitters or nannies are available?
As of 2009 we have over 41,000 babysitters and nannies registered at Find A Babysitter. And the list grows daily. So no matter where you live or what you need – we hope to have a match for you and your family.
Do you have nannies or after-school carers?
Yes! FAB offers a wide range of carers including nannies and babysitters. A nanny is an experienced person who provides childcare for a living and may have some professional qualification and training. A babysitter provides occasional evening or weekend care, and may also study or work in another profession. If you just need evening babysitters choose the simple "Just Babysitters" membership. If you need a nanny or after-school carer you should choose "All Carers" so you can make the most of our powerful Job Posting feature.
Can I find a "House Keeper" at FAB?
We have surveyed our FAB carers and found that the majority (75%) are willing to do some house-keeping as part of their job. We suggest that you state this requirement in your Job Posting and emails to carers, to ensure you find the right match. House-keeping usually covers a range of duties for running a household including light cleaning, washing, ironing and running errands. We also have an icon (a broom) on every carer profile showing whether they are willing to undertake housekeeping. You can used our 'advanced search' boxes to identify these carers easily.
How many emails should I send & how long will it take?
It depends on your specific need - some carers are easier to find than others. So to make the most of the site we recommend that you send:
- 6 - 8 messages if you just need a babysitter
- 10 - 20 messages for a nanny or afterschool carer (** also remember to use your Job Posting!)
Expect at least 50% replies and allow a 7 day turnaround, although it is likely you will gain a good number of replies within days. If your first round of emails and interviews don't introduce you to the right person, simply send out a second round the following week - there will be more people to choose from and you are likely to succeed within that week. For very unique requests (e.g., unusual hours), you may need to allow an extra week or two. You may also need to consider varying your expectations (perhaps using 2 carers for split shifts before and afterschool). Make the site work for you!
How does the "Job Posting" feature work? Is it important to use?
Yes! We highly recommend using your Job Posting at FAB to find day-time or after-school carers. This feature is only available with the 'All Carers' membership. The Job Posting is very quick and simple to fill out. Once online it is seen by a wide range of carers who will apply to you via email. Your Job Posting can be kept online at FAB for the duration of your membership or until you fill the position. Applicants must be registered carers at FAB, so this will make sure that the carers applying have come through our site. This also ensures that your personal contact details are kept confidential.
Why choose the SMS feature?
If you choose the SMS feature you will be able to type your message on the computer and send it immediately to carers' mobile phones. Babysitters and nannies will get the message instantly. We recommend using the SMS as a quick 'reminder' for interviews or scheduled dates. You can also use the SMS to notify sitters that you've sent them a detailed email with your childcare request. To send your SMS you simply go to the carer's profile, click 'SMS carer', type your request, click 'send' and your message is sent to the carer's mobile phone on-the-spot. It is simple, quick and immediate!
Are your carers "Registered" with the Family Assistance Office, so I can claim the Child Care Benefit?
A small percentage of the carers on FAB are registered and they are identified with a purple 'R' icon on their profiles. You can also use our "advanced search" to find these carers. The carers themselves must register with the Family Assistance Office. For further information about registered care and eligibility for the Child Care Benefit please contact www.familyassist.gov.au .
Can I find someone who lives nearby?
The list of carers are sorted geographically - so the first group of carers shown on the list are all in your suburb, then the next group is in the next suburb and so on. The carers have all chosen how far they are willing to travel from home. Carers will only show up in your search if they have chosen to work in your area.
How do I identify the most updated profiles? (ie the most available)
Every carer profile has a line stating "last updated x weeks ago" so you can choose to contact the most up-to-date carers. Your search is also sorted according to the most recently updated. So the first carers on the list are the most up-to-date and available within your suburb. It is also advisable to use the search boxes to identify carers who have updated profiles recently or joined in the last 1-2 weeks.
How is this site different to an agency?
Find a Babysitter is an introduction service – an easy way for you to meet and keep your very own babysitter or nanny. One membership allows you to contact all the sitters in your area directly. You get to select from a range of carers and find the perfect person for your needs. Because we are not an agency, we do not screen or make bookings, nor do we charge you any overheads, commissions, cancellations or other agency fees. Please read our Terms of Use for more information. We have a much larger database than most agencies and exist in every capital city in Australia.
Does FAB screen the carers?
We are an introduction service only, so we do not do screenings. Parents should conduct thorough phone screenings, interviews and reference checking before scheduling a date. FAB provides you with everything you need to make the right choice. Online profiles show which carers have police checks and references available. The carer brings these documents to your interview to show you first-hand, so you can be certain that the checking is complete. We also provide you with an Interview Guide and Screening Tips to assist with your selection. If you would like a specialist organisation to conduct a background check, we suggest First Advantage (the largest provider of background screening services in Australasia) at www.fadv.com.au
Can I get references and recommendations?
Babysitters are asked to supply references or referees phone numbers to you directly. We recommend that you call 2 or 3 current or past employers to ask questions to confirm your choice. The site also has Ratings (online feedback, similar to eBay). These ratings are posted by other parents in the FAB community, so you can gain input from other parents via our site.
How are the babysitters and nannies recruited?
Many babysitters and nannies have been recruited from selected courses from reputable universities. Some are students of professional nanny courses, early childhood education, teaching, nursing, midwifery and allied health. Experienced babysitters, nannies and childcare workers have also registered with us through classified print and online advertisements.
Can I find someone with lots of experience?
Find A Babysitter has a broad range of babysitters and nannies available. From experienced nannies who have worked for other families, carers who have worked in childcare centres, to the ‘girl-next-door’ who has babysat for years. So, no matter what level of skill and experience you need, Find A Babysitter has it!
What are the hourly rates? How much should I pay?
Babysitters display their individual hourly rates on the site. You are free to negotiate rates with sitters, keeping market-demand and industry rates in mind. Hourly rates should be 'gross' if the sitter is working casually - so the nanny should take tax out of this amount. You pay the sitter directly, there is no agency 'middle-man'. During the day expect to pay between $15/hr (few responsibilities) to over $25/hr (or more for experienced nannies). Rates vary according to sitters' experience, the duties required and your location. Casual jobs usually attract higher hourly rates as you are not required to pay for extra entitlements like annual leave or sick days.
Do your babysitters or nannies have other educational or cultural skills?
Our babysitters and nannies have listed a range of wonderful skills and talents on their profiles. Many speak languages (French, Spanish, Portuguese), play music (guitar, piano), do sport, dance or create art. So you can choose a carer to bring specific skills to your children and family!
Will I get value for money?
You will have access to Australia’s #1 Babysitter Directory 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for three or twelve months. Just one membership payment will allow you to access the directory as many times as you like and post-a-job online (with the "All Carers" membership). See our cost comparison to see how Find A Babysitter is the most affordable option for recruiting the ideal carer.
What are the membership options?
There are 4 membership options ... you have the flexibility of choosing the membership that is right for you:
JUST BABYSITTERS x 3 mths:
3 months for $54.95 (plus $5.50 GST) |
Allows you to email the babysitters via the site for 3 months. You will have every opportunity to find the perfect babysitter over the three months! Sitter profiles only show evening and weekend availability. |
JUST BABYSITTERS x 12 mths:
12 months for $109.95 (plus $11.00 GST) |
Allows you to email the babysitters via the site for 12 months, so you'll never be short of a babysitter! Sitter Profiles only show evening and weekend availability. |
ALL CARERS & JOB POSTING x 3 mths:
3 months for $84.95 (plus $8.50 GST) |
Allows you to email ALL of the carers including nannies, after-school carers & babysitters via the site for 3 months.
PLUS you will be able to place a Job Posting on FAB to advertise your position, as a supplement to your emails/SMSs.
Includes "My Shortlist" and "My Comments" features, allowing you to identify your favourites. |
ALL CARERS & JOB POSTING x 12 mths:
12 months for $174.95 (plus $17.50 GST) |
Allows you to email ALL of the carers via the site for 12 months.
PLUS you will be able to place a Job Posting on FAB to advertise your position, as a supplement to your emails/SMSs.
Includes "My Shortlist" and "My Comments" features, allowing you to identify your favourites. |
SMS OPTIONAL EXTRA
30 SMSs for $19.95(plus $2.00 GST) |
No matter which membership you choose you can add the SMS feature to your account. This will allow you to send out SMSs via the site directly to carers' mobile phones. A great way to contact nannies and sitters quickly. |
How do I pay?
You can pay by credit card, online. We use military strength encryption to keep your credit card details safe. Your credit card details are never stored by Find A Babysitter.
What quality control is conducted by your site?
All of the carer profiles are viewed online. Any discrepancies or concerns are followed up by Find A Babysitter staff. Any negative parent feedback is checked and acted upon IMMEDIATELY. Feedback is sought from a random sample of site members regularly, to ensure that quality standards are maintained. Babysitters who are inactive for a number of weeks are removed from the site, so we ensure the list of FAB sitters is as current and accurate as possible. We also ask for parents' help in monitoring quality by using our ratings system to provide feedback.
How does the babysitter ratings system work? How do I leave feedback about sitters?
We have designed a ratings system to allow the FAB community to share feedback with each other. Parents can post a rating (out of 4 stars) and write a specific comment about sitters they have used. To leave a rating, simply log on to the site by using your email and password. This will open your account page with a list of sitters you have sent messages to. Click on the sitter's name and this will open her profile. At the bottom of the profile is a "Rate Carer" link. Simply click this link and leave your feedback. We welcome your feedback because this helps us and other parents to assess the carers at FAB. Sitters are able to read and reply to ratings. Parents are also able to remove a rating, by clicking on the red X icon next to the rating on the parent's FAB account page. For further information, please read our "Ratings System Information for Parents".
What can I do if a carer doesn't respond to my email or fails to turn up to an interview?
In an ideal world we would love every carer to reply to all their emails and attend every interview scheduled. We do our very best to set this expectation and prompt them. Many carers do follow through appropriately. Unfortunately, however, there are a small percentage of carers who do not. The best feedback is to post a Rating online to give them direct feedback and to share this information with the FAB community.
Are my personal details kept confidential?
Yes. Your initial request goes out via the FAB site, so your personal details are not shown. Once you make contact with the babysitters or nannies, you may choose to give your details. Until then, all communication goes through the FAB site. Please read our privacy policy for more details.
When carers reply to me, where are the emails sent? Do I need to check my FAB account or not?
Emails will always be sent to your personal inbox for your convenience. So you only need to check your personal email account. If the message has been routed via FAB we will put copies of your 'received' emails on your FAB account page (if the sitter has ticked the 'anonymous' box).
If I am having trouble logging in, what do I do?
After we process your payment, it can take up to 6 minutes for your account to become active. FAB will send an email to your inbox the minute your account is ready. You should be able to log in then! If you have forgotten your password, just click the "forgot your password" link located under the log in box. FAB will email your password to you immediately.
Can I add the SMS option later if I change my mind?
Yes! Just log in to your existing account, click 'resubscribe' and purchase the "SMS Feature". This will activate the SMS feature and you can send SMSs immediately.
What happens if I run out of SMS messages during my membership?
You can purchase more SMSs online by going to your account, selecting 'resubscribe' and choosing "SMS Feature". This will allow you to buy 30 more messages for $19.95.
Am I guaranteed to find a babysitter or nanny?
We believe so! FAB has a very large database of carers available. As of 2009 FAB has over 41,000 babysitters and nannies across Australia, and the list grows daily! We cannot guarantee that there will be one person to meet your exact needs (particularly for very unusual hours or short notice) within one week - but we expect that you'll find the right person within 2-3 weeks. So we ask that you log in regularly, use the Job Posting and send a good range of emails to make the site work for you. If you are having trouble finding a carer please contact us asap and we'll help.
Why is South Australia unable to use FAB?
Unfortunately the "Children's Services Act" of 1985 defines our service as a 'babysitting agency'. This requires us to interview every candidate, check paperwork and record every babysitting appointment. If we did this we wouldn't be an affordable internet-based introduction site! So, unfortunately, until this out-dated legislation is reviewed, FAB cannot operate in S.A.
How soon can I get started?
You can log on right away and search immediately. By using our emails and Job Postings you should have a selection of FAB carers to help you within weeks! You don’t have to wait for an advertisement to be placed in print and hope the right person reads it. You don’t have to wait for an agency to find someone and call you back. You can simply find your babysitter or nanny online right now!
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