What can we help you find?

What is considered a nanny?

Nannies are typically hired for long-term, regular, consistent schedules, often working full-time or part-time daily. Nanny employment is formalized with a contract outlining duties, salary, benefits, and employment terms. Motor City Sitters considers all consistent recurring childcare to be a nanny placement.

What is the difference between a part-time and full-time nanny?

A full-time nanny is employed at least 40 hours per week. Part-time nannies are employed less than 40 hours per week and can have schedules ranging from a few hours one day to longer five days a week.

What is the process for finding a nanny through Motor City Sitters?

Our process involves an initial consultation to understand your needs, go over our placement process, and discuss the legal and standard practices for employing a nanny. This is followed by a thorough search and screening of candidates and interviews to ensure the perfect fit for your family.

How long does it take to place a nanny?

The time frame can vary depending on your specific requirements, but the process takes between 3 to 4 weeks on average.

Are your nannies experienced and qualified?

Yes, all our nannies undergo a rigorous screening process, including background checks, reference checks, and verification of qualifications and experience.

What kind of background checks do you perform on your nannies?

We perform comprehensive background checks, including criminal records, driving records, and child abuse registry checks.

Can I interview the nannies before making a decision?

Absolutely. We arrange interviews between families and shortlisted nannies to ensure compatibility and mutual comfort. We will also only connect you with nannies who are prescreened and interviewed by the agency to ensure they are compatible with the position.

How do you match nannies with families?

We consider various factors, including the family’s specific needs, the nanny’s experience, skills, personality, and availability, to ensure a good match.

What are the costs of hiring a nanny through Motor City Sitters?

Our fees vary based on the level of service required. You can find our fees here.

What is included in the placement fee?

Our placement fee helps to cover the expense of background checks, system and website maintenance, and our time to find you the perfect candidates.

How is the nanny’s salary determined?

Nanny salaries are determined based on their experience, qualifications, and the family's specific requirements. We will help to negotiate a fair compensation package. Motor City Sitters advocates for a minimum of the average going rate for the area. Part of the consultation process is assisting families in putting together a fair and competitive compensation package.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

Besides the placement fee and nanny’s salary, additional costs may include employment taxes, insurance, and any benefits you offer your nanny.

What kind of support do you provide after placement?

We offer ongoing support, including follow-up check-ins, conflict resolution assistance, and replacement services if necessary.

What happens if we are not satisfied with our nanny?

We provide a guarantee period during which we will work with you to address any issues or find a replacement nanny.

Do you provide temporary or emergency nanny services?

We offer temporary and emergency nanny placements for families needing short-term or immediate assistance.

Do you assist with contracts and legal paperwork?

Yes, we include and require families to use a detailed and well-laid-out employment contract for all of our placements and provide guidance on legal requirements, taxes, and employment laws.

How do you handle confidentiality and privacy concerns?

We take privacy very seriously and ensure that all information shared during the placement process is kept confidential and used solely to find the right nanny for your family. We also require all caregivers placed by the agency to sign an NDA for every family they work with.

If you have any additional questions or would like to start the nanny placement process, please contact us at info@motorcitysitters.com. We are here to help you find the perfect caregiver for your family.

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.

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.

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.

If you have any additional questions or would like to book a babysitter, please contact us at info@motorcitysitters.com. We are here to provide reliable and trustworthy childcare solutions for your family.

What is Motor City Sitters?

Motor City Sitters is a professional childcare placement agency that connects qualified caregivers with families needing reliable, high-quality childcare, including babysitting and nanny services in the Metro Detroit area.

How do I join Motor City Sitters as a caregiver?

To join our team, you must complete our application process, which includes submitting your application, passing background and reference checks, and participating in an interview.

What qualifications do I need to become a caregiver with Motor City Sitters?

Caregivers should have relevant childcare experience, CPR and first aid certification (or be willing to become certified), and excellent references. Formal training in early childhood education is a plus. We also require all of our caregivers to be over 18, legal to work in the United States, and proficient in English.

What is involved in the screening process?

The screening process includes a thorough background check (criminal records, driving records), verification of references, and an in-depth interview to assess your experience and suitability for the role.

How long does the application process take?

The process can take one to two weeks, depending on how quickly we can complete your background check and review your references.

What documents do I need to provide during the application process?

You will need to provide a valid ID, your resume, CPR and first aid certification, any relevant certifications, and contact information for at least three references.

How will I be notified about job opportunities?

You will receive notifications about job opportunities via email, phone, or text, depending on your compatibility with available positions.

Can I choose which jobs to accept?

You can choose which job offers to accept based on your availability and comfort level. We encourage you to accept assignments that fit your skills and schedule.

What should I do if my availability changes?

If your availability changes, please update us as soon as possible by emailing or texting a member of the MCS staff.

How are payments handled?

Motor City Sitters does not pay you directly. All families who book with us are required to pay you the sitter the contractually agreed-upon rate at the end of your shift.

What is the pay rate for caregivers?

Pay rates vary based on experience, the number of children, and the specific requirements of each job. Babysitting positions have set rates, which you can find here. Nanny positions will be negotiated as part of the interview and placement process with the family. Specific rates for jobs will be disclosed during the job offer process.

Are there opportunities for pay raises or bonuses for a Nanny?

Raises and bonuses can be a negotiation between you and the family that employs you every six to twelve months. This is an industry-standard for nannies.

What kind of support does Motor City Sitters provide to caregivers?

We offer ongoing support, including training opportunities, resources for best practices in childcare, and a dedicated team to assist with any questions or concerns.

What should I do if I encounter an issue during a job?

If you encounter any issues during a job, contact our office immediately for assistance. We are here to support you and ensure you and the family a safe and positive experience.

How do I handle cancellations or changes in job assignments?

If any cancellations or changes occur, please inform us immediately. We will communicate with the family and work to find a suitable solution.

Are there training or development opportunities available?

Yes, shortly, we will provide access to various training and professional development opportunities to help you enhance your skills and advance your career in childcare.

Can I receive feedback on my performance?

Yes, we provide regular feedback based on family reviews and our observations. Constructive feedback helps you improve and grow as a caregiver.

If you have any additional questions or need more information, please contact us at info@motorcitysitters.com. We are here to support you and ensure your success as a valued member of the Motor City Sitters team.