FAQ
You can search our frequently asked questions by topic or going directly to the questions listed below.
- GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SOSsitter
- SITTER INFORMATION
- FAMILY INFORMATION
- INFORMATION ON THE USE OF THIS SITE
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SOSsitter
What is SOSsitter?
It is a website that assists in making contact between families who are looking for sitters and sitters who want to offer their services in regular child care (nannies), occasional child care (babysitters), pet sitting and senior care.
What type of services does SOSsitter offer?
SOSsitter is not a staffing agency and does not employ any sitters. Candidates found on the site offer their services directly to families. Sitters on SOSsitter can provide one or more of the following services: Child care, pet sitting or help for seniors.
Does SOSsitter select sitters?
No, any sitter wishing to offer their services can register on the site. Howevever, every registered profile is manually read and approved by a Mom from our all Mom editorial team for the quality of the service offered. Each sitter's profile contains personal information, qualifications, experiences, references, an indication if the sitter holds a criminal record check. It is for families to make their selection based on the profile and other tools available. We recommend following our Selection Process.
How can you assure me that my private information is secure?
It is a policy of SOSsitter not to disclose any of your information to its members and does not share your personal information with any third party. Please consult our Confidentiality Policy page for more information.
What are the fees to join the SOSsitter?
If you are a family, our subscriptions are:
| Monthly | $19.99 / month |
| Quarterly | $45.99 / quarter |
| Annual | $79.99 / year |
The service is free for sitters who offer child care, pet sitting or senior care services.
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SITTER INFORMATION
What is a criminal background check?
It is a procedure that validates the identity of a person and verifies if that person has no criminal record or, in some cases, is not on the list of sexual predators. SOSsitter encourages all sitters to have a criminal background record check at hand to ensure peace of mind of families for whom they work.
Why should I check my criminal background if I want to offer my services to families?
This procedure is a beneficial asset to add to your file. It gives more confidence to the families who are interested in your services. Ideally, you should a confirmation document of your criminal record status at the time of your registration. This way you will avoid unnecessary delays if a family is interested in your profile.
What is the cost of a criminal background check?
It will cost you $39 if you are dealing with myBackCheck.com. This is the largest company providing background checks in Canada and we are associated with them.
What do I do once I receive confirmation of my criminal record?
You need to go to Edit Profile in your account and check the YES box "Validation of history available." SOSsitter will also receive confirmation of your request and will validate your entry. When the validation is done, your file will be updated.
How do I know how many jobs are available in my area?
You can search by postal code from your account at SOSsitter to find out how many posts are displayed in your area. You can also register to receive alerts when a job is posted in your area.
How much a subscription to SOSsitter costs?
It's free for candidates to register and create their detailed profile.
How can I begin to find jobs after registering?
It's easy - do a postal code search in the Job Search tab in your profile and see the jobs posted in your area
How do I indicate my interest for a position?
Apply directly to the job posting on the SOSsitter site. Your message will be sent to the family who posted the job and you will be contacted directly by them if you are selected.
What should I include in my profile?
To maximise our families interests in your profile we recommend to include as much information as possible and write it in a professional manner. You must include your personal details, relevant work experience, your qualifications, special skills (e.g.: First aid, swimming instructor, etc), your interests, types of services you want to offer, your availability and desired salary. It is also recommended to include references and an indication if you possess a criminal background check.
How do I temporarily desactivate or cancel my profile on SOSsitter?
Go to pour account and click on My Profile and then on Disable my profile.
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FAMILY INFORMATION
How do I know how many sitters are available in my area?
There are two ways to find out how many sitters offer their services in your area: You can search by postal code either from SOSsitter Home Page or by going into your SOSsitter account, clicking on My candidates and then on Search for candidates (available only to registered members).
Are there additional costs added to my subscription Family?
No, once you are registered on SOSsitter, all services offered on the site (child care, pet sitting and senior care) are included in the price of your subscription.
How can I pay for my subscription?
You can either pay by credit card on the SOSsitter site, or pay through your PayPal account. Processing your payment on our site is extremely secure as we follow the highest level of encyption protocol established by the Payment Card Industry Security Standard (we are Level 1 PCI SSC compliant). PayPal is an online payment system used extensively worldwide, and owned by eBay.
Why posting a job offer is the best way to find a babysitter?
Once your job offer is displayed, sitters looking for a position in your area will be notified by email about the role. They will be able to apply to it directly and you will be automoatically notified about an application. This way you only will receive responses of interested sitters quickly.
What should I include in the description of my family?
Information that can help potential sitters to identify and understand the needs of your family. Examples are: number of children and their age, type of activities your children enjoy the most, number of pets etc.
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INFORMATION ON THE USE OF THE SITE
How do I change the information on my account?
Simply click on Edit My Profile in your SOSsitter account.
How do I change my username and password?
You cannot change your username once registered, but you can change your password by clicking the Change password in your SOSsitter account.
How do I leave recommendations for sitters or families?
You can do so by completing the section My Rating on the profile of the sitter or family concerned.
What do I write in the recommendations?
What you liked or not about the service you received from a sitter or a family for whom you worked. This information will be used for other sitters who offer their services to that family or other families who would use the services of that sitter.
Can I refer friends on SOSsitter?
With pleasure, simply click on Refer a friend and complete the required information on this page. A message will be sent to your friend to invite him/her to come to SOSsitter.
Can I block members to prevent them from contacting me?
Yes, it is possible by clicking on the option My candidate and then blocked if you are a family or on My families and then blocked if you offer your services. You can unblock these members at any time.
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