Super Sitters CV19 FAQ
All Questions are Good QuestionsThis is new for everyone and we’re here to help.
New rules, new schedules, new ways of doing things, and new normals – how could there NOT be questions?! We have shifted our services and adapted to meet the needs of the moment so we know that there will be questions. We have compiled a list of the ones we have gotten so far, but will continue to add to this list as new things come up.
Have a question that you don’t see listed here? Please check the list again to be SURE you didn’t see it (it’s a big list y’all), but if it’s really not there, shoot us an email at hello@chicagosupersitters.com.
Become a Super Family!
What is the difference between pre-CV19 CSSitters, and now?
Chicago Super Sitters has always been a part-time placement agency, with our sitters working numerous jobs, both in and outside of childcare. Our sitters are accustomed to working placements mornings, afternoons, and nights with multiple families each week- sometimes each day. CV19 has changed everything for everyone – including us!
It is no longer safe for our sitters to be hopping from place to place and home to home, which is why we have changed our placement structure during this time. We are no longer placing one-time or short term multiple days or evenings, and will only be placing recurring sitters on either part or full time schedules. Our sitters are working in no more than 2 homes during this period, and that is only if they are practicing social distancing and self-isolation when they are not at work. We want to take as much of the uncertainty as we can out of your family’s life by providing structure and support to you and your children in the safest way possible.
What are you doing to ensure the safety of sitters/families?
Childcare has been deemed an essential business during the ‘Shelter in Place’ status. However, while we are continuing to place sitters, keeping everyone safe and containing exposure is our top priority.
- We are limiting the number of sitters going into homes, and the number of homes sitters are visiting.
- Placements will be made using our regular Super matching criteria, but with extra emphasis on location, transportation accessibility, as well as everyone’s exposure and comfort level.
- We may need more flexibility than usual to get you covered – picking up/dropping sitters off if it’s doable, or pitching in for a rideshare, etc., to take CTA out of the equation.
- All sitters and families must also complete a detailed exposure questionnaire. This will allow us to understand how everyone is living during this time so we can share that information appropriately before confirming a placement.
Are sitters riding the CTA?
What if our sitter’s previous job starts again but we still need coverage?
What happens to this placement when things “open” again?
Recurring Placements are confirmed for the duration of the closures, so right now we’re operating with an open end date, in two-week increments. You will not get stuck in any kind of ‘contract’.
What happens if school cancels for the rest of the school year?
Will sitters teach and/or do my kid’s school packet with them?
Parents working from home - how does this work with a sitter around?
This can definitely be tricky, and takes some getting used to, but it’s totally possible. CLEAR communication is the name of the game.
The key to placement success with parents in the home, is open and clear communication from everyone. Make sure that the sitter is extremely clear as to their responsibilities and what is expected from and the kids during the day. Sometimes it can be unclear how a sitter should jump in, especially in a new home, so don’t be afraid to be specific and layout exactly how you think/hope the day will go as soon as you meet your sitter! For example, if your toddler wanders into your workspace, would you like for the sitter to jump in and redirect them, or do you want to pause and say hello any chance you can? If your sitter and kid(s) know the expectations and the rules/goals of the day, things will run much more smoothly.
How detailed do I have to be on my Quarantine/Exposure form?
Are all of your sitters CPR certified?
Having CPR and First Aid training is incredibly important to this job, and Chicago Super Sitters believes strongly in the proper training, which means practical, hands-on, in-person training. For the time being, in-person classes have been suspended so there will be sitters on the roster who temporarily do not have their CPR Certification. This will always be noted on their profile. If you are not comfortable having a sitter with a lapsed certification, please do let us know.
Will sitters do “other” tasks - laundry, cooking, etc?
Our sitters are focused on childcare. They are expected to clean up after themselves and the kiddos in their care, but extra chores outside of that like family laundry, non-kid food prep, cleaning, and organizing, etc. do not fall within our sitters’ purview. That said, we are all about everyone pitching in, especially now – after all, it takes a village, and our sitters are team-players. So if you need an extra hand with housework (and it doesn’t involve the children learning how or helping), you are welcome to ask your sitter if they are interested, but it will be at least an additional $2/hour for non-childcare related tasks.
What if I want to change my schedule after a gig has started?
What if a sitter or family gets sick? Like, regular sick?
Will you go back to doing CSSitters date nights and one-time gigs?
What about my pre-CV19 Recurring Placement?
Do cancellation fees still apply?
Because things are often changing so much and so quickly, we are not requiring the normal cancellation fees during Phases 1-2. Still, if you do need to cancel suddenly and it is in your budget to do so, we would ask that you consider the sitter’s income whenever possible. As always, our cancellation fees always go straight to our sitters for loss of hours.
Can I use my SuperCard credits for these new placements?
One thing remaining the same as pre-CV19 is that recurring placements cannot be paid for with SuperCard credits. We have taken our regular recurring rates, broken them down by amount of hours booked, and are billing in prorated, 2 week cycles. However, if you are in a tough spot right now and want to discuss use of existing credits for new placements, just ask and we’ll make something work.
Want to become a favorite family but aren’t sure how, or even what that means?
This stuff applies during a Quarantine or not. Doing a little prep can go a long way to being a Super Favorite Family with our Super Sitters.
Through sitter feedback, we have discovered that some families just don’t really know what makes or adds to a great sitter experience. We thought we should give you, our families, a heads up on some of these things. Read below for some tips on how to become a favorite family! Remember, these are ideas, not rules!
Be a Super Favorite Family!
Being offered a car/ride home is always so awesome and appreciated!
The money stuff can be awkward…
ALSO, TIPPING? This is not expected (like you might in a restaurant) and you certainly don’t need to be just throwing handfuls of money at them to get them to return, but rounding up, paying for the time you booked even though you came home early, or ordering a rideshare as mentioned above — are all very appreciated. Also, paying your sitter in coins or including a cent amount on a check is highly frowned upon.