Caregiver guidelines

OFFICE CONTACT

MONDAY – SATURDAY | 8:30AM–6:00PM

Text our office line at 619-663-4379.

Email [email protected]
For Human Resources-related needs, contact [email protected]

⭐️ You can update your bio, profile photo, CPR/First Aid and more by going to our Caregiver Update page.

If you’re running late, something feels unsafe, or you need quick guidance while you’re on a job, please text our office line right away.

At Sitterwise, we’re known for being calm, capable, and kind.
Families trust us with their favorite people — and your professionalism is a huge part of that trust.

You don’t need to be perfect. You do need to be attentive, safe, and warm.

1—CONTACT THE FAMILY
As soon as you accept a job, reach out to the parent/guardian via call or text to introduce yourself and confirm details.
Simple template:
Tip: edit the brackets, then hit “Copy text.”
Confirm: address/room #, parking instructions, children’s ages, bedtime, allergies, snacks/screen-time rules, and any must-knows.
2—PACK YOUR TOY BAG

⭐️ Check out our Toy Bag page for ideas and links for building your own bag! 

Having a toy bag ready makes you feel confident and helps kids warm up faster.

Great options: small puzzles, books, card games, coloring, age-appropriate crafts, bubbles, LEGO-type items, and a couple easy “conversation games.”

Please skip: anything messy or hard to clean (slime, glitter, paint that stains, etc.).

3—PUNCTUALITY

Timeliness is one of the easiest ways to earn trust fast.

  • Plan to arrive at the door 5 minutes early

  • Build in extra time for hotels (parking + walking + elevators)

  • If you’re going to be late at all, text the parent right away and text our office line so we can support you

4—DRESS

First impressions matter. Please dress in a way that says: “You can relax — I’ve got this.”

  • Professional, well-groomed, comfortable (but not sloppy)

  • Modest. No ripped/too-short/too-revealing clothing. No midriffs. No cleavage.

  • Shoes you can move in (no high heels)

  • For beach/pool jobs: modest swimwear with cover-up/shorts

5—PARKING

You should never pay for your own parking long-term.

If parking is not validated, we charge the guest (they’re informed at booking). Add parking as a reimbursement at checkout as instructed.

⭐️ Check Hotel Parking arrangements here.

1—ARRIVE & INTRODUCE YOURSELF

Greet families warmly. Introduce yourself with first and last name, “with Sitterwise.”

Have your driver’s license on hand in case a family requests ID.
2—ESTABLISH GUIDELINES (2-minute chat that saves the night)

Before parents leave, make sure you know:

  • Snacks/meals/allergies
  • Screen-time rules
  • Bedtime routine (teeth, books, lights, comfort items)
  • Where parents will be + best contact method
  • Any house/hotel rules (balcony, doors, pool, neighbors)
Transportation

Caregivers may only transport children with explicit parent approval.

3—THE FIRST FEW MINUTES

Help kids feel safe and settled.

  • Gentle, calm start
  • If a child is inconsolable, becomes ill, or you’re unsure what to do: text the parents and text our office line for support.
4—SAFETY BASICS (HOTEL + HOMES)

Balconies & windows
Balconies are dangerous, even for older kids. Keep sliding doors locked and be mindful of low windows.

Pool safety

  • Pool visits are with parent permission only.
    Kids who can swim may be in the pool without the caregiver in the water.
  • Even strong swimmers still require active supervision: stay close, eyes up, no long distractions.
  • If a child cannot swim confidently, keep them within close reach and follow the parent’s comfort level.


Security
Never let anyone into the hotel room or home. Do not open the door. If someone claims to be hotel staff, confirm with the front desk first.

5—PHONE USE (please read — this really matters)

Phone use is the #1 complaint from parents, so we take this seriously.

On the Job:

  • No personal calls

  • No texting/social scrolling

  • Quick necessary use is fine (time checks, parent updates, urgent needs, directions)

⭐️ A good rule:

If the kids are awake, your phone stays mostly away — because your attention is the service.

6—ILLNESS (when the family didn’t disclose)

If a child is sick and the family didn’t mention it, we typically proceed with boundaries:

  • Text the parent kindly: “Just a heads up — noticing [symptom]. Do you have any preferences tonight?”

  • Be extra careful with hygiene (handwashing, wiping surfaces, etc.)

  • If something escalates (vomiting, fever, breathing issues, rash, anything that worries you): notify parents immediately and text our office line

7—TIP BUILDERS (little things families love)
If a child is sick and the family didn’t mention it, we typically proceed with boundaries:

You’re not a maid — but leaving the space a bit better than you found it goes a long way.

Examples: Tidy toys, wipe the table after snacks, load dishes you used (if time allows, especially after bedtime).

1—WHEN PARENTS RETURN

Keep it calm and brief — they may be tired.

  • Give a quick summary (highlights + anything important)
  • Avoid long stories about misbehavior
  • If it was a great night, feel free to compliment the family/kids
2—IF A FAMILY ASKS YOU TO COME BACK

You can coordinate directly if you’re available, but please text our office line to let us know the request (so we can support scheduling and follow-up)

⭐️ It is not permitted to sit again for families or accept referrals to their friends without going through Sitterwise. This is a breach of contract and strictly prohibited.

3—CHECKOUT & TIPS

At the end of the job:

  • Check out in the app
  • Adjust hours and add reimbursements as needed.

 

Tips: After the job, we send the family an email with a link to tip you.

If the parent would like to tip via Venmo, Cash App, etc, that’s fine. A tip is the only payment you should receive directly.

4—PROFESSIONALISM

Service is the foundation of a great business.

  • Stay calm, courteous, and professional — even when something goes sideways
  • If a cancellation or confusion happens, don’t argue with hotel staff or family. Rolling with the punches is part of true professionalism.
  • Text our office line — we’ll help
5—PRIVACY + SOCIAL MEDIA
Families trust us. Please protect their privacy.

Not allowed:
  • Photos or videos of children (faces or identifiable info)
  • Posting names, room numbers, hotel names tied to a specific family, or private details

Allowed (and encouraged):

  • Photos of your setup, crafts, games, food, toys, scenes, or children’s hands (non-identifying)
  • Share on Instagram and tag @sitterwise

When in doubt: Don’t post it.

6—CPR/FIRST AID + TRUSTLINE
ARRIVAL TIME

Arrive 15 minutes early to find the location and connect with the team lead.

CHECK-IN + CHECK-OUT

All children must be checked in and out.

GREETING

Make parents and kids feel welcomed:

  • Smile, approach, help with belongings
  • Get down at eye level with kids and learn names
BE ENGAGING

Join activities enthusiastically. If a child won’t participate, offer a quiet alternative (coloring, simple game, book).

RESPECT THE TEAM LEAD

For larger events, a team lead is assigned — please follow their direction.

DISCIPLINE

Never speak harshly or yell. Never use physical discipline.

CLEAN

Help keep the room tidy during the event. At the end, wipe down toddler/infant toys with disinfectant wipes.

MEALS & SNACKS
Assist as needed. Wipe hands before/after eating for little ones.
DIAPER CHANGES
Check diapers hourly and change as needed. Use gloves + sanitizing wipes. Keep a secure hand on infants at all times on the changing table.
RESTROOM VISITS
All children must be accompanied to the restroom by TWO caregivers.
For older children, wait inside near the door for security.
For younger children, assist as needed.