How do I get a match?

Getting a match is easy, just fill out the form for your area here! The form will ask you when you need a babysitter, whether you need your babysitter to be able to drive, and more questions about your preferences. Once you submit, your local ambassador will work to find you a match among our student babysitters. When you’ve been matched, you will receive an email with contact information for your student match, and it’s up to you to sort out logistics with your babysitter directly from there!

Who are the babysitters?

The vast majority of our babysitters are local high school and college students who have signed up to babysit. They all submit references when they sign up, but it is up to you to ask for and check their references. Step Up to SIT does not perform background checks, so once you’ve been matched, it is up to you to work out logistics and discuss any questions or concerns with them. Many of our students have extensive experience with babysitting, volunteering, and more!

Why should I use Step Up to SIT?

Step Up to SIT matches individual babysitters with individual families, so the risk of viral spread between children and families is lower than in daycare centers. We know how important it is to you as healthcare workers to minimize risk of getting sick or passing the virus to vulnerable populations, and our goal is to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by offering an alternative to crowded rooms of children.

Do I pay my babysitter?

We know that school closures have left many of you scrambling for last minute childcare, and this can present a significant financial burden. Many of our student babysitters have offered to volunteer their time! When you fill out your form, there is a place to indicate if you are unable to pay a babysitter at this time. If that’s the case, we will only match you with a babysitter willing to volunteer. If you can pay your babysitter, we encourage you to indicate that, some students want to help, but can’t afford to do so for free at this time!

What if Step Up to SIT isn’t in my area?

If Step Up to SIT isn’t in your area, reach out to local students and encourage them to become local Ambassadors! Our dedicated team of Ambassadors lead local Step Up to SIT programs, and it’s easy! We give them all the forms and templates they need to get going, and are always available to answer questions and help however we can. If you have an interested student, ask them to reach out by filling out the form here or sending an email to info@stepuptosit.com, and we will get them set up!