Rates & Policies
Cancellations & Changes
If a cancellation is received AFTER a sitter has already been confirmed, the client's credit card on file will be charged $25 per date of service cancelled. If the client is a hotel guest whose reservation has been made through the concierge, the cancellation fee will be billed to their room account. Cancellations received less than 24 hours from the start time will be charged the full 4 hour minimum. Time changes within one hour of the start time will be billed from the original start time.
*confirmed = the family receives an email or text message with the sitter's name and profile, or the name of the sitter has been received by the hotel concierge
COVID-19 policy: All reservations placed prior to 3/15/2020 are eligible for waived cancelation fees. Reservations placed after 3/15/2020 will be subject to all cancelation fees as described above.
Minimum
There is a four hour minimum for each time of service, including multiple services on the same day. Clients who use less than four hours will still pay the four-hour minimum.
Holiday Rate
Holiday rates are in effect (+$5/hour) on the following days: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Easter, and 4th of July.
Payment Methods
All payments are made automatically to the client's credit card on file. You will have an opportunity to review charges after the caregiver completes her job and checks out.
Hotel Parking Charges
Parking charges in downtown hotels typically range from $10-$15 per day, however a few can range from $20-$30 per day. You will be notified if your hotel has a parking charge.
Travel & Booking Fees
A travel charge of $10 applies to the Omni La Costa Resort, the Park Hyatt Aviara, and other locations in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Temecula. A booking fee of $12 applies to the Grand Del Mar and Rancho Valencia Resort.
Employer Responsibility
Sitterwise is a referral service for caregivers. The caregiver works directly for you; not Sitterwise. We make every reasonable effort to screen our caregivers including background checks, reference screens, and in-person interviews. You agree to hold Sitterwise harmless from any damages incurred by sitters we refer. You agree not to hire Sitterwise caregivers directly through them, but to always go through the agency.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? CHECK OUT OUR FAQs:
Can the sitter take my child to the pool?
Yes, with prior notice our sitters are more than happy to get in the pool. Many of our sitters enjoy going in the water, and others can carefully supervise older, water-safe children by the edge of the pool. If you would like your child's day to include swimming, just let us know ahead of time so that your sitter can plan accordingly.
What about meals while I'm out?
There are several options available for meals. Most often, hotel guests order pizza to be delivered to the room, ask the sitter to take their children to the hotel restaurant, or give the sitter permission to order room servce and charge it to the room. Your consideration of the sitter at mealtimes is much appreciated but not required, of course.
Should I tip my sitter?
As with any service, gratuities are appreciated by our sitters. Not all of our clients offer a gratuity, but most do!
Can the sitter drive my child and go offsite?
What will the sitter do after my child goes to sleep?
Can I interview my sitter ahead of time?
We understand that it is sometimes difficult to leave your child with someone you have never met before. Your sitter will reach out to you ahead of time to introduce herself. You will also receive a text message from our office that includes a link to your sitter's online profile. This profile will include a photo and short bio. In some cases, a meet and greet may be arranged ahead of time, however a 3 hour minimum will apply.
Are you able to provide care for children with special needs?
Are the sitters experienced with food allergies? Can they use an EpiPen?
Our sitters are instructed in the severity and seriousness of food allergies, and we provide them with a training video on EpiPen use. Please let us know the specifics of your child’s allergies so that we can pass on this information to your sitter.
Can the sitter stay overnight? If so, is there a rate reduction?
How much notice do you require for bookings?
24 hours notice is best (especially if your family has special requests), however we can often accomodate same day bookings.
Is Sitterwise in my area?
We currently offer services in San Diego County and Temecula. We do not service areas north of Temecula.
Can you help me find a permanent nanny?
Yes, while the majority of our clients are seeking occasional childcare, we do place permanent nannies from time to time. You can find more information on our nanny placements page.