What makes a babysitter special?

Hey there, I'm Jordan, the Hiring Director here at Southern Sitters. I’m lucky enough to play a significant role in selecting the sitters who help make sure our families feel safe, supported, and truly cared for. While working with this fantastic team, I've had the privilege of hearing so many stories about the lasting impact our sitters have on families. These aren't just caregivers; they’re often a part of something much bigger — a lifelong relationship that has the power to change lives.

When it comes to choosing a babysitter, there’s so much more than just finding someone who can watch the kids for a few hours. We’re looking for those exceptional individuals who go above and beyond. But how do we ensure we’re finding the best of the best? Well, that’s where our vetting process comes in. Let me share a bit about what makes a Southern Sitters babysitter truly special — and why I’m so passionate about this work.

The Southern Sitters Vetting Process: Where Quality Meets Care

At Southern Sitters, safety and quality are always top priorities. We know that families trust us with their most precious assets—their children. That’s why we go to great lengths to ensure that every sitter we send is not only qualified but genuinely dedicated to providing the best care possible.

Here’s a look at the critical steps in our thorough vetting process:

  1. Background Checks: Every sitter undergoes an extensive criminal background check. We want to ensure that you’re hiring someone who is trustworthy and dependable. It's a critical step in our process, and we take it very seriously.

  2. Social Media Check: We also look at a sitter’s social media profiles to ensure their online presence aligns with the positive values we uphold at Southern Sitters.

  3. CPR Certified: Every sitter is required to have up-to-date CPR certification. Our company is led by first responders and medical professionals who feel CPR knowledge is non-negotiable. Our caregiver team couldn’t agree more! It’s not just a qualification; it’s a peace of mind.

  4. SIDS Certification: For parents with infants, we ensure that all of our sitters are trained in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention. It’s a heartbreaking tragedy, and we want to make sure our caregivers are prepared to provide the safest care possible and are educated on how to prevent SIDS.

  5. SSN Trace & Sex Offender Registry Check: We go a step further by running an SSN trace to verify their identity, as well as a sex offender registry check to ensure the safety of your family is never compromised. This occurs very early in the selection process.

  6. And More: The list goes on. We conduct in-depth interviews, require professional references, and assess each sitter’s experience with children of various ages. We also evaluate their personality and passion for working with kids. It’s important to us that our sitters aren’t just qualified on paper, but that they have the heart for it too. Read about out full vetting process here!

Why I Love WHAT I DO

I can honestly say I love my job, and I feel deeply honored to be part of the Southern Sitters family. Every time I sit down with a new applicant or review a sitter's qualifications, I know I'm helping to create something truly special — a connection that can change the course of a child’s life, a family’s routine, or even a parent’s peace of mind.

I’ve heard countless stories from parents who have used our sitters over the years, and many of them share how the relationship with their sitter has grown into something far beyond just childcare. We have families who’ve been with us for years, and their Southern Sitter babysitter is now like family. They’ve watched kids grow, cheered them on at recitals and sporting events, and have been there for milestones big and small. It's not just about watching the kids — it’s about being part of their journey.

What Sets Southern Sitters Apart?

I’m proud to say that what really sets Southern Sitters apart is not just our rigorous vetting process- but the heart behind it all. Every sitter we hire is someone who truly loves working with children and has a passion for making a difference in their lives. We’re not just looking for people who can sit and watch kids — we’re looking for individuals who genuinely care about providing the best possible experience for your family.

In the end, it’s all about trust. Trust that your sitter is not only qualified but will be a positive, nurturing influence in your child’s life. Trust that your family’s well-being is in good hands. And trust that we’ve done everything we can to ensure our sitters are the absolute best of the best.

It’s an honor to help connect amazing caregivers with amazing families, and I can’t wait for you to experience the difference a Southern Sitters babysitter can make. After all, the right sitter isn’t just someone who helps out for a few hours — they can become a lifelong friend and a trusted part of your family.

Thanks for reading — and for trusting us to help take care of your most precious ones.

Jordan Claybrooks, Hiring Director at Southern Sitters

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