Guaranteed way for military to find caregivers

DoD partners with site to offer free membership

If you have kids and have ever wanted to escape the house for a Saturday night out, chances are you're familiar with the struggle to find a qualified sitter you can both afford and trust. Sittercity, the largest online source for caregivers of all kinds, can be helpful but the costs to even join can be prohibitive.

Normally, a Sittercity membership costs upwards of $140 annually or $35 monthly, however through a relatively new partnership with the DoD, Servicemembers and their families are eligible for free membership. The Sittercity Corporate Program, which is entirely funded by the Defense Department, offers military families from all branches, to include National Guard and Reservists, access to a valuable resource that can truly make life easier.

In an interview with the American Forces Press Service, Tommy T. Thomas, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, explained that the collaboration is intended to help with the challenges military families face due to hectic schedules, frequent moves and deployments.

Membership allows users to instantly view to the profiles for thousands of caregivers, nationwide, which are comprehensive. Profiles include background checks, references, other employer reviews and photos. Suggestions for how to interview a potential babysitter are also posted online, as well as advice and tips for maintaining a good working relationship with the person you hire.

For military families, the site can guarantee that the caregivers and babysitters are military subsidized, military-certified care providers and have authorized access to a military installation, which can be a concern when living on base.

It is important to note that while the membership is free, Servicemembers are still responsible for the actual hiring of a caregiver and the payment to that individual. In addition to babysitters and nannies, the site also lists individuals who provide tutoring, housekeeping, pet sitting and senior care services, all of which have undergone the same screening process.

For more information or to register and start utilizing the service, visit www.sittercity.com/dod.

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