As a babysitter, earning the trust of families is crucial—and a clear background check is a great first step. Whether you’re new to babysitting or have years of experience, understanding how background checks work and why they’re important can help you stand out to parents and secure more jobs. Let’s break down everything babysitters need to know about background checks, how they work, and why they’re an essential investment for your babysitting career.
What Is a Background Check?
A background check is a review of your personal history to ensure there are no red flags (i.e. criminal behavior) in your past. Babysitting platforms like SitterTree use background checks in an effort to build a community of trust.
Background checks may include any or all of the following:
- Identity Verification: Confirms you are who you say you are.
- Criminal Record Search: Checks for any past convictions and in some cases charges, where the law permits.
- Driving Record: Reviews your driving history for any infractions and to verify you have a valid driver's license.
Completing the process takes just two minutes or less, and results are usually available within 24 hours. Quick, simple, and highly effective, this small step can make a big impact on your child care career.
Why Are Background Checks Important for Babysitters?
Background checks play a key role in creating communities of trust. They give parents confidence when hiring a babysitter or nanny.
Key benefits include:
- Building Trust: Parents can feel at ease knowing more information about your history
- Increasing Job Opportunities: Most families who book sitters online require sitters who have completed a background check
- Showing Professionalism: Completing a background check demonstrates your commitment to safety.
Typically, a background check will cost you approximately $19.99. Think of it as a low-cost investment in your babysitting career. You’ll easily earn it back with about one hour of babysitting!
How Does a Background Check Work?
The process for completing a background check is simple and streamlined. Here’s what to expect:
- Provide Consent: You'll start by providing consent for your information to be shared with the company running the check for a very specific reason.
- Submit Information: You'll need to share your full legal name, address, social security number, and other personal details. You may also need to upload a copy of your ID.
- Wait for Results: Most checks are completed within 24 hours, but sometimes additional details may be required, which can extend the timeline.
Platforms like SitterTree require sitters to complete background checks through, Checkr. Once your results are reviewed and approved, you’ll be notified so you can begin booking jobs.
What Babysitters Should Know Before Getting a Background Check
Here are a few things to keep in mind before completing your background check:
- Accuracy Matters: Double-check the information you provide to avoid delays.
- Minor Offenses: Small infractions, like a parking ticket, may appear but usually won’t disqualify you.
- Privacy Protection: Your background check details are private and will not be shared. On SitterTree, you'll receive a profile badge if your background check is clear.
Once your background check is complete, the platform’s team will review it. If everything checks out, you’ll get the green light to start applying for babysitting jobs.
Why Invest in a Background Check?
Beyond meeting SitterTree's requirements, completing a background check shows families you take safety seriously. It’s a great way to demonstrate professionalism.
Pro Tip: Think of your background check as a badge of trust. It’s a small investment that can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay. Families appreciate sitters who go the extra mile to ensure safety and reliability.
Background Checks on Babysitting Apps Like SitterTree
Many babysitting apps, including SitterTree, require background checks. Here’s why:
- Streamlined Process: Apps like SitterTree use trusted platforms like Checkr to easily and securely run bfind your own platform - and more secure.
- Parent Confidence: Parents trust platforms like SitterTree because they know all sitters complete background checks.
If you’ve already completed a background check elsewhere, keep in mind SitterTree require checks to be conducted through Checkr to meet platform standards.
Background checks aren’t just about ticking a box—they’re about earning trust, building confidence, and making babysitting platforms safer for everyone. By investing a little time and money into completing your background check, you’re positioning yourself as a trusted, professional caregiver families can count on.
Whether you’re applying on SitterTree or another platform, a clean background check can open doors to more opportunities and higher pay. Ready to take your babysitting career to the next level? Start with a background check and watch your opportunities grow!
Looking for your next babysitting gig?
On SitterTree, you can easily find families in your community looking for sitters just like you. You can sign up now at the link below.