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FAQs

Care designed to support every family’s rhythm

Balanced Babysitting was created to bring clarity, confidence, and trusted care to families.

I am looking for care

Getting Started

  • Start by submitting a care request and completing your registration. Once you’re set up in your family portal, you can begin requesting care right away.

  • Yes. We support all families, with additional experience supporting children who benefit from more structure, patience, and individualized support. We support children with a wide range of neurodivergent and special needs including, but not limited to: 

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

    • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Sensory Processing Disorder

    • Down Syndrome

    • Developmental Delays

    • Speech and Language Delays

    • Emotional or Behavioral Regulation Challenges

    • Physical or Medical Needs

    • Children who simply benefit from extra patience, structure, and individualized support

    Explore Special Needs Babysitting & Nanny Care

  • Balanced Babysitting provides babysitting and recurring care across the Philadelphia suburbs, including the Main Line, Chester County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Delaware County.

    Our placement services may be available outside of this area, depending on your family’s needs and the role you’re hiring for.

  • Balanced Babysitting is a professional BCBA-led agency, not a gig-based platform.

    Our process is built around elevated screening, thoughtful matching, and ongoing support, so families can book care that feels steady and safe.

  • We offer babysitting, Balanced Care Subscription (consistent weekly care under 20 hours/week), part-time and full-time nanny and family assistant placements, and Balanced Buddies for teens and young adults.

  • A simple rule of thumb:

    • Occasional care → Babysitting

    • Consistent weekly care under 20 hours/week → Balanced Care

    • Long-term care for 20+ hours/week → Placement Services

    • Companion-style support (age 14+) → Balanced Buddies

  • No problem. During your intake call, we’ll help you choose the best-fit option based on your schedule, goals, and your child’s needs.

  • It depends on the type of support you need:

    Nanny & Family Assistant Placements:
    We recommend planning 4–8 weeks ahead for the best candidate availability and strongest match options.

    Babysitting (As-Needed):
    Whenever possible, submit requests at least 3 days in advance. That said, you’re always welcome to submit a last-minute request — we’ll do our best to help based on sitter availability.

    Recurring Weekly Care (Balanced Care Subscription):
    If you’re looking for consistent weekly support, reaching out 1–2 weeks ahead helps us build a small, reliable team for your schedule.

    The earlier you reach out, the more options you’ll have. However, if you need help quickly, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to make childcare feel easier.

Caregiver providing one-on-one academic support to a child, helping build confidence, focus, and learning skills for Main Line and Chester County families.

Caregiver Quality & Matching

  • Balanced Babysitting uses an elevated screening process to ensure families are introduced to caregivers who are qualified, professional, and trustworthy.

    Every caregiver completes our Balanced Babysitting 11-Step Screening Standard before being presented to a family, which includes (but not limited to):

    • Extensive application review

    • Phone interview

    • Live face-to-face video interview

    • Professional reference checks

    • CPR & First Aid verification

    • Mandated reporter training

    • Nationwide criminal background search

    • National sex offender registry search

    • SSN trace

    • County-level searches based on current and prior residence history (7-year history)

    • Motor vehicle record (MVR) check

    Additional screening may be completed depending on the role and your family’s needs.

  • Balanced Babysitting uses a thoughtful, insight-driven matching process. We gather details about your child and household, then apply our BCBA-led, family-informed approach to recommend caregivers who fit your needs with care, professionalism, and consistency.

    For babysitting, Balanced Care, and Balanced Buddies, we match caregivers after you submit a booking request. Families may also schedule an optional meet-and-greet once a caregiver is assigned. 

    For placements, matching is built into a guided hiring process that includes candidate recruiting, interviews, and paid trials.

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

    • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Sensory Processing Disorder

    • Down Syndrome

    • Developmental Delays

    • Speech and Language Delays

    • Emotional or Behavioral Regulation Challenges

    • Physical or Medical Needs

    • Children who simply benefit from extra patience, structure, and individualized support

  • It depends on the service. Some families work with one consistent caregiver, while others are supported by a small team to provide flexibility and reliable coverage.

  • If something doesn’t feel right, reach out  — we’re here to help. We can support troubleshooting, adjust expectations, or recommend a new caregiver. Nanny placements include a replacement period (60 days for part-time/full-time and 30 days for temporary placements).

Expectations & Boundaries

  • Caregivers focus on child-related care, including play, routines, meals, supervision, and tidying up after activities. If your family needs additional household support, we can recommend a family assistant or hybrid role through our placement services.

  • Overnight care may be available depending on caregiver availability. Submit your request through your portal so our team can support matching and scheduling.

    For babysitting, Balanced Care, and Balanced Buddies, we match caregivers after you submit a booking request. Families may also schedule an optional meet-and-greet once a caregiver is assigned. 

    For placements, matching is built into a guided hiring process that includes candidate recruiting, interviews, and paid trials.

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

    • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Sensory Processing Disorder

    • Down Syndrome

    • Developmental Delays

    • Speech and Language Delays

    • Emotional or Behavioral Regulation Challenges

    • Physical or Medical Needs

    • Children who simply benefit from extra patience, structure, and individualized support

  • Yes. Many families start with babysitting and transition into consistent weekly care or placement support as their needs evolve.

Payments & Fees

  • The one-time registration fee covers your onboarding, access to the family portal, and the behind-the-scenes matching and coordination support our team provides to help you book care with confidence.

  • Families pay caregivers directly at the end of each session. Payment methods are arranged between the family and the caregiver.

  • Depending on the service, families may pay booking fees, membership fees, subscription fees, or placement fees through Balanced Babysitting. Caregiver hourly pay is separate and paid directly to the caregiver.

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help you find the right support for your family.

Get Started