FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have a question regarding our services, chances are it's been asked before. Below you'll find the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you cant find the answers you're looking for on this page, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information.
WHAT ARE YOUR OPERATING HOURS?
Island Babysitting operates weekdays from 5:30pm-3am and Weekends 7am-3am
WHAT IF WE'RE LATE?
Island Babysitting holds a 15 minute grace period for late arrivals, after which a late fee of $50 is charged on top of our standard rate.
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We know if you're late, you know if you're late. Asking for a late fee can be uncomfortable for our sitters, so please don't wait to be asked. If you arrive past your agreed finish time please be ready to pay the fee.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SICK?
We understand that kids get sick, however we need to minimize illness within our own homes and those of the families we work with. Exposing your sitter to illness effects others.
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We ask that if your child is unwell you notify us as soon as is reasonable possible before your booking. Island Babysitting reserves the right to decline a booking on arrival if a child is showing signs or symptoms of being unwell and will terminate a booking at anytime throughout a session if a child begins to show symptoms of sickness. Parents will be contacted to return back to the child and the full session fee will still to be charged.
WHAT IF I NEED TO MOVE OR CANCEL MY BOOKING?
If for some reason you need to cancel your booking Island Babysitting holds a 72 hour cancelation policy. Cancelations after this period incur a fee of $105 (our minimum call out charge) to cover the cost of a lost session.
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We are a small business and rely on bookings to support our families. We understand that plans can change when you're on holiday so if you need to move your booking and we have the availability we will always do our best to secure you another date during your stay.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY BOOKING?
Payments can be made in cash directly to your sitter at the beginning of your session. The cost of your booking will be advised with your confirmation, less any late fees. Please ensure to have the correct amount of cash ready for your sitter as we do not carry change.
WHAT IF WE HAVE UNEXPECTED ADDITIONAL CHILDREN JOIN OUR BOOKING?
upon booking, Island Babysitting will always ask how many children require care. If we get to your booking and there are additional children its usually not a problem, we just charge you an additional family rate fee of $30 per hour.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS UNSETTLED?
Its not unusual for children to be unsettled when having someone new care for them. From our experience our best advice is to always say goodbye to your child and let them know you are leaving. Keep it positive! Tell them "I'll be back soon" and leave promptly. Saying goodbye can be hard for parents as well as the child, we understand. But always have a big smile to reassure them they are safe. Lingering too long can just prolong the settling process and make it harder for your little one and your sitter.
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Your sitter will be in touch regularly throughout your session to update you on how your child is going. If you're ever concerned though, you can reach out to them or Island Babysitting directly at any time.
DO SITTERS TAKE CHILDREN OUT OF RESORT ROOMS/ACCOMMODATIONS?
Island Babysitting uses its own discretion when making decisions to leave accommodations, particularly resort rooms. This is to ensure the safety of your children and the sitter responsible for their care.
HOW WILL WE KNOW WHEN OUR SITTER HAS ARRIVED?
If staying in a resort, your sitter will contact you once they arrive and will meet you at hotel reception. We do our best to arrive 5/10 minutes prior to your booking time.