Based on community needs your application may be selected. Clear and complete a Background Check. Create a profile and tell us about yourself and your childcare experience, then select your membership reference.
How it Works
1. Join Backupz
2. Apply & Accept Jobs
Review job listings within your Dashboard, apply for jobs. Send messages and have introductory meetings with families. Once selected the jobs will appear in your Dashboard. It’s pretty simple, right?!
3. Help Families & Get Paid
Your family awaits you! Build memories and create a name for yourself in the Backupz community! P.S. **Whisper** Backupz doesn’t take a cut out of your wages, it’s all yours!
Time to Meet the Family
Dress for Success
We recommend that sitters always look presentable and wear appropriate attire on the job. Refrain from excessive usage of perfume, scented products and fragrances while on the job.
Punctual
Being late to a job can instantly discredit your ability with a family. When you’re on time it shows the family that you’re a reliable and a responsible person, which can help with future bookings.
Prepared
Review and re-read the family listing, before the start of the job and come prepared to ask any additional questions. Introduce yourself to your family within 24 hours of the start time, through the message feature within your dashboard.
Comfort
It’s imperative that you remain mindful of your personal safety, while on a job. Remember your comfortability is always important, if you arrive to a job or experiencing a situation that has made you uncomfortable, feel free to reach out and let us know.
Helpful Tips
- Be professional, polite and kind at all times
- Monitor child/ren at all times
- Respect family house rules
- Have fun
- Create memories
- Make safety a top priority
- Be mindful of your tone, while talking
- Please treat all household members with respect
- Please refrain from bring tobacco products, including vapes in household
- Stay open-minded
- Remember to tidy-up after activities
- When in doubt, always ask permission
- Refrain from watching inappropriate video/shows
- Refrain from taking or posting photos of the child/ren
- Do not take child/ren out of the assigned location
- Refrain from being on your phone
- Do NOT smoke, nor drink alcoholic beverage while on the job
Frequently Asked Questions
Profile Photo
Profile photos are required for all members within our community. Your photo helps members within the Backupz community identify you. Your profile photos will often be the first impression a member will have about you, make it a great one!
Backupz reviews all profile photos within our community for approval and those not approved will not be able to apply for jobs. Please ensure your personal safety and privacy when uploading a photo, remember your profile photo will be viewed by members within the Backupz community.
Please take a look into our profile photo guidelines below:
Good
- Just you – Only include yourself
- Please use recent/current photos
- Use a clear photo- one with good lighting
- Don’t forget to smile
- Be close, we want to see your face (Shoulders & up)
- Be appropriate and professional
Not so Good
- Sunglasses, hoodies up and hats
- Offensive gestures, text and language in photo
- Cartoonish filters
- Advertising other brands or business, including logos
- Photo taken from far away
- Extreme edited or distorted photos
- Blurred photos
- Face Masks (aside from religious or cultural headwear)
Can I leave the child/ren with a family member
Please review family listing regarding the release of child/ren to pre-authorize person(s) You’re not authorized to release child/ren to any unauthorized person(s)
** All pre-authorize individuals MUST show a valid ID upon arrival before child/ren can be released from sit. The name displayed on the listing for the pre-authorize individuals’ has to match the name shown on their ID.
Can I have both sitter and family account
Yes, you’re able to have both a sitter and family account within our community. Please note that you will have to use different emails for each account.
How are sitters chosen for jobs
Each family selects their desired sitter for a job.
I’ve applied to join Backupz
Application selection is based on community needs. Backupz will not provide status updates on applications for those potential sitters that have not been selected to continue our interview process.
Favor a Family
Whenever you’re reviewing a job, simply click favorite me on the family’s profile. When the selected families create a new listing/job-you will notice a red heart next to their listings, until you no longer favor them.
Backupz Memberships
Backupz offers three premium membership options, which includes our monthly (1 month), quarterly (3 Months) and Biannual (6 months). All membership subscriptions will renew, until canceled, please keep in mind that we do not offer refunds.
Premium Membership Includes:
- Create account
- Customize your profile
- Unlimited access to numerous job listings
- Review and apply for jobs
- Send and receive messages with families
- Rate jobs
Profile Approval
Each profile will be reviewed prior to approval within the Backupz community. Your profile will be hidden, if it doesn’t meet our standards and/or your membership has expired. In order for your profile to remain active, please maintain an active membership, accept community terms and ensure your profile photo meets our standards.
Edit Reviews
You will not be able to edit reviews that are written about you, nor reviews you’ve written about other members within the Backupz community.
If child/ren sustained an injury, should I notify the family
Yes, ALWAYS notify the family when child/ren
- Becomes il
- Needs a medical evaluation
- Experiences a head injury
- Sustains a minor injury, even if medical attention is not required
Can I drive and/or pick up child/ren
No. Backupz does not authorize sitters to transport, nor drive child/ren.
Can I bring others with me to a job
Discuss matter with family, please note you’re on a job.
Am I employed through Backupz
No. All Backupz Sitters are independent contractors.
Can I create my own rates
No, the family that created the listing creates the rate/price.
Can I also leave reviews
Yes, all members in the Backupz community will have the opportunity to share their experience after each job.
Can families book me outside of the Backupz platform
No, we ask that you do not accept jobs outside of the Backupz platform. In the event that it’s discovered that you have privately accepted a job, your account will be removed.
There are more children than I expected
You have control over your decision to continue the job or cancel upon arrival, due to misleading information.
Is there a limit on the amount of jobs I accept
No, accept as many jobs as you want. We ask that you remain mindful of your schedule, it’s your sole responsibility to fulfill your obligations.
Does Backupz have an age requirement
Yes, all Backupz sitters have to be at least 18 years of age to join the Backupz community.
Am I expected to clean
Yes and no- You should clean up after any activity created during the job. You’re not expected to clean the entire house, but families will appreciate you taking the extra mile to tidy up the little things.
What are ShortRuns
Short Runs are an additional way for families to receive care outside of our Standard Care, which is care between 3 hrs to 8 hrs. ShortRun Care is used for care, between 1hr-2.5 hours.
How does the rating system work
After each completed job the sitters as well as the families will rate their experience. Which is located within the dashboard, Your overall rating is an average of the past ten jobs. Members whose average drops below our standard 4.5 rating will have their account reviewed, which could lead to removal from the Backupz community. Backupz wants to ensure that all members have a good experience within the community.
Once your account has been removed from the Backupz community, the removal decision is irreversible.
Member Removal
Backupz has complete discretion as it pertains to removing a member from the community. Being removed from the platform usually occur due to one of these reasons, but not limited to:
- Unacceptable behavior
- Canceled Membership
- Overall rating has dropped below our standard (4.5)
- Insufficient funds to cover membership fees
- Cancellations
Removal from the Backupz community is no way a reflection on your individual character, general reputation, personal characteristics or mode of living. Please keep in mind that we do not provide refunds or credits whether personal or Backupz decision for removal.
I'm late to my job
If you arrive late to your scheduled listing, you will be charged a $5 late fee.
What are recurring jobs
Recurring jobs are listings that occur repeatedly for a particular family. These jobs last anywhere, between 2 to 4 weeks at a given time.
Remove reviews from profile
You will not be able to remove or hide reviews written for you. Backupz Support Team routinely checks and reads reviews. Backupz will have sole discretion to remove a written review that’s deemed inappropriate or unacceptable in our community.
Backupz Messaging
We recommend that all members use the message feature within their Dashboard, whenever communicating. Using our message feature allows Backupz to manage and respond to inappropriate language and behavior. We strongly encourage members to communicate through the messaging feature, until comfortable enough to exchange contact information and communicate externally. However, Backupz will not address issues that arise outside of our platform.
Before sitters are approved to join our community, they’re required to clear a background check, which has to be completed annually in order to maintain their active status with the Backupz community. Sitters are required to purchase their own background check. Background check annual renewal is one year from the membership purchase date. Background checks are processed by our third party vendor Certn. Certn dates back 7 years in accordance with federal law and the industry standard for background check lookback periods and includes:
- County Criminal Search(Current)
- ID Verification
- National Criminal Search (Standard)
- Sex Offender Search
- Federal Statewide Criminal Search*
- Global Watchlist
- SSN Trace
We’ve begun the first step in creating a safe community, ultimately it’s up to you as members to vet and hire/work with each other. Background checks are not 100% carefree, though ensuring a safe community is of the utmost importance to Backupz. Please remain mindful of your safety as well as your family. Backupz will not share background check information with families. However, the sitter is able to access their background check information and can share with families based on their discretion.
*County of residence, self-reported by Sitter*
Can I cancel a job
Yes, you can cancel a booking request. We understand that life happens and things do and will come up at times. Cancellations are viewed as a serious matter within our community and highly discouraged. Parents rely on you to follow through, please remain mindful of your commitment and respect their time as well.
How do I cancel a job
Simply log into your Dashboard under the Upcoming Job section, select the listing you would like to cancel, provide a reason for cancellation, and submit. We ask that you please be considerate of the family’s time. The cancellation will notify Backupz as well as the family. Backupz reserves the right to remove your account at any time, without notice, due to cancellations.
Am I charged for canceling a job
Yes, Backupz will charge you the following fees for cancellations:
$30 -Cancellation after a job has started
$20 -Cancellation made within 1 hour of job start
$10-Cancellation anytime after a job has been assigned to you
What about a no call no show
Communication is key! If you do not show for a scheduled listing and have not followed the Backupz cancellation process. Your account will be reviewed and possibly removed from the Backupz community.
Multiple Cancellations
If you cancel more than twice within a quarter, your account will be reviewed for removal from the Backupz community.
Cancel Membership
Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time. Please note that Backupz will not credit nor refund, due to cancellation. Once your account has been canceled, billing will stop and your account will be hidden in the platform.
Backupz does not get involved in the hiring process or monetary preference between members. It’s important to agree on the terms of payment(rate and form) up front. Members are responsible for paying based on agreed-upon rate and form of payment.
Sitter will select their preferred payment method in their Dashboard. Parents will be able to view this information when selecting a sitter in the detail tab. The family is expected to pay the sitter their preferred payment method during or at the completion of the job.
Failure to pay the sitter the agreed upon rate and payment method whether intentionally or unintentionally will result in the family account being reviewed and possibly removed from the Backupz community. We will notify you via email to correct this situation with your sitter.
Payment arrangements are made between families and sitters. Therefore, local and state minimum wage laws do not apply to sitters within the Backupz community, as Backupz does not employ sitters.
However, Backupz does honor the federal minimum wage and therefore will not allow families to post listings below $8/hr for either Standard Care nor less than $10 for our ShortRun Care.
Does Backupz withhold taxes
Backupz does not withhold taxes. Backupz is a platform for families to connect with local childcare professionals, we’re not an agency. For this reason, we do not employ sitters in any way. Members are responsible for all applicable taxes, withholding or reporting obligations. Consequently, Backupz does not provide W2’s, 1099s, unemployment benefits nor provide tax assistance to members. We encourage members to consult with their tax advisor. In case it’s helpful for tax purposes, we encourage all members to consider using electronic payment methods in order to track their transaction history.
How are memberships managed
Backupz uses the payment platform Stripe to manage membership subscriptions.
Backupz Fees
No, Backupz does not charge, nor deduct any fees from our members. You will notice a WI sale tax charge during membership checkout.
- General
-
Profile Photo
Profile photos are required for all members within our community. Your photo helps members within the Backupz community identify you. Your profile photos will often be the first impression a member will have about you, make it a great one!
Backupz reviews all profile photos within our community for approval and those not approved will not be able to apply for jobs. Please ensure your personal safety and privacy when uploading a photo, remember your profile photo will be viewed by members within the Backupz community.
Please take a look into our profile photo guidelines below:
Good
- Just you – Only include yourself
- Please use recent/current photos
- Use a clear photo- one with good lighting
- Don’t forget to smile
- Be close, we want to see your face (Shoulders & up)
- Be appropriate and professional
Not so Good
- Sunglasses, hoodies up and hats
- Offensive gestures, text and language in photo
- Cartoonish filters
- Advertising other brands or business, including logos
- Photo taken from far away
- Extreme edited or distorted photos
- Blurred photos
- Face Masks (aside from religious or cultural headwear)
Can I leave the child/ren with a family member
Please review family listing regarding the release of child/ren to pre-authorize person(s) You’re not authorized to release child/ren to any unauthorized person(s)
** All pre-authorize individuals MUST show a valid ID upon arrival before child/ren can be released from sit. The name displayed on the listing for the pre-authorize individuals’ has to match the name shown on their ID.
Can I have both sitter and family account
Yes, you’re able to have both a sitter and family account within our community. Please note that you will have to use different emails for each account.
How are sitters chosen for jobs
Each family selects their desired sitter for a job.
I’ve applied to join Backupz
Application selection is based on community needs. Backupz will not provide status updates on applications for those potential sitters that have not been selected to continue our interview process.
Favor a Family
Whenever you’re reviewing a job, simply click favorite me on the family’s profile. When the selected families create a new listing/job-you will notice a red heart next to their listings, until you no longer favor them.
Backupz Memberships
Backupz offers three premium membership options, which includes our monthly (1 month), quarterly (3 Months) and Biannual (6 months). All membership subscriptions will renew, until canceled, please keep in mind that we do not offer refunds.
Premium Membership Includes:
- Create account
- Customize your profile
- Unlimited access to numerous job listings
- Review and apply for jobs
- Send and receive messages with families
- Rate jobs
Profile Approval
Each profile will be reviewed prior to approval within the Backupz community. Your profile will be hidden, if it doesn’t meet our standards and/or your membership has expired. In order for your profile to remain active, please maintain an active membership, accept community terms and ensure your profile photo meets our standards.
Edit Reviews
You will not be able to edit reviews that are written about you, nor reviews you’ve written about other members within the Backupz community.
If child/ren sustained an injury, should I notify the family
Yes, ALWAYS notify the family when child/ren
- Becomes il
- Needs a medical evaluation
- Experiences a head injury
- Sustains a minor injury, even if medical attention is not required
Can I drive and/or pick up child/ren
No. Backupz does not authorize sitters to transport, nor drive child/ren.
Can I bring others with me to a job
Discuss matter with family, please note you’re on a job.
Am I employed through Backupz
No. All Backupz Sitters are independent contractors.
Can I create my own rates
No, the family that created the listing creates the rate/price.
Can I also leave reviews
Yes, all members in the Backupz community will have the opportunity to share their experience after each job.
Can families book me outside of the Backupz platform
No, we ask that you do not accept jobs outside of the Backupz platform. In the event that it’s discovered that you have privately accepted a job, your account will be removed.
There are more children than I expected
You have control over your decision to continue the job or cancel upon arrival, due to misleading information.
Is there a limit on the amount of jobs I accept
No, accept as many jobs as you want. We ask that you remain mindful of your schedule, it’s your sole responsibility to fulfill your obligations.
Does Backupz have an age requirement
Yes, all Backupz sitters have to be at least 18 years of age to join the Backupz community.
Am I expected to clean
Yes and no- You should clean up after any activity created during the job. You’re not expected to clean the entire house, but families will appreciate you taking the extra mile to tidy up the little things.
What are ShortRuns
Short Runs are an additional way for families to receive care outside of our Standard Care, which is care between 3 hrs to 8 hrs. ShortRun Care is used for care, between 1hr-2.5 hours.
How does the rating system work
After each completed job the sitters as well as the families will rate their experience. Which is located within the dashboard, Your overall rating is an average of the past ten jobs. Members whose average drops below our standard 4.5 rating will have their account reviewed, which could lead to removal from the Backupz community. Backupz wants to ensure that all members have a good experience within the community.
Once your account has been removed from the Backupz community, the removal decision is irreversible.
Member Removal
Backupz has complete discretion as it pertains to removing a member from the community. Being removed from the platform usually occur due to one of these reasons, but not limited to:
- Unacceptable behavior
- Canceled Membership
- Overall rating has dropped below our standard (4.5)
- Insufficient funds to cover membership fees
- Cancellations
Removal from the Backupz community is no way a reflection on your individual character, general reputation, personal characteristics or mode of living. Please keep in mind that we do not provide refunds or credits whether personal or Backupz decision for removal.
I'm late to my job
If you arrive late to your scheduled listing, you will be charged a $5 late fee.
What are recurring jobs
Recurring jobs are listings that occur repeatedly for a particular family. These jobs last anywhere, between 2 to 4 weeks at a given time.
Remove reviews from profile
You will not be able to remove or hide reviews written for you. Backupz Support Team routinely checks and reads reviews. Backupz will have sole discretion to remove a written review that’s deemed inappropriate or unacceptable in our community.
Backupz Messaging
We recommend that all members use the message feature within their Dashboard, whenever communicating. Using our message feature allows Backupz to manage and respond to inappropriate language and behavior. We strongly encourage members to communicate through the messaging feature, until comfortable enough to exchange contact information and communicate externally. However, Backupz will not address issues that arise outside of our platform.
- Background Check
-
Before sitters are approved to join our community, they’re required to clear a background check, which has to be completed annually in order to maintain their active status with the Backupz community. Sitters are required to purchase their own background check. Background check annual renewal is one year from the membership purchase date. Background checks are processed by our third party vendor Certn. Certn dates back 7 years in accordance with federal law and the industry standard for background check lookback periods and includes:
- County Criminal Search(Current)
- ID Verification
- National Criminal Search (Standard)
- Sex Offender Search
- Federal Statewide Criminal Search*
- Global Watchlist
- SSN Trace
We’ve begun the first step in creating a safe community, ultimately it’s up to you as members to vet and hire/work with each other. Background checks are not 100% carefree, though ensuring a safe community is of the utmost importance to Backupz. Please remain mindful of your safety as well as your family. Backupz will not share background check information with families. However, the sitter is able to access their background check information and can share with families based on their discretion.
*County of residence, self-reported by Sitter*
- Cancellation
-
Can I cancel a job
Yes, you can cancel a booking request. We understand that life happens and things do and will come up at times. Cancellations are viewed as a serious matter within our community and highly discouraged. Parents rely on you to follow through, please remain mindful of your commitment and respect their time as well.
How do I cancel a job
Simply log into your Dashboard under the Upcoming Job section, select the listing you would like to cancel, provide a reason for cancellation, and submit. We ask that you please be considerate of the family’s time. The cancellation will notify Backupz as well as the family. Backupz reserves the right to remove your account at any time, without notice, due to cancellations.
Am I charged for canceling a job
Yes, Backupz will charge you the following fees for cancellations:
$30 -Cancellation after a job has started
$20 -Cancellation made within 1 hour of job start
$10-Cancellation anytime after a job has been assigned to youWhat about a no call no show
Communication is key! If you do not show for a scheduled listing and have not followed the Backupz cancellation process. Your account will be reviewed and possibly removed from the Backupz community.
Multiple Cancellations
If you cancel more than twice within a quarter, your account will be reviewed for removal from the Backupz community.
Cancel Membership
Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time. Please note that Backupz will not credit nor refund, due to cancellation. Once your account has been canceled, billing will stop and your account will be hidden in the platform.
- Payment
-
Backupz does not get involved in the hiring process or monetary preference between members. It’s important to agree on the terms of payment(rate and form) up front. Members are responsible for paying based on agreed-upon rate and form of payment.
Sitter will select their preferred payment method in their Dashboard. Parents will be able to view this information when selecting a sitter in the detail tab. The family is expected to pay the sitter their preferred payment method during or at the completion of the job.
Failure to pay the sitter the agreed upon rate and payment method whether intentionally or unintentionally will result in the family account being reviewed and possibly removed from the Backupz community. We will notify you via email to correct this situation with your sitter.
Payment arrangements are made between families and sitters. Therefore, local and state minimum wage laws do not apply to sitters within the Backupz community, as Backupz does not employ sitters.
However, Backupz does honor the federal minimum wage and therefore will not allow families to post listings below $8/hr for either Standard Care nor less than $10 for our ShortRun Care.
Does Backupz withhold taxes
Backupz does not withhold taxes. Backupz is a platform for families to connect with local childcare professionals, we’re not an agency. For this reason, we do not employ sitters in any way. Members are responsible for all applicable taxes, withholding or reporting obligations. Consequently, Backupz does not provide W2’s, 1099s, unemployment benefits nor provide tax assistance to members. We encourage members to consult with their tax advisor. In case it’s helpful for tax purposes, we encourage all members to consider using electronic payment methods in order to track their transaction history.
How are memberships managed
Backupz uses the payment platform Stripe to manage membership subscriptions.
Backupz Fees
No, Backupz does not charge, nor deduct any fees from our members. You will notice a WI sale tax charge during membership checkout.
