Congratulations! You have been chosen to join the Southern Sitter team. This is an incredible honor. Our managers have seen exceptional qualities in you.

Our sitters are hand selected and we are proud to have an elite and diverse group of incredible caretakers.

What does it mean to be a Southern Sitter?

A Southern Sitter is:

- Confident

- Capable 

- Ready to tackle any challenge that comes before them

- Punctual

- Put together

- Has a heart for service

- A self starter

- Responsible

- Adaptable

- Knowledgeable

- Experienced

Being a Southern Sitter is so much fun! We are proud to offer you the following perks and benefits in exchange for your commitment to excellence: 

-You have unlimited access to local babysitting and nanny jobs! 

-You create your own schedule and can work part time, full time, or randomly. With Southern Sitters, you do not have to work to advertise yourself as a caregiver in the open market. Jobs are available to you to simply accept whenever you desire. 

-Every job with us is high paying. No minimum wage here! Our top rate range is $25+ an hour for babysitting jobs and $30+ an hour for nanny positions. We want to give you every opportunity to make as much income as you'd like. 

-You choose each shift, rate, location, and family yourself! You are not scheduled to work any job that you do not willingly pick up.

-Our incredible leadership team is invested in your success. Help is available any time you need it. You can even schedule phone calls with booking managers to fill up your schedule weekly!

-New jobs come in daily. There are opportunies at all hours of the day and night!

-You are paid directly and immediately by clients at the end of each babysitting job.

-You are connected to a elite group of diverse childcare professionals who share your values and passion for childcare. 

Yes, we have high expectations for your performance at every job. However, you were chosen because our team knows that you can meet our highest standards! If you do your best to meet all policies in this training module, you will enjoy Southern Sitter status for as long as you'd like! 

Please be sure that you are in the correct groupme for your service area. If you haven’t joined GroupMe, you are missing out on announcements and job opportunities! Click the link below to download the “GroupMe” app and be added to the correct group! 

MIDDLE TN 

 
https://groupme.com/join_group/84140716/ymJM2B86

 
KNOXVILLE, TN

 
https://groupme.com/join_group/85095453/9uVXVLt4

CHATTANOOGA, TN

https://groupme.com/join_group/85095486/f7F73UoK

HUNTSVILLE

https://groupme.com/join_group/96872523/gJED4LCq

DALLAS/FT WORTH

https://groupme.com/join_group/98084063/e50k0gzK

 
BIRMINGHAM

https://groupme.com/join_group/85095513/5MtZzisg

 
BOWLING GREEN

https://groupme.com/join_group/85095501/DMqiLcjf

BIO TEMPLATES

If you struggle to market yourself, use these templates to set yourself up for success!

Option One:

Hi! My name is (name) and I am a (insert full time job or university / student year here.) I have been involved in childcare for (number) years and I truly love working with children of all ages. I have extensive experience through (list examples: church childcare, private nannying, coaching, tutoring, nursing, babysitting for local families, etc.) I am CPR / AED certified. I have the following additional training as well: (list examples: First Aid, Teaching Degree, Basic Life Support, Red Cross Babysitting, Red Cross Lifeguard, etc). A fun fact about me is that (I love to travel, I have three younger siblings, I am the president of my sorority, etc.)

(I am fully vaccinated against Covid-19. *if applicable and if you’d like to share). I can’t wait to meet your family! Thank you for booking me through Southern Sitters!

Option Two:

Hello families! I’m (name) and I am so excited to work with you. I have been involved in childcare for (number) years and I have experience through (list examples: church childcare, private nannying, coaching, tutoring, nursing, babysitting for local families, etc.)  I am CPR / AED certified. I have the following additional training as well: (list examples: First Aid, Teaching Degree, Basic Life Support, Red Cross Babysitting, Red Cross Lifeguard, etc). When babysitting, I love to (plan activities, play outdoors, sing, play music, do crafts, etc.)

(I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19. *if applicable and if you’d like to share). I am so excited to connect!

Preferred Caregiver Information - Southern Sitters

As of May 1st, 2023 Southern Sitters that apply and are accepted into the preferred caregiver status program will be eligible to accept jobs above $22 an hour. Caregivers that do not apply or become accepted into this program will not be eligible to accept jobs above the $22 an hour range. 

In this document, you will find all information needed regarding this new program from FAQs, the link to the application form, and a list of suggested additional certifications.
We are incredibly excited to roll out this new program and can’t wait to see your applications roll in! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the administration if you have any questions.
We encourage all caregivers to strive to meet these requirements and apply. 

Preferred Caregivers Application Link: https://form.jotform.com/231204039331038

(Also available on our sitter portal.)

DO NOT LEAVE THIS FORM, ALL OF THIS INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE TO YOU ON OUR SITTER PORTAL. PLEASE SUBMIT A PREFERRED CAREGIVER APPLICATION AT A LATER TIME TO AVOID LOSING YOUR PROGRESS. 

Why are we creating the Preferred Caregiver Status?

Preferred Caregiver is a status created to provide higher qualified caregivers with higher paying opportunities. As Southern Sitters’ client base continues to grow, we strive to elevate the training and preparedness level that caregivers provide. We believe that seeking continued education is a trait in our team members that should be rewarded with high income opportunities. This program also provides clients with a tiered understanding of the training level of the caregivers they are receiving when paying a higher rate per hour.

Preferred caregivers have been with our company for at least 2 months and / or have proven that they can provide consistently exceptional care to clients. The opportunity to be a preferred caregiver is available to all Southern Sitters.

Qualifications of Preferred Caregivers:
  -Preferred caregivers must provide evidence of additional certifications in conjunction with the basic requirements of Southern Sitters in the following two categories: Emergency Preparedness and Training & Childcare Education
    ⁃    Preferred Caregivers showcase at least 1 positive Google or Facebook review (written by a past childcare client of yours) on Southern Sitters pages to publicly showcase you as a qualified caregiver. Please see examples provided below -
-Preferred caregivers showcase a passion for Southern Sitters as a brand and showcase a high level of company involvement. Examples of involvement include referring friends and family as caregivers and clients, interacting with Southern Sitters social media posts, following Southern Sitters on all social media, including “works at Southern Sitters” on facebook and linkedin profiles, writing positive reviews of Southern Sitters on public platforms, etc. 

-Preferred caregivers have showcased that they can consistently abide by all Southern Sitter policies. Preferred caregivers showcase a deep understanding of all policies in the Southern Sitter policy book. 

-Preferred caregivers display a high level of childcare experience beyond the minimum requirements of Southern Sitters. 

-Preferred caregivers go above and beyond at every job to ensure clients have an exceptional experience. Preferred caregivers have proven that they can consistently perform to the highest level of client satisfaction.

-Preferred caregivers have professional communication skills and respond in a timely manner to all Southern Sitter admin team members and clients. 

-Preferred caregivers complete additional training and certification semi-annually.

-Preferred caregivers are leaders for all Southern Sitters and new team members at group childcare and event childcare positions. 

Preferred caregiver status can be revoked at any time if a caregiver does not maintain all Southern Sitter and preferred caregiver requirements. 

What can Preferred Caregivers do that other sitters cannot?
    ⁃    Preferred caregivers are able to accept jobs for higher than $22/hour. The only exceptions will be sitters who are specifically requested for higher paying jobs or those who are “grandfathered” in with past clients or previously accepted jobs prior to May 1st, 2023.
How will caregivers see jobs that qualify?
    ⁃    A new GroupMe will be created just for our preferred caregivers! You can then text the booking line to accept a job posted in the group. We are also launching an update on the app that will distinguish preferred caregiver status and separate jobs above $22 an hour to only preferred caregivers. 

Example List of Acceptable Additional Certifications and Training: 
Red Cross Babysitting, ACLS, PALS, Fire Safety, BLS, Nursing License, Teaching Certification, EMT, AEMT, Norland Nanny Online Certification Class, Sleep Safe Certification, SIDS Awareness, Lifeguard Certification, Pool Safety Certification, Nutrition Training, Neglect Awareness, Leadership Training, EpiPen, Car Seat Certification, Growth and Development, Red Cross Babysitter, Red Cross Advanced Childcare, Pet CPR, Cat and Dog First Aid, Injury Prevention, “Until Help Arrived” Red Cross Training, Disability Support Certifications, ABA Therapy Provider License, LCP License, Trauma Informed Caregiver Certificate, EMR License, Firefighter, MD, Narcan Training, Mandated Reporter, Stop The Bleed, Bleeding Awareness and Response, Shaken Baby, Head Trauma, Transportation Safety, TNPal Training, CPR / AED (Required for all SS), Infant Specialist

Any and all certifications, licensures, degrees, and training that you feel enhance you as a childcare provider will be considered by our team. 

Preferred Caregivers Application Link: https://form.jotform.com/231204039331038

Southern Sitter Suggested Certification Resources 

We deeply appreciate and value your desire to further your education and training in childcare! If you need assistance, please contact our team. 

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 

Red Cross Online First Aid - $37*

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/classes/first-aid-online/a6R3o000001vv2T.html?cgid=online-safety-classes&isCourse=true&storedistance=undefined#latitude=35.751179&longitude=-86.9300023&searchtype=class&zip=spring+hill%2C+tn&start=4&cgid=online-safety-classes

Red Cross Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers - FREE*

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/classes/water-safety-for-parents-and-caregivers/a6R3o0000012oT8.html?cgid=online-safety-classes&isCourse=true&storedistance=undefined#latitude=35.751179&longitude=-86.9300023&searchtype=class&zip=spring+hill%2C+tn&start=11&cgid=online-safety-classes

Red Cross Until Help Arrives Online - $40*

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/classes/until-help-arrives-online/a6R3o000002KP4f.html?cgid=hidden&isCourse=true&storedistance=undefined#searchtype=class&start=21&cgid=hidden

AMBASSADOR FOR WATER SAFETY COURSE - ONLINE FREE*

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/classes/becoming-an-ambassador-for-water-safety-online/a6R3o000001cxqb.html?cgid=online-safety-classes&isCourse=true&storedistance=undefined#latitude=35.751179&longitude=-86.9300023&searchtype=class&zip=spring+hill%2C+tn&start=12&cgid=online-safety-classes

Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto-Injector - Online Course $35*

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/classes/becoming-an-ambassador-for-water-safety-online/a6R3o000001cxqb.html?cgid=online-safety-classes&isCourse=true&storedistance=undefined#latitude=35.751179&longitude=-86.9300023&searchtype=class&zip=spring+hill%2C+tn&start=12&cgid=online-safety-classes

CAT AND DOG FIRST AID - RED CROSS $25*

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/classes/cat-and-dog-first-aid-online/a6R0V0000015EUf.html?cgid=hidden&isCourse=true&storedistance=undefined#latitude=35.751179&longitude=-86.9300023&searchtype=class&zip=spring+hill%2C+tn&start=16&cgid=hidden

Administering Medication in Childcare Settings - FREE

https://www.prosolutionstraining.com/store/product/index.cfm?tDisplayAdd=1&tProductVersion_id=1656&CatalogFilter_id=2094&tCatalogFilterType_id=

Red Cross First Aid for Severe Bleeding Online - $20*

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/classes/first-aid-for-severe-bleeding-online/a6R0V0000015EvD.html?cgid=hidden&isCourse=true&storedistance=undefined#latitude=35.751179&longitude=-86.9300023&searchtype=class&zip=spring+hill%2C+tn&start=19&cgid=hidden

Red Cross Advanced Childcare Training - $45*

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/classes/advanced-child-care-training-online/a6R3o0000011HbA.html?cgid=online-safety-classes&isCourse=true&storedistance=undefined#searchtype=class&start=9&cgid=online-safety-classes

Online Injury Prevention and Child Safety in Child Care Settings - Free

https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/injury-prevention-and-child-safety-in-child-care-settings/01t4x000002ciMTAAY

Online Mandated Reporter Training - Free*

https://www.tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/training/cw-resources/mandated-reporter-training.html

Online SIDS Training - Free*

https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/brain-development-sudden-infant-death-syndrome-and-abusive-head-trauma-shaken-baby-syndrome/01t4x000002ciOsAAI

CHILDCARE EDUCATION

https://www.mtsu.edu/university-college/sids/online-training.php

Positive Guidance and Discipline - Free*

https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/positive-guidance-and-discipline-202223/01t4x000002ciOPAAY

Online Child Growth and Development - Free*

https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/child-growth-and-development-from-infancy-to-schoolage/01t4x000002ciKLAAY

Supporting Children's Social and Emotional Development - Free*

https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/supporting-childrens-social-and-emotional-development/01t4x000002ciKyAAI

Brain Development, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and Abusive Head Trauma: Shaken Baby Syndrome - Free*

https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/brain-development-sudden-infant-death-syndrome-and-abusive-head-trauma-shaken-baby-syndrome/01t4x000002ciOsAAI

Online Supporting the Establishment of Strong Peer and Adult-Child Relationships in the Inclusive Child Care Environment - Free*

https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/supporting-the-establishment-of-strong-peer-and-adultchild-relationships-in-the-inclusive-child-care-environment/01t4x000002ciKzAAI

Child Neglect Awareness Training - Free*

https://alison.com/course/child-neglect-awareness-training?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PPC_Tier-1_First-Click_Courses-_Broad_&utm_adgroup=Course-5219_Child-Neglect-Awareness-Training&gclid=CjwKCAjwxr2iBhBJEiwAdXECw1mnG1uxIy6ZtcmGcexr4dAgFdHxEYK2RQwIupZRdUVFnLvQmZNrkhoCK24QAvD_BwE&gclid=CjwKCAjwxr2iBhBJEiwAdXECw1mnG1uxIy6ZtcmGcexr4dAgFdHxEYK2RQwIupZRdUVFnLvQmZNrkhoCK24QAvD_BwE

Playing Outdoors - Free*

https://www.carecourses.com/courses/583

Healthy Meal Planning - Free*

https://www.prosolutionstraining.com/store/product/index.cfm?tDisplayAdd=1&tProductVersion_id=1703&CatalogFilter_id=2094&tCatalogFilterType_id=

Children with Disabilities: Working with Children and Families Free*

https://www.prosolutionstraining.com/store/product/index.cfm?tDisplayAdd=1&tProductVersion_id=1995&CatalogFilter_id=1067&tCatalogFilterType_id=

Transportation Safety Basics Free*

https://www.prosolutionstraining.com/store/product/index.cfm?tDisplayAdd=1&tProductVersion_id=2136&CatalogFilter_id=2094&tCatalogFilterType_id=

Car Seat Basics - Free*

https://www.cpsboard.org/trainings/car-seat-basics/

Children in Hot Cars - Free*

https://www.cpsboard.org/trainings/kids-in-hot-cars/

Preferred Caregivers Application Link: https://form.jotform.com/231204039331038

 Preferred Caregiver Policies -

-Preferred caregivers must quote clients thoughtfully and fairly. They should not over quote clients or abuse the preferred caregiver status. 

-Preferred Caregivers understand that rates vary per job and they must continue to be aware of industry standard child-care rates per hour in accordance with their qualifications. 

-There is no limit to the amount of applications Southern Sitters may submit in an attempt to be chosen as a preferred caregiver during their time with our company. However, we ask that you only submit one application per 3 week period to preserve the intentions of the program unless otherwise requested by our team (this may occur in cases where a caregiver is missing a single element of application, technical issues, etc.) 

-If you’d like to consult our team on the result of your application, please contact a team member to discuss your application and outcome. 

ADDITIONAL POLICES 

Failure to follow all Southern Sitters regulations will result in immediate termination of your sitter account. By accepting any job with our service, you are subject to all policies. 

Never have anyone “cover” a job for you that has not been approved or interviewed by a Southern Sitters manager.

A confirmation text is to be sent immediately upon accepting a job. 

Southern Sitter management needs to be made aware immediately if you are arrested, charged, or convicted of any offense.

Do not take anything from a client's home that does not belong to you. 

If you become unavailable for a job that you are booked for due to an emergency, let all managers know as soon as possible. Calling out of a job on the day of the job for reasons other than sickness or emergency is unacceptable. Please ensure you get a response from management letting you know that they are aware of the situation. 

Never cancel directly through the parent. We do not allow casual cancellations or rescheduling. 

Doctors notes are required for all call outs involving sickness, even if symptoms are minor or mild. 

Respect the wishes of the parents and household rules of each family at all times.

Never invite anyone (friends, family members, significant others, etc) to come to a client's home during a job. Never bring anyone to a job, including a child or animal.

Never post pictures of clients’ children on social media or share photos of clients' children with anyone other than the parent directly involved with the booking. 

Never share information obtained from a Southern Sitter client (address, names, medical information, employment, etc) with anyone who is not a direct member of Southern Sitter LLC management. Always respect client and team privacy. Phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses should never be shared outside of Southern Sitter LLC. 

Never leave the house with a child without the client’s permission.

Never use any type of physical punishment to discipline children. Utilize redirection techniques and positive discipline (praising good behavior, problem solving, etc.) 

Never leave a child unattended. If a client attempts to authorize you to leave a child unattended due to late arrival, do not leave the child. 

If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

Sitters should be social media responsible at all times.

Sitters should conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism at all times. Sitters should not engage in behaviors outside of jobs that do not reflect the values of the company.

Never give a child medication without written permission and specific instructions.

Never eat food or consume beverages in a client’s home without permission.

Never smoke, drink, or do drugs during a job or before a job. This is a drug and alcohol workplace with a no-tolerance policy.

Never fall asleep during a babysitting job. Even if the kids are asleep, stay awake until the parents arrive. 

Never look through or use a client’s personal belongings.

Never swear or use inappropriate language in front of a parent or child.

Never use your phone while children are awake, unless updating a parent or staff member.

Never speak negatively about Southern Sitter LLC or any member of Southern Sitter LLC with a client. Please direct any and all complaints to management. 

Never discuss sensitive or controversial topics with children or parents (politics, conspiracy, recent family issues, etc.)

Sitters must take at least three jobs a month unless otherwise approved by the manager.

Sitters should never arrive late to a job. Sitters must make management aware of potential lateness or lateness. 

Sitters should never violate the Southern Sitters rebooking policies.

Sitters must make best efforts to attend Team Zoom Calls. Failure to attend 3 zoom consecutive calls will result in termination of your account. 

Sitters should use proper grammar when texting parents.

Stay engaged, active, and present with children at all times.

REBOOKING POLICIES

If Southern Sitters originated the relationship between you and a parent, that parent must rebook you through Southern Sitters. You are responsible for submitting the rebooking form to ensure the job is properly documented. 

If a parent messages or calls you privately after a job and asks for you to babysit again, immediately submit the rebooking form with the job details. You will be assigned the job. 

We want you to be rebooked as much as possible. We understand that you create meaningful relationships with our clients and wish to support you in these relationships. EVERY JOB must be recorded on the calendar and on your app. Sitters and parents may not go around the system to rebook. This is in violation of our booking and sitter policies.

If a parent attempts to convince you to book outside of us (ex. “I do not want to pay the booking fee or have a membership, can I just text you next time I need you to babysit and you just don’t add the request to the app?” they are in violation of a legal, contractual agreement with us. Make an management team member aware of any attempts by clients to circumvent the rebooking system immediately. 

If you complete a job with a SS family that is not on the SS calendar, your sitter account will be terminated immediately and you must cease contact with all Southern Sitter clients.

JOB ABSENCE POLICY

At Southern Sitters, we allow sitters to schedule themselves for babysitting jobs. If you accept a job through the app, that job is your sole responsibility to attend as you willingly accepted that job.

We strive to be a 100% reliable service that NEVER cancels on a parent. We do not allow casual call outs for any reason. 

Calling out of a job on the day of the job for reasons other than sickness or legitimate emergency is unacceptable. If you are sick or have an emergency on the day of or before a  job, you must provide evidence with your notice of  sickness or emergency. 

If you are calling out due to sickness, we require a doctor's note within 24 hours even if you are calling out for minor sickness symptoms. 

Acceptable evidence includes a doctor's note stating that you cannot work, an obituary, a document from a tow company or car repair shop with today’s date.

If you are sick or have an emergency on the day of the job, notify all management immediately of your situation.  Ensure you get a response from management letting you know that they are aware of the situation. NEVER cancel through the parent directly.

Failure to show up to a job that you booked or failure to provide acceptable evidence will result in immediate account suspension, review, probation, a write up, and potential termination.

CLIENT WHO IS NOT HOME ON TIME WITH NO CONTACT PROCESS

If a client is not home within 15 minutes of expected arrival time with no communication, sitter will text client a professional check in message.

Sample Text: "Hi! I hope your night is going great! I just wanted to check in on what time you will be back? I was booked until 11pm. Thank you!"

If a client is not home within 30 minutes of expected arrival time no communication and does not respond to message, sitter will call client. Sitter will notify manager if no response.

Sample Phone Call: "Hi! I hope your night is going great! Everything is going well here. I just wanted to check in on what time you will be back?"

If a client is not home within 45 hour of expected arrival time with no communication, on call SS manager will call client and any emergancy contacts listed in client profile.

If a client is not home within two hours of expected arrival time with no communication, on call manager will ensure sitter is okay to stay at clients home until a solution occurs. The on call manager will continue to call client every 15-20 minutes until client us reached. On call manager will find a replacement sitter if necessary. Southern Sitters President, Vice President, and Chief Operational Officer should be contacted at this point.

If a client is not home within 3 hours of expected arrival time with no communication, Southern Sitters President, Vice President, and Chief Operational Officer will contact appropriate authorities.

If you'd like to resign or pause your account at any time, please let managment know as soon as possible. Thank you!

Important Links:

Please save the following links in your notes for future use.

Added Booking Request form - https://form.jotform.com/221616460342044

Anytime a client reaches out to you directly to rebook you, you can use this form to get the booking on the calender! Simply fill out the form's information and submit to get your booking on the calender. 

Venmo Request form - https://form.jotform.com/223074936029054

Anytime you work an event or job through Southern Sitters that requires you be paid through Southern Sitters (SS event, SS Drop In, ect), you can submit a Venmo request form so we can get you paid! 

Open Nanny Positions - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b9KBgo1U2-vOQhvrqrs87Y8cTrnbSbLxgICYNPQEalk/edit

If you are interested in a nanny position, the above document is constintly being updated with our open positions! Feel free to look through anytime. 

Please save the following Admin Team contacts. All correspodence MUST be made in a group text with appropriate members in management. When in doubt, just text the booking line.

Ex:

Booking Questions:

Southern Sitter Booking Line 

Nanny Questions:

Savannah, Cassie, Hope

Emergencies/Parent Issues/HR Issues:

Savannah, Sydney M., and Cassie

Savannah Maddison

Chief Executive Officer/President/Owner

629-241-0637

savannah@southernsitter.com

Sydney McCray

Vice President

615-496-9510

sydney@southernsitter.com

Cassie Donegan

Chief Operations Officer

757-528-9674

cassie@southernsitter.com

Hope Riley

Nanny Placement Director

731-514-8979

hope@southernsitter.com

Sydney Anthony

Booking Director 

931-494-6570

southernsitter@southernsitter.com

Jordan Claybrooks 

Sitter Relations Director

615-900-7940

Hannah Howell

Booking Manager

214-998-8498

hannah@southernsitter.com

Southern Sitter Booking Line

Connects you with everyone on the Booking Team

615-200-0640

Welcome to our team! Thank you for your dedication to excellence and your willingness to serve our clients. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us!

Next Steps

Congratulations! You have completed the Southern Sitter Basic Training. There are just a few more steps before we can get you Southern Sitter certified!

You will need to upload your CPR Certification, your SIDS Training Certification, and your Mandatory Reporter Training Certification. You can do this at in the following links.