Complete Guide

SitterCircle's Guide

Everything parents and babysitters need to know about using SitterCircle in Berlin.

How Booking Works

Booking childcare through SitterCircle is designed to be simple and stress-free.

Submit a Booking Request

Complete our online booking form with your preferred date, time, location, number of children, and any special requirements. It takes less than two minutes.

We Review & Match

Our team reviews your request and matches you with the best available, vetted sitter for your specific needs.

Confirmation

We contact you by email or phone within 24 hours to confirm your booking and share details about your sitter.

Your Sitter Arrives

Your sitter arrives on time, fully prepared to provide safe, caring childcare, so you can leave with confidence.

💡 Tip: Book as early as possible, especially for weekends and events. We do accommodate last-minute requests, but availability is better with advance notice.

Our Sitters Are Vetted

Every sitter in the SitterCircle network has been through a rigorous vetting process:

✓Background checked — Criminal record check completed before joining.

✓Personally interviewed — We meet every sitter before they join our network.

✓References verified — We check previous childcare references.

✓Experienced — All sitters have genuine, verifiable childcare experience.

✓First Aid Certified — Every SitterCircle sitter holds a valid First Aid certification.

✓English-First & Bilingual Care — Every SitterCircle sitter provides English-first childcare. Many of our sitters also speak German.

Preparing for Your Sitter

A little preparation goes a long way in making the session smooth for everyone:

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Leave contact details for trusted family members, your child's pediatrician, and any important medical information in an easily accessible place.

Let the sitter know about allergies, medications, medical conditions, or any special care instructions.

Share your child's routine, including meals, naps, homework, and bedtime.

Show the sitter where First Aid supplies are kept.

Point out any areas of your home that are off-limits for children.

Leave snacks, drinks, or meal instructions for your children if needed.

💡 Tip: A quick 10-minute handover when the sitter arrives makes a huge difference. Walk them through the home and introduce them to your children before you leave.

Special Situations

We cater to a wide range of childcare needs beyond long-term family childcare:

Event Childcare — We provide professional on-site childcare for conferences, weddings, corporate events, exhibitions, birthday celebrations, and other special occasions. For larger events, we can set up dedicated childcare areas with engaging activities.

Hotel Childcare — We partner with hotels across Berlin to provide trusted childcare for hotel guests, making it easy for visiting families to access professional care.

Children with Special Needs — Please let us know about any specific requirements so we can match your family with the most suitable sitter.

Newborns & Infants — We have sitters with infant care experience. Please let us know your child's age and any specific care requirements when booking.

FAQs for Parents

How quickly can I book a sitter?

We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours. If your request is urgent, please contact us directly and we'll do our best to help.

Do you cover all Berlin districts?

Yes. We provide childcare across all Berlin districts. If you're located outside Berlin, please contact us to discuss availability.

What if I return home later than planned?

We understand that delays can happen. A 15-minute grace period applies. If you're running late, please let your sitter know as soon as possible. Additional childcare time beyond the grace period will be charged according to our standard rates.

What if I need to cancel?

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or change your booking. We kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible. Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for full details.

How are SitterCircle sitters selected?

Every SitterCircle sitter goes through our vetting process, including background checks, verification of a valid certificate of good conduct, and a personal interview before joining our network.

Can you support children with special needs or infants?

Yes. We work to match families with sitters who have the experience needed for your child's age and specific care requirements. Please let us know your needs when booking.

Ready to get started?

It takes less than 2 minutes. We'll handle the rest.

Book Your Babysitter

Getting Started

Welcome to SitterCircle! Here's how the onboarding process works:

Submit Your Application

Fill in our online application form with your availability and a bit about yourself. Previous childcare experience and references are an advantage, but not required.

Background Check

A valid certificate of good conduct is required as part of our background-check process. This is a mandatory part of our commitment to providing safe and trusted childcare.

Interview

An online video interview with our team to get to know you, assess your suitability for the role, and answer your questions.

Join the SitterCircle Team

Once approved, you'll join the SitterCircle team and be considered for suitable childcare opportunities based on your availability.

💡 Tip: The more complete your application, the faster we can process it. Include specific examples of your childcare experience.

What We Expect

SitterCircle's reputation is built on the quality of our sitters. Here's what every sitter commits to:

✓Punctuality — Always arrive on time, or early. Families are counting on you.

✓Reliability — Once you confirm a booking, honour it. Cancellations affect real families.

✓Professionalism — Dress appropriately, be polite, and represent SitterCircle well.

✓Communication — Keep us and the family informed. If something changes, tell us immediately.

✓Child-focused — Your full attention is on the children. No excessive phone use during jobs.

✓Confidentiality — Respect family privacy. Don't share personal details or photos of children.

Your First Booking

Your first booking can feel nerve-wracking — that's completely normal. Here's how to prepare:

Confirm the address, start time, and any special instructions with the family beforehand.

Ask about the children's ages, routines, allergies, and any medical needs.

Find out the parents' contact number and when they expect to return.

Ask about bedtime routines, favourite activities, and any house rules.

Know the address of the nearest hospital or emergency services.

💡 Tip: Bring a small activity or game for the children — it's a great icebreaker and shows you came prepared.

Safety & On the Job

Child safety is our top priority. Keep these principles in mind at all times:

✓Never leave young children unsupervised, even for a moment.

✓Keep cleaning products, medications, and sharp objects out of reach.

✓Know the location of first aid supplies in the home.

✓Never open the door to strangers when you're alone with children.

✓If a child is injured or unwell, contact the parents immediately.

✓Emergency number in Germany: 112 (ambulance/fire) | 110 (police)

During the job, follow the family's routines, keep the home tidy, and send a brief update to the parents if they're out for a long time.

Pay & Growth

We believe sitters deserve fair, transparent compensation:

Pay rates are competitive and reflect your experience, certifications, and booking type.

Event and hotel bookings typically pay a premium rate.

You set your availability — work as much or as little as suits your schedule.

Build a strong track record and get access to premium bookings.

Earn positive reviews from families to boost your profile within our network.

For specific rate information, please contact us — rates are discussed during your onboarding interview.

Ready to join our team?

Apply today and start making a real difference for Berlin families.

Join Our Team