FAQ For Parent's

Q) How does this service work?
A) Send an email to the SBC (spangbabysittersclub@googlemail.com) with the following:
*Date sitter is needed IN SUBJECT LINE
*Times-from when to when
*How many kids and ages
*Where you are located
*Whether you prefer a boy or girl
*Phone number for sitter to contact you
*Do we have your Retaining Parent form on file? If not, we will email one to you. Just read, sign, scan and email it back to us. After we receive it, we will begin a search for your sitter.
(For first time users ~ As we must have your RPF back prior to our search, requests made less then seven days before date needed are likely not to be able to be filled.)

The SBC will then contact a sitter to suit your needs and have the sitter contact you.

We encourage our parents to request a sitter early so you have time to meet the teen assigned to your request prior to the babysitting date. Requests that are sent less than 4 days prior to the date needed are very difficult to fill. It is recommended to make a request no less than 7 days prior to the date needed.

Q) Do I need to pick up and drop off the sitter?
A) Transportation is organized strictly between you and the sitters parents directly. Not through the SBC. German law states that you are not allowed to drive until you are 18 years old. Therefore, none of our sitters drive.

Q) How much do your sitter's charge?
A) 1-2 children~$5 per hour
Each additional child~$2.50 per child per hour
You are welcome to give more if you find the sitter did a job well done.

Q) Are the sitter's certified in CPR?
A) As per base regulations, the sitter's are asked to attend babysitter training through the Red Cross. Some of our sitters have taken the extra step and have completed the Advanced Sitters course. This includes certification in infant/child CPR.

Q) My friends and I would like our kids watched at the same house. Is this ok?
A) Yes, as long as each parent has a Retaining Parent form on file.

Q) When do I hear from the babysitter?
A) Once you receive an email from us stating that we have found a sitter for your request, that sitter has 24 hours to contact you. If you have not heard from them by then, please let us know.

Q) Do the sitter's only babysit on Spang?
A) No. We have sitter's on base and off.

Q) Can they come to my home?
A) Actually, this is required. It is against policy to have the sitter's babysit your children in their home.

Q) Do you have boy babysitter's?
A) Yes!

Q) How old are the sitter's in the database?
A) Between 12-16 with the majority being 13 and 14 yr olds.

Q) I have a teenager that enjoys babysitting. Can they be added to your database?
A) Absolutely!! Just send an email to the addy listed above and we will send the info we need.

Q) Is this program authorized by the base?
A) We wouldn't have it any other way! We have the full support of Mara Wight, the A&FRC, the SSEMC and many other organizations.

Q) If a babysitter breaks something while in my home, can I hold you responsible?
A) No. We have a liability disclaimer that states the babysitters do NOT work for the SBC and that the SBC will not be held responsible for such things. (please see the Liability Waiver)

Q) Am I guaranteed a babysitter?
A) Unfortunately, no. We can not guarantee that anyone will be available for your requested date and time.
The more notice you are able to provide us, the more probable the outcome. Last minute requests are extremely difficult to fill and, in most cases, are unable to be accomadated.

Q) Can I request the same sitter each time I need one?
A) Yes. If they are available. You are also welcome to ask a sitter if you can contact them directly in the future.
However, if you need a sitter more than 10 hrs a week, you will need to get another sitter or find permanent child care.

Q) What happens if I have hired an SBC sitter and they do not call or show up?
A) Contact us immediately. We will make every effort to find a last minute sitter for you. However, as we are volunteer's we are not connected to the email 24/7 due to family obligations.
We will contact the sitter in question to find our what happened. No call, no shows are grounds for dismissal from the SBC.

Q) In case I do not get home until very late, can my sitter stay the night?
A) This is on a case by case basis and dependent upon the sitter and their parents being comfortable to do so.

Q) I got an auto responder from your email. What does this mean?
A) In most cases this means that we are either running short on sitters or have no more sitters available. It can and does happen. This is why it is wise to get your sitter requests in early, especially during big events such as Wing awards ceremonies, Spouses Dining In, etc.

More Q&A will be listed as they are asked.