Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Big News is Here!

The big news is that we are preparing to add a new feature called Parties by The Babysitting Company! We have lots of ideas, and need your help to make it a success.

Babysitters Please take this survey

Parents Please take this survey

All feedback helps, so we truly appreciate it, THANK YOU!!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Back To School!

Back to school, back to school, back to school, how excited are you?! It's that time of year again and TBC is here to help you!

I did a little research and I found some of the best back-to-school deals at Old Navy, Apple, Staples, Target, and Walmart.  Also you really must check out this article about Thrifty Parents in the Miami Herald by Lidia Dinkova.

Are you a working parent? Do you have more than one child, with multiple schedules? TBC can help you find the perfect babysitter for your family.  We can provide you with someone for before and after school care.

Could you imagine coming home from a long day of work, and your child's homework is already finished?  Our educated babysitters can help with homework. 

I know it's a big surprise, but sometimes children just don't want to listen to their parents, sorry! Sometimes the children can be more motivated, and listen better when the babysitter is helping them with their homework.

With school starting, you know there will be Parent-Teacher night, and PTO meetings, reserve and book your sitter now!

Good luck with the new school year!

Love,
Elyssa and TBC

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Moxie Moms

The Moxie Mom mission is to make it easier to be a mom by creating a network of women for social fun & screamin' deals!

Moxie Moms facilitates outdoor and indoor social events throughout the week for moms to get together with their little ones. We also have fitness partners to help moms get back into shape or gain a greater fitness level.


And, perhaps most importantly, we organize involvement with local charities and work with local retailers and service providers to provide discounts for Moxie Moms members.

Join Moxie Moms for social events and savings or just for our growing savings network -
http://www.moxie-moms.com/paphillysuburbs/index.php.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Interview Schedule

I look forward to meeting you and your friends and telling you all about The Babysitting Company! The interview/ information session schedule is below as well as commonly asked questions about the sessions!

There will also be sitters who are already registered with the company to provide their take on working with TBC and I will be providing refreshments!


Location: Residence Inn by Marriott- Miami Aventura Mall 19900 W. Country Club Drive Aventura


Mark your calendars!! You MUST RSVP by e-mail to the date and SESSION (A or B) that you will be attending and if you will be participating in CPR. You only need to come to ONE interview/ information session on the day of your choice.

Schedule:

8/20 (Saturday)

9am SESSION A- Interview and Information Session

11:00am- CPR

1:30pm SESSION B- Interview and Information Session




8/28 (Sunday)

9am SESSION A- Interview and Information Session

11:00am- CPR

1:30pm SESSION B- Interview and Information Session




IMPORTANT: YOU MUST RSVP by E-MAIL TO WHAT YOU ARE ATTENDING. All of the information sessions are the same. You only come to ONE SESSION.

**Parking is free. Interview is free.
**CPR is $35 for new certifications and $25 for renewals (please bring your certificate). Cash only.
**You are also welcome to bring any friends with you! You don't need to bring anything else.



-Please view the blog "Interview FAQ's" for more information!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Interview FAQ's

Q: What is the interview?
A: The interview is a chance for me to get to meet you and put a face to the name. I want to know you the best I can so I can set you up with the right families to babysit for. It's also a chance for you to get to know me and The Babysitting Company (TBC) and decide if this is something you want to do. The interview is actually more like an information session. I will go over what TBC does, who we are, and what you need to do to complete your file with TBC. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask as many questions as you want, even though we are always available to help you.

Q: What should I bring to the interview?
A: At this time all you really need to bring is yourself, a pen and paper if you want to take notes, and a positive attitude. 

Q:How do I know where to find you when I show up?
A: I usually wear my black, short sleeved, TBC t-shirt.  And of course you can call if the session has not started yet. Make sure you know who you are meeting for your interview.

Rachel:(305)890-7000
Tara: (954)734-5221

If it is at a hotel please ask the front desk where the meeting will be held. Please do not call us when the interview has already started.

Q:Where are the interviews held?
A: We meet in public places because we meet with clients all day and it is nice to have a change of scenery. We meet in hotels because we need a larger place where everyone can feel comfortable. 


Q: Why are TBC interviews in Miami only held in Fort Lauderdale?
All interviews are held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida because it can be accessed easily by I-95. Group interviews have worked out really well and they maximize the information that you will receive during the information session. Someone may ask a question that is relevant to you! It is also great to meet sitters that currently work with TBC. Although interviews are held in Fort Lauderdale, you choose the area where you take jobs. So, you only need to come to Fort Lauderdale once and then you can stay in whichever area you want to work.

Q: Can I bring a friend to the interview?
A: Absolutely, the more the merrier. If possible, please make sure they reserve a spot ahead of time.

Q: Who else comes to the interview?
A: There can be up to 25 potential new sitters at an interview and up to 10 current sitters. Current TBC sitters come to the interviews to freshen up on new policies and give their input on their jobs!

Q: What do I wear?
A: We are a casual company, but please dress respectful. Wear what you would wear when babysitting. Use your best judgment.

Q: How long are the interviews?
A: In Miami, the interview sessions are 1.5 hours long, but leave 2 hours just in case. In other locations, the small group interviews, last about 30 minutes.

Q: Do I have to take the CPR class at the interview?
A: No, you do not have to take the CPR class at the interview but you will be required to show a valid CPR certification to complete your file and begin working. The CPR certification has to be from an "in person" class, not online. The CPR class that we offer is at a discounted rate and everyone says it is a lot of fun.

Q: What happens after the interview?
A:I will send you an e-mail with the application, guidelines, and a checklist of things you need to do in order to complete your file. After you complete your file, you are ready to go on assignments. First you will have a trial assignment, and work with an experienced sitter.

*FYI: If you RSVP and you cannot attend the interview, let us know as soon as possible. If you do not show up at your scheduled session, you will not be permitted to attend another TBC interview. Do not show up late. Plan your route and parking ahead of time. If you are late we will ask you to leave.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Rolanda's TBC Experience


I have had great assignments so far, however, the best job I ever had with The Babysitting Company was on a Saturday night with a 5-year-old girl.  We played together and we both were enjoying the moment. We played imaginary games, she made me her "client" and we did manicures, facials, etc. It was so funny and interesting. I will never forget this special little girl.  Before I left she hugged me, kissed me, and told me she loved me. It was the best experience ever!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Sitter of the Month- August

This Month I would like to feature a really special sitter, Annie. Annie not only is an awesome sitter but she has a great energy around her that always brings you in. You always want to be around her! She is sweet, kind and has a wonderful soul. Annie has been with the company for just about one year and she is our connection to Palm Beach County! We are slowly but surely expanding in that area and Annie always makes herself available when needed. Since August is Annie's big birthday month and since we love her so much, Annie is August's sitter of the Month!

Friday, August 5, 2011

Be Prepared This Hurricane Season

With Emily, Eugene, and who knows who else is on their way, it's time to prepare for ...dun dun dun...hurricane season! When working with kids, this time of year can be a bit scary. Don't worry though, here are some tips to help you get through a power outage.

1)Stay Calm- If you're anxious, the kids will know it and react. Stay calm, and even make it fun for the kids. Get excited, and say things to the kids like, "yay, fun, no power, lets play!" Make the best out of a bad situation.


2)Be Prepared- Knowing it's hurricane season, talk to the parents before they leave. Ask them where the flash lights are and spare batteries. Candles are also okay to use, but not necessarily recommended. Make sure the children do not go near the lit candle.  Never leave the kids alone in a room, keep your eyes on them at all times.

Also, make sure you arrive with a fully charged cell phone. You always want to make sure the parents can get a hold of you and vice versa. Occasionally text the parents to let them know everything is okay.


3)Prepare food- Have meals, and non-perishable foods ready. If you are taking care of a baby, prepare bottles and keep them in the refrigerator. The fridge should stay cold for a while, just make sure you only open it when absolutely necessary.


4)Have fun- If the power goes out during the day, it's easier to find activities to do. You can play board games, card games, arts and crafts, etc. However, if the power goes out at night, the task is more difficult (unless the kids are sleeping). You can still make it fun though.
-Build tents and forts
-Grab a flash light and put a shadow show on the wall. Little Bunny Foo Foo, is a personal favorite of mine.
-Ask the parents if the siblings can have a sleepover in the same room. This is a fun treat for the children, and they will feel safe.
-If the kids are old enough, playing hide and go seek in the dark is also fun.
-Grab a wireless radio, play some music, sing and dance in the dark.

I hope everyone finds these tips useful. Please feel free to share some of your favorite power outage activities, and please stay safe this hurricane season!

Love,
Elyssa and The Babysitting Company

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Monika's TBC Experience

The family that I babysit for visits South Florida every other month to enjoy beautiful weather and beaches.  One night that they came in, they took me out to dinner with the children.  After dinner, the family dropped us off at Dave & Busters to play video games and pool.  The night finished off with delicious desserts.  I enjoyed every minute of my time with the children.  I feel very blessed to have a wonderful family in my life.