Interview with Genevieve Thiers of SitterCity.com

Sittercity is a privately-owned corporation founded in 2001 and is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). With over 150,000 caregivers nationwide, Sittercity is a way for parents and caregivers to contact each other and set up childcare jobs. Founder Genevieve Thiers spread the Sittercity message over twleve major colleges in Boston on foot to gather an opening database of 600 babysitters (and many blisters) within three weeks. Parents love the service for the accessibility it gives them to talented, caring babysitters and nannies, and sitters love it for the range of jobs it provides. Connecting Moms conducted an interview with founder Genevieve Theirs.

Q: Can you tell us about your company and site www.Sittercity.com?
A: Sittercity.com is America’s largest, most easily accessible database for babysitters and nannies. With over 150,000 caregivers nationwide, we think we’re the Web’s best way for parents and caregivers to contact each other and set up childcare jobs.

Q: How did you come to develop such a service?
A: I was a college sitter, and one day I saw a pregnant mom walking up the 193 steps from Boston College’s lower campus to its upper campus. I was horrified, so I took the flyers she was posting for a sitter, sent her home, and posted them for her. While I was posting one next to an elevator, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if someone created one place in a city where parents could go to find care in that city?” And Sittercity.com was born.

Q: Many mothers and parents are often hesitant to hire Nannies and babysitters, how does your company address this?
A: We actually make finding sitters and nannies safer than it was before. Before, parents would talk to pals or place a classified ad. You never know who you are getting. On Sittercity.com, we have over 150,000 sitters, with references, feedback from parents, background checks, interview info, detailed profiles, pictures … it’s just incredible. It’s entering sitter heaven.

Q: What criteria do your sitters need to fulfill in order to become employed?
A: They must be over seventeen and have one childcare reference. We have an internal Q/A department that makes sure that these criteria are filled. They also have the option to purchase a background check on themselves and post it for parents to see. This is very popular!