Sitting Terms & Conditions
Emergency Childcare Services
Sitting Terms & Conditions
EFFECTIVE AUGUST 13, 2026
1. Registration Fee
The Client will pay Emergency Childcare Services (“ECS”) a non-refundable registration fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00). The Client will receive access to ECS services upon completion of all required registration documents.
2. Hourly Rates
The Client shall pay twenty-five dollars ($25) per hour for care of up to two children.
3. Additional Children
a) For Clients with three (3) children, an extra fee of $1.00 per hour will be charged in addition to the hourly rate.
b) For Clients with four (4) children, an extra fee of $2.00 per hour will be charged in addition to the hourly rate.
c) For Clients with five (5) or more children, please contact us regarding our extra fees.
4. Booking Minimums
a) The minimum booking is 4 hours of care.
b) The Client will be billed for all hours reserved, even if care concludes earlier than expected. If care extends beyond the reserved time, additional hours will be added to the invoice.
5. Overtime Pay
In accordance with applicable federal and state wage-and-hour laws, overtime will be charged for hours worked over 40 in a workweek when required by law. If the same Sitter works more than forty (40) hours within a given week for the Client, the Client will pay time-and-a-half for each hour exceeding forty (40), based on the hourly rate assigned. If the Client wishes to avoid overtime charges, ECS will supply a second Sitter for any hours exceeding forty (40) at the standard hourly rate.
6. High-Demand and Holiday Dates
Requests for care on the following high-demand dates will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis: New Year’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, the evening of Valentine’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. For these dates, there will be an additional six dollars ($6.00) per hour on top of the base hourly rate. Service is not guaranteed on: Thanksgiving weekend, Memorial Day weekend, or the weekends before and after Christmas. The hourly rate for the dates surrounding the stated high demand date is the standard rate outlined in Section 2.
7. Cancellation, Credits & Refunds
Registration fees are non-refundable. If the Client cancels a scheduled babysitting service, no cash refund will be issued. Eligible amounts paid will be issued as a service credit that must be used within ninety (90) days of the original scheduled service date. Unused credits expire after 90 days. If ECS must cancel because the assigned Sitter becomes unavailable and ECS is unable to provide a replacement, the Client will receive a refund for amounts paid toward the canceled service.
8. Last-Minute Care
If the Client requests care with fewer than twenty-four (24) hours’ notice, and ECS is able to secure a Sitter, the Client will pay an additional twenty-five dollar ($25.00) last-minute request fee in addition to the hourly rate.
9. Sick Care
If the Client’s child becomes ill within twenty-four (24) hours of the scheduled care, the Client will notify ECS immediately. A child will be considered sick if exhibiting a fever over 101°F, vomiting, diarrhea, or any other significant symptoms. The individual Sitter will determine whether they are willing to provide care to a sick child. If the Sitter elects to provide sick care, an additional four dollars ($4.00) per hour, in addition to the hourly rate, will apply. If ECS is not notified in advance and the Sitter arrives at a home where a child is sick, a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) inconvenience fee will apply in addition to the sick-care rate.
10. Out of Town Guests
Guests of registered Clients who reside outside ECS’s service area may utilize ECS’s services by completing a Non-Registered Client Agreement. The registered Client will be responsible for all fees associated with both their own booking and the booking made on behalf of their guests.
11. Working Conditions
The Client will provide safe, sanitary, and appropriate working conditions for all Sitters. Appropriate working conditions include, but are not limited to, a clean and safe environment free from hazards, adequate climate control, and access to necessary childcare supplies. For overnight
assignments, the Sitter will be provided with a designated sleeping area that includes a bed with fresh linens and access to basic bathroom facilities. ECS reserves the right to deny or discontinue services if the working conditions are determined to be unsafe, unsanitary, or otherwise unsuitable for the Sitter or the children in care.
12. Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, the Sitter will determine whether they feel safe traveling to and from the Client’s home. ECS cannot guarantee service during hazardous weather conditions. If the Client wishes to ensure service during inclement weather, the Client may offer to provide transportation to and from the Sitter's home. Transportation arrangements will be made directly with ECS to ensure the safety and comfort of the Sitter.
13. Payment
The Client will maintain an active credit card or bank account on file with ECS for billing purposes. ECS will charge the Client for all hours
requested, based on the schedule submitted and confirmed. Payments made via ACH (bank draft) will not incur a processing fee. Payments made via credit card will incur a three percent (3%) processing fee. The Client will ensure that all payment information remains valid and up to date.
14. Late Fee
If payment, updated billing information, or authorization is not received within five (5) days of invoice issuance, a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) late fee will be assessed. Additional late fees may apply for continued non-payment.
15. Meet and Greet
Upon request, ECS will schedule a Meet and Greet between the Client and the assigned Sitter. The Client will be billed for the duration of the meeting, and booking minimums will not apply to Meet and Greets. If no meet and greet Is necessary, the Sitter will call to introduce themself to the client once the booking Is scheduled.
16. Transportation Policy
Sitters are not permitted to transport children in their personal vehicles, or in a Client's vehicle. This includes transportation to or from school, activities, appointments, errands, or any other location. Parents or guardians are responsible for arranging all transportation for children during scheduled care.
17. Medication Policy
Sitters do not administer prescription, or over-the-counter medication to children. Parents or guardians are responsible for administering all required medication. Clients must disclose relevant allergies, medical needs, and emergency information before care begins so the Sitter has the information needed to respond appropriately in an emergency.
18. Revision of Sitting Terms and Conditions
ECS may revise these Terms and Conditions by providing written or electronic notice to the Client. Revised rates and policies will apply prospectively beginning on the effective date stated in the notice.
19. Referral Policy
We value Client referrals and offer free childcare incentives for every successful referral. For each referral, you will receive four (4) free hours of care or you can gift the care to your referral to use. Please send referrals to hr@emergencychildcareservices.com. Thank you for supporting our business!
Additional Childcare Services Offered
20. Overnight Care
Overnight care is provided through a customized proposal based on the children’s ages, anticipated awake hours, duties, and total duration. Pricing begins at $200 for up to 12 hours.
21. Vacation Assistance
For Clients interested in vacation assistance, a customized proposal will be offered. Pricing is based on the dates, location, number of children, hours, and duties the Sitter or Caregiver is responsible for. Please contact us at hr@emergencychildcareservices.com