By Elaine Wilson, AFPS
Jan. 29, 2010
elaine.wilson@dma.mil
When I was a single mom in the Air Force, I often stressed about finding childcare. The on-base child development centers offered excellent care, but often had a wait list. So, I basically was left to my own devices to find a qualified care provider, not an easy task when new to a city or country.
Recognizing these ongoing childcare – and, for some, pet care — dilemmas, the Defense Department has stepped in to help with a new resource called Sittercity.
Sittercity is the nation’s largest online source for local babysitters, nannies, elder care providers, dog walkers, housekeepers and tutors, and contains more than a million caregiver profiles.
The Sittercity Corporate Program, funded by the Defense Department, offers military families — including active duty, Guard and Reserve — with a paid membership to the site. Military members and their families can activate their membership by going to http://www.sittercity.com/dod.
The paid membership gives military families entry to a custom-built Defense Department Web site portal where they can match up caregivers to their situation; gain instant access to caregiver profiles that include background checks, references and reviews; and find military-certified care providers as well as caregivers who are military-subsidized and have authorized access to a military installation.
While the Sittercity membership is free, servicemembers are responsible for the hiring and payment of caregivers.
I’m glad the Defense Department is stepping in with resources like this one to help our military families. If you use the service, please don’t hesitate to share your feedback.
For more information, read the article I wrote about the program: “Military Families Get Free Access to Caregiver Network” or visit the military’s Sittercity site.