Background check FAQs
Q: What is changing?
A: Beginning July 1, 2025, all sitters will be required to pass an annual background check in order to access features on SitterTree.
Q: Why is this changing?
A: In order to build a trusted community, SitterTree is strengthening our screening requirements for sitters who want to access features on our platform. We understand that completing a new background check costs time and money, and we don't take this lightly. Your willingness to go the extra mile for safety speaks volumes about your genuine care and concern for children. And, we hope you’ll see this as an investment in your child care career.
Q: How much does the background check cost?
A: Background checks cost $19.99.
Q: What payment methods do you accept for the background check cost?
A: All major credit or debit cards are accepted. Prepaid debit cards are not accepted.
Q: How do I know if/when my background check is expiring?
A: Your background check will expire 365 days from your completion date. To view your completion and expiration date, view your background check badge details. To access, tap Badges on your side menu, then select your Background Check Badge. If your background check is expiring within the next 30 days, you will see a yellow banner stating your expiration date when you log into the app or website. Once your background check has expired, you will see a red banner with a link to complete a new background check.
Q: My background check is expiring. What do I need to do?
A: If your background check is expiring or has expired, click the link in the yellow or red banner to purchase and complete a background check. You may continue applying to jobs until your background check has expired. However, you may not be booked for jobs with a start date after your badge expiration date.
Q: My background check expires July 1, 2025. What if I am already booked for jobs with start dates after my background check expires?
A: If your background check expires on July 1, 2025 and you were previously booked before July 1, 2025, you will remain booked. However, you will need to pass a new background check to apply to new jobs after July 1, 2025.
Q: What if I apply to jobs that start after my background check expiration date?
A: Your application will be recorded, but groups and families will not be able to book you. Once you pass a new background check, your previous application(s) will be visible and groups and families can book you.
Q: What will happen if I don’t renew my background check before the expiration date?
A: Once your background check badge is expired, you will need to pass a new background check to apply to jobs.
Q: My background check already expired. Can I still renew it?
A: Yes, you can complete a new background check at any time. To complete a new background check, click the link in the red banner or click apply to any job to receive a prompt to “Go to background check.”
Q: I completed my new background check! Now what?
A: Most background checks are completed within 24 hours. Once your badge expiration date is updated, you may continue accessing features and applying to jobs. We recommend completing a new background check in advance of your expiration date to avoid a gap.
Q: How is the new background check different from the old background check?
A: Beginning in November 2024, SitterTree upgraded our background check to a Premium Essential Alias background check in an effort to strengthen our screening process. The premium check includes a social security trace, national criminal search, sex offender search, and county-level checks for every known alias. The premium check does not include a motor vehicle record (MVR) check, which was previously a part of the Basic Background Check.
Q: What is included in the new background check?
A: The Premium Essential Alias background check includes a social security trace, national criminal search, sex offender search, county-level checks for all known aliases, where law permits.
Q: How often will I have to pass a background check?
A: All sitters are required to pass an annual background check to continue accessing features on SitterTree.
Q: How long does it take to complete the new background check?
A: It takes about 3-5 minutes to complete a background check.
Q: What will I need in order to complete my background check?
A: You will need your government-issued photo identification, social security number, and a valid payment method.
Q: When will I receive my background check results?
A: Most background check results are received within 24 hours. You will receive an email from Checkr when your background check is complete, or if any additional information is required from you to complete it. You can also check the status of your background check or view the results by logging into Checkr’s Candidate Portal.
Q: Can I use a previous background check from another source or job?
A: SitterTree does not accept reports from previously completed background checks. SitterTree partners with Checkr to receive specific and current reporting to determine if a sitter is eligible to access our platform.
Q: I have questions about my background check. Who should I contact?
A: You can check the status of your submitted background check by logging into Checkr’s Candidate Portal. If you still have questions or concerns, contact SitterTree Support at support@sittertree.com.