Frequently Asked Questions
Browse our common questions and answers
Is there a cost to join SwapSitters? TEST
Is there a cost to join SwapSitters? TEST
We’re launching our founders membership at $99/year. This includes enhanced background and DMV check, reference check, and one year of unlimited access to:
- Hourly childcare
- Transportation to school and activities
- Care-Credit tracking
- Compatibility matching with other families
- Access to private, members-only Face Book (FB) page
- Communicate and post care requests in our members-only FB chat
- Privately message other members
- Browse members FB profiles before swaps
What can I use my SwapSitters membership for?
What can I use my SwapSitters membership for?
Our community is built to help you swap care for your most important family members! Currently, members can swap for:
- Hourly Childcare
- Transportation to and from school and activities
What is a Pilot Group?
What is a Pilot Group?
The SwapSitters Pilot Community is a small, intentionally selected group of families helping us build SwapSitters the right way.
The Pilot Community serves as a real-world testing ground, where families help us:
• Test the care-swap model
• Share honest feedback
• Identify what works—and what needs improvement
• Shape the future of SwapSitters before broader expansion
• Determine whether this model truly improves quality of life for families
Can I choose who I swap with?
Can I choose who I swap with?
Absolutely!
SwapSitters connects families with the most compatible matches based on lifestyle, preferences, and individual circumstances—giving you a great starting point for care swaps.
You’re always free to:
• Post swap needs in the community chat
• Swap with any family you feel comfortable with
• Decide whether a swap is a good fit for your family
If a care swap doesn’t feel right, you are never obligated to swap with that family again. SwapSitters is built on choice, comfort, and mutual respect.
Who’s behind this anyway?
Who’s behind this anyway?
SwapSitters was founded by a Lakewood mom who refused to accept that quality childcare had to be expensive, stressful, or isolating.
Like many parents, she saw that while the old-fashioned neighborhood “village” had faded, the need for it hadn’t. SwapSitters grew from a personal mission to rebuild that sense of community—creating a safer, smarter, and more connected way for families to support one another, share the load of modern parenting, and truly thrive.
How do I earn and use Care-Credits?
How do I earn and use Care-Credits?
As we launch our pilot community, here’s how Care-Credits work:
• Every family starts with 15 free Care-Credits
• Except for free credits, credits are earned before using them
• Credits are interchangeable (Eg: You can give rides and use those credits for hourly childcare)
• Care-Credits are earned by giving childcare or rides to other families
• SwapSitters tracks and logs all credits earned and used
What are the membership options?
What are the membership options?
Is SwapSitters safe?
Is SwapSitters safe?
Yes—safety is our top priority.
All SwapSitters members are verified, with the following safety checks:
• Expanded county, state, and national background check
• Motor Vehicle Record check
• Two personal reference checks
SwapSitters recommends every family meet in person at the host home before arranging a swap. We provide a general guide map for a safe swap exchange, a guide for interviewing the host family, and templates to send families who don’t feel like the right fit for your family.
In addition, we provide families with tools and guidelines to help them get to know one another and exchange care with confidence.
What if I need to cancel a swap?
What if I need to cancel a swap?
We understand that cancellations can sometimes be unavoidable. At the same time, dependability and trust are essential to building strong, supportive communities on SwapSitters.
Care providers (Hosts)
• Cancellations due to circumstances beyond your control may require documentation to avoid penalties
• Repeated or unverified cancellations may result in graduated consequences, up to and including removal from the platform without refund
Parents receiving care
• Never penalized for cancellations
SwapSitters is built on mutual care and respect for one another. Whenever possible, notifying the other family as early as you can is always the most respectful approach—regardless of the situation or which party is canceling.
What if something goes wrong during a swap?
What if something goes wrong during a swap?
At SwapSitters, our mission is to provide you with the highest quality ‘ingredients’ for a successful swap—including rigorous background checks, reference verification, and compatibility matching. However, SwapSitters does not provide direct care; the actual swap is a private arrangement between two families.
We empower you to handle challenges by:
• Providing the Tools: Our ‘Care Question Guide’ ensures you’ve discussed emergency contacts, allergies, and house rules before the swap begins
• Setting Expectations: We encourage all families to meet in person and follow our ‘Guide to Choosing Trusted Swap Care’ to ensure a high level of comfort
• Providing Guidance: If a disagreement occurs regarding credits or community standards, SwapSitters is here to mediate and offer guidance to keep our pilot group healthy
Ultimately, trust your instincts. If a situation doesn’t feel right, you are never obligated to move forward with a swap. We are here to help you find the match that feels like family.
During our pilot phase, your feedback on every swap is invaluable. We use your experiences to constantly refine our safety standards and community guidelines.
I don’t need child care right now. Should I wait to sign up?
I don’t need child care right now. Should I wait to sign up?
We recommend joining at least two weeks before you actually need care.
SwapSitters isn’t last-minute childcare—it’s about finding the right families. It takes time to:
• Complete safety checks
• Share lifestyle and preference details
• Get matched with compatible families
• Meet in person and make sure it feels right
We even encourage a short “trial swap” (1–2 hours) before a full exchange—and yes, you can earn care credits for that too.
There’s no pressure to swap right away. Joining early simply gives you time to build trust, connections, and peace of mind—so when you do need care, your village is already there.
Why is a background check required?
Why is a background check required?
• To ensure every member can swap care with peace of mind
• To keep SwapSitters a secure space for our children, and members
Safety is the foundation of our “Village.” This is how we keep our village safe.
How does the background check work?
How does the background check work?
• Receive a secure screening link after joining (Payment Confirmation page + Stripe email)
• Approve your check through TruDiligence
• Results typically return in 1–2 business days
What’s checked:
- Identity Verification
- National, state, and county criminal registries
- National, state, and county sex offender registries
- Motor Vehicle Record
Once verified and approved:
• Email confirmation sent
• Access granted to the members-only Facebook group
Privacy:
• Your report is private, other members never see it
• Report is ONLY seen by the vetting department
• Your SS# data is stored directly into TruDiligence encrypted portal
• Members know you’re verified if you’re on the platform
⚠ Submit the background check approval only once
📩 Questions: SwapSittersCO@gmail.com
👉 Read the Full Background & Safety Disclosure here
What if I have something on my record from a long time ago?
What if I have something on my record from a long time ago?
We believe in safety—and we also understand that people have histories.
• Minor, non-violent traffic violations or outdated civil matters typically do not disqualify a member
• Our screening focuses on anything that could pose a safety risk to a child in a home environment