Why Not Hire a Sitter Directly?

Because NeuroNest provides coverage, training, and backup care that private arrangements can’t.

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Why do sitters contract through NeuroNest instead of working directly with families?

Great question—and an important one for everyone’s safety and peace of mind.

1. Liability Protection for Families

When sitters contract through NeuroNest:

  • All sitters are covered by company liability and accident insurance, protecting families from personal liability.

  • Sitters have completed background checks, CPR/First Aid, and specialized NeuroNest training.

  • In the rare event of an incident or injury, NeuroNest—not the parent—is responsible for handling documentation, support, and next steps.

Working privately with a sitter does not provide this protection, and families may unknowingly assume liability.

2. Consistency, Quality, and Professional Standards

Our sitters are trained in:

  • Neurodiversity-affirming care

  • ABA-informed behavior supports (without rigidity)

  • Sensory strategies

  • Visual schedules, transitions, and communication

  • Emergency/safety protocols

We use:

  • Clear expectations

  • Ongoing support and coaching

  • A professional code of conduct

This ensures families get safe, consistent, high-quality care every time.

3. Backup Support and Coverage

When a sitter is contracted through NeuroNest, families receive:

  • Help finding a backup sitter when someone is sick or unavailable

  • Access to trained, ready-to-step-in caregivers

  • Support from the NeuroNest coordinator (aka you!) for troubleshooting, accommodations, or unexpected situations

Working privately offers no backup plan, which often leaves families scrambling.

4. Safety, Documentation & Professional Oversight

NeuroNest manages:

  • Emergency procedures

  • Incident reporting

  • Medication or allergy alerts

  • Behavior support strategies

  • Clear boundaries for safe sitter-family interactions

This keeps everyone protected—parents, children, and sitters.

5. Ethical & Sustainable Pay Structure

Sitters set their rates, and families pay them directly to ensure:

  • Transparent, fair pay

  • No hidden fees

  • No under-the-table arrangements or tax issues

  • Long-term sustainability for sitters and the company

Contracting privately often leads to inconsistent pay, blurred lines, or miscommunication.

Why shouldn’t families hire the sitter directly?

We totally understand the temptation—but working outside the NeuroNest structure creates real risks:

No liability coverage
No documentation or support
No safety oversight
No ongoing training
No backup plans
No protections for either party

By staying within NeuroNest, families protect themselves, and sitters receive professional support—creating a safe, ethical, mutually respectful system.