TLC Family Care FAQs

Find answers to common questions about TLC Family Care’s nanny, babysitter, and newborn care services. We specialize in helping families find trusted, screened caregivers for infants, children, and households. If you don’t see your question below, our care consultants are happy to help.

Babysitters – Short-Term, Backup & Occasional Childcare
Infant Babysitters, Newborn Care & Night Nannies
Nanny Placement – Full-Time & Part-Time Nannies
Parents & Families – Working With TLC Family Care
Working With TLC Family Care - Nannies, Babysitters, and Caregivers
Still Wondering?

Babysitters – Short-Term, Backup & Occasional Childcare

Booking & Availability

How quickly can babysitting care be arranged?

Many families are matched with a TLC babysitter within a few hours. However, we cannot guarantee placement, especially during peak times, holidays, or severe weather.

Advance notice always increases the likelihood of securing care. Whenever possible, we recommend booking at least 24–48 hours in advance.

Is same-day or emergency care available?

Yes, backup and short-term babysitting may be available on short notice, depending on caregiver availability. TLC specializes in backup care, and we do our best to respond quickly when families need us most.

What is the minimum booking time?

Babysitting services have a 4-hour minimum.

For group childcare and event staffing, there is typically a 6-hour minimum due to coordination, planning, and staffing logistics.

Screening & Safety

Are TLC babysitters screened?

Yes. All TLC babysitters complete:

Criminal background checks
Reference verification
Employment history verification
In-depth screening interviews
CPR & First Aid certification
Review of professional childcare goals

We take safety seriously and screen every caregiver before placing them with families.

Are your babysitters experienced?

Yes. Our caregivers range from experienced babysitters to career nannies and childcare professionals. Many have worked in schools, daycare centers, or private households and bring professional-level care to short-term assignments.

Hotel Babysitting

Do you provide hotel babysitting services?

Yes. TLC provides professional hotel babysitting services for visiting families. Whether you are attending a wedding, conference, business dinner, or special event, we can arrange in-room childcare at participating hotels.

We coordinate directly with families to ensure a smooth and professional experience

Will the babysitter bring activities?

Caregivers may bring simple activities, books, or crafts when appropriate. We encourage families to share information about the children’s interests so we can help create a positive and engaging experience.

Event Childcare

Do you staff childcare for weddings and events?

Yes. TLC provides event childcare staffing for weddings, conferences, corporate functions, and private events.

We can:

Staff multiple caregivers
Set up supervised children’s activity areas
Coordinate age-appropriate activities
Work with event planners or venues

Advance planning is recommended for events to ensure proper staffing ratios.

How many caregivers will I need for my event?

The number of caregivers depends on:

Number of children
Ages of children
Length of event
Location and setup

Our team can help you determine appropriate staffing during your consultation.

Cancellations & Policies

What happens if I need to cancel?

Please call or text the TLC office as soon as possible. Cancellation policies and fees are outlined in our Pricing & Policies page.

Please note that a shift is not considered canceled until you receive confirmation from a TLC staff member.

What happens if a babysitter needs to cancel?

TLC works diligently to secure a replacement caregiver whenever possible. Because we specialize in backup care, we understand how critical reliability is and prioritize finding coverage quickly.

Reliability & Professional Standards

Why is reliability so important for TLC babysitters?

TLC specializes in backup and emergency care. Families often rely on us when they have no other options — for work, travel, medical appointments, or urgent situations.

When a caregiver accepts a shift, families are depending on that commitment. Reliability ensures we can continue providing dependable care when it matters most.

Can I request the same babysitter again?

Yes. If you had a positive experience and the caregiver is available, we are happy to assign them again whenever possible.

Payment & Rates

How are babysitting services billed?

Rates vary depending on:

Number of children
Location
Time of day
Type of service (standard babysitting, hotel care, or event staffing)

All pricing details are outlined in our Pricing & Policies page. Our team is happy to clarify rates before confirming your booking.

What Makes TLC Different?

Why choose TLC instead of an app?

Unlike online platforms, TLC:

Screens every caregiver personally
Conducts background and reference checks
Provides live scheduling support
Offers responsive communication
Maintains professional standards and accountability

We are not a listing service — we are a relationship-driven childcare agency with 40 years of experience.

Infant Babysitters, Newborn Care & Night Nannies

Understanding the Role

What support can I get from a newborn nanny or night nanny?

A newborn nanny or infant care specialist provides hands-on care for your baby while supporting parents during the early weeks and months.

Support often includes:

Overnight feedings or bringing baby to you for feeds
Diapering and soothing
Safe sleep monitoring
Bottle preparation and sanitizing
Infant laundry
Nursery organization
Tracking feeding and sleep patterns
Gentle guidance and reassurance for new parents

Beyond physical care, many families value the confidence and calm that an experienced newborn professional brings into the home.

What is the difference between a newborn nanny, night nanny, and infant babysitter?

Newborn Nanny (Daytime): Provides daytime care, supports routines, and assists with baby-related tasks.
Night Nanny: Provides overnight support so parents can rest.
Infant Babysitter: Provides shorter-term or occasional infant care.
Newborn Care Specialist (NCS): A highly trained professional with specialized newborn certifications and advanced infant knowledge.

During your consultation, we help determine which role best fits your family’s needs.

Booking & Timing

How much notice do I need?

Ideally, families contact TLC 2–3 months before their due date to secure overnight or newborn care.

However, we understand that babies don’t always follow schedules. Depending on availability, we may be able to assist with last-minute requests.

Can I hire a newborn nanny for just a few hours?

Yes. TLC offers flexible daytime infant care with a 4-hour minimum.

Overnight care is typically scheduled in longer blocks to ensure meaningful rest for parents.

How long do families typically hire night support?

Some families hire night care for 2–6 weeks, while others continue for several months. The timeline depends on:

Feeding preferences
Parental recovery
Work schedules
Sleep goals

We can structure support to taper as your baby grows.

Responsibilities & Expectations

Do infant nannies help with household chores?

Their primary focus is newborn care. They typically handle baby-related tasks such as:

Bottle cleaning
Infant laundry
Nursery organization
Keeping feeding areas tidy

They are not housekeepers or family cooks, though light baby-related tasks can be discussed directly with your caregiver.

If I choose a live-in newborn nanny, when do they get time off?

Live-in nannies are “on site” but not on call 24/7.

Most families provide:

5 working days with 2 consecutive days off
A defined daily schedule (often 10–12 hours)
A private bedroom and bathroom
Clear expectations about overnight responsibilities

Establishing a written agreement helps ensure clarity for both parties.

Cost & Investment

What do newborn nannies cost?

Rates generally range from $25–$45 per hour and vary based on:

Experience and certifications
Overnight vs. daytime care
Live-in vs. live-out
Schedule complexity
Location

Highly specialized Newborn Care Specialists may command higher rates.

We provide personalized rate guidance during your consultation

Sleep, Feeding & Safety

Can a night nanny help with sleep training?

Yes. Many newborn professionals support gentle sleep shaping and age-appropriate routines.

Formal sleep training typically begins around 4–6 months, but your nanny can lay a healthy foundation early by encouraging consistent sleep habits.

Can a night nanny help if I’m breastfeeding?

Absolutely.

Even if you are exclusively breastfeeding, a night nanny can:

Bring baby to you for feeds
Handle burping and diaper changes
Settle baby back to sleep
Track feeding patterns

Some families introduce one pumped bottle periodically so the breastfeeding parent can enjoy a longer stretch of uninterrupted rest.

Are infant nannies trained in safety?

Yes. TLC infant caregivers are:

CPR-certified
Knowledgeable in safe sleep practices
Experienced in newborn care basics
Familiar with emergency procedures

Safety and professionalism are core expectations of our team.

Matching & Availability

Do I get to meet multiple newborn nannies?

We aim to present highly qualified candidates who align closely with your needs.

Depending on timing and availability, you may meet one or several candidates. Our goal is to make the match so thoughtfully that multiple interviews are not always necessary.

What happens if my nanny gets sick or has an emergency?

If your primary caregiver becomes unavailable, TLC will do our best to support you.

Depending on scheduling and availability, we may be able to provide a qualified caregiver from our backup network to help ensure continuity of care.

You’re Not Meant to Do This Alone

Will hiring a night nanny interfere with bonding?

No.

Many parents find that being well-rested allows them to be more emotionally present and engaged during the day. Night nannies support parents — they do not replace them.

Bonding happens through loving, consistent care — not exhaustion.

Is it normal to need help?

Yes.

The early postpartum period can be beautiful and overwhelming at the same time. Bringing in professional support is not a sign of weakness — it’s an intentional decision to care for your baby and yourself.

Nanny Placement – Full-Time & Part-Time Nannies

Nanny Matching & Process

How does TLC Family Care match families with nannies?

TLC offers a personalized, relationship-driven placement process. We take time to understand your family’s schedule, parenting style, household dynamics, and long-term goals. We then introduce you to carefully screened, experienced nannies who align with your needs — not just on paper, but in personality, communication style, and values.

We believe a successful placement is about fit, not just availability.

What types of nanny placements do you offer?

We offer:

Full-time and part-time nannies
Long-term and short-term placements
Newborn Care Specialists
Household managers
Temporary and backup care
Private concierge-level placements
Each search is customized to your family’s needs.

What is the placement process?

Our typical process includes:

Initial consultation
Needs assessment and family profile creation
Candidate search and screening
Family interviews
Trial period (if requested)
Offer support and contract guidance
We remain involved throughout the process to ensure a smooth transition.

How long does it take to find a nanny?

Timing varies based on schedule requirements, location, flexibility, and the complexity of the role.

Many families are matched within 2–4 weeks. Highly specialized roles or very specific schedule requirements may take longer. We prioritize quality over speed to ensure a lasting match.

Screening & Safety

What background checks are completed?

All TLC caregivers complete:

Multi-step screening interviews
Professional reference checks
Criminal background checks
Verification of experience and certifications
CPR/First Aid verification (when applicable)

We screen thoroughly so families can feel confident from the start.

Are your nannies employees of TLC?

Placement nannies hired for long-term roles are typically household employees of the family. We provide guidance on payroll, tax compliance, and best practices so families stay compliant with employment laws.

For temporary and backup care, caregivers may be employees or contracted providers through TLC.

Costs & Policies

How does pricing work?

Full details are outlined on our Pricing & Policies page, and we are happy to walk you through options during your consultation.

What is included in the placement fee?

Placement fees cover:

Recruitment and sourcing
Screening and vetting
Interview coordination
Offer negotiation guidance
Contract templates and support
Replacement support within the guarantee period

We are invested in making sure your placement is successful.

What happens if the nanny is not the right fit?

While we aim for excellent matches, we understand that sometimes circumstances change.

We offer a replacement guarantee within a specified timeframe, as outlined in our policies. Our team works closely with both families and nannies to resolve concerns before they escalate.

Expectations & Employment

Is there a contract?

Yes. We strongly recommend a written work agreement. TLC provides guidance and templates that outline:

Schedule and duties
Compensation
Paid time off and holidays
Communication expectations
Confidentiality

Clear expectations protect both the family and the nanny.

What questions should I ask my nanny?

Families often ask about:

Experience with children of similar ages
Childcare philosophy
Discipline approach
Daily routines and activity ideas
Transportation and driving record
Long-term availability
Comfort with household tasks

We provide interview guidance to help you feel prepared.

What questions will the nanny ask me?

Professional nannies typically ask about:

Daily schedule and expectations
Parenting style
Household rules
Benefits and paid time off
Communication preferences
Long-term plans

Strong candidates are thoughtful and invested in long-term alignment.

Compensation & Benefits

What is the average pay rate for a nanny?

Rates vary based on:

Experience level
Number and ages of children
Schedule complexity
Additional responsibilities
Location

We provide current market guidance during your consultation to ensure competitive and fair compensation.

Do I need to provide benefits?

For full-time, long-term roles, industry standards typically include:

Paid holidays
Paid time off
Guaranteed hours
Mileage reimbursement (if driving is required)

Offering competitive benefits helps attract and retain high-quality caregivers.

Confidentiality & Professional Standards

Are your placements confidential?

Yes. We treat family information with the highest level of discretion. Many of our private placements require additional confidentiality agreements.

What makes TLC different from online platforms?

Unlike online job boards, TLC:

Personally screens every caregiver
Conducts reference and background checks
Provides ongoing support
Guides employment best practices
Offers replacement support

We are a relationship-driven agency, not a listing service.

Parents & Families – Working With TLC Family Care

Working With Caregivers

How does TLC Family Care screen caregivers?

All TLC caregivers complete a multi-step screening process that includes interviews, reference checks, criminal background checks, and verification of childcare experience and certifications.

Can I meet the babysitter before they start?

Before your assignment begins, the babysitter will typically call or text to introduce themselves and connect with your family.

If requested, we can also provide access to the caregiver’s public profile so you can review their experience, background, and qualifications.

Can families request the same babysitter again?

Yes. Many families build relationships with caregivers they enjoy working with. If the caregiver is available, TLC will do its best to schedule them for future assignments.

What should families prepare before a caregiver arrives?

Families can help assignments run smoothly by sharing important information such as:

Children’s routines and schedules
Emergency contacts
Allergies or medical needs
House rules and expectations

Clear communication helps caregivers provide the best care possible.

Scheduling & Support

How quickly can I get childcare?

In many cases, TLC can arrange babysitting or backup care within a few hours, depending on caregiver availability and your location.

For long-term nanny placements or newborn care, families typically begin the process several weeks in advance so we can thoughtfully match you with the best candidates.

Providing more notice generally increases the likelihood of finding the ideal caregiver.

What happens if my babysitter is unavailable?

If your babysitter experiences an emergency or unexpected situation, TLC will do its best to secure a qualified replacement from our caregiver network.

While replacement care cannot always be guaranteed, our staffing team works quickly to help families maintain coverage whenever possible.

What happens if a concern comes up during a job?

If a question or concern arises during an assignment, families can contact the TLC team for support. Our staff is available to help resolve issues, clarify expectations, and help ensure the assignment runs as smoothly as possible.

Employment & Pricing

Are TLC caregivers employees of TLC?

It depends on the type of service.

For nanny placements and personalized in-home babysitting arranged through TLC, caregivers working in the family’s home are typically considered household employees of the family, not employees of TLC. In these situations, families pay the caregiver directly and manage the employment relationship.

For backup care programs arranged through employer benefits, caregivers may be scheduled and paid through TLC or a partner organization depending on the program structure. Additionally, babysitters assigned to events, hotels, or childcare centers are paid through TLC, which assumes responsibility for employing the caregiver.

Our team is happy to explain how payment and employment work for your specific service before care begins so everything is clear.

How does pricing work?

Pricing varies depending on the type of service requested, such as babysitting, nanny placement, or newborn care. Rates may also vary based on the schedule, location, and caregiver experience.

Your TLC consultant will review all applicable fees with you before services begin so you understand the full cost upfront.

Learn more about our pricing here.

About TLC

Who are the people working behind the scenes at TLC?

TLC Family Care has a dedicated internal team of more than 20 staff members who support families and caregivers every day. Our team manages scheduling, recruiting, client support, and caregiver coordination to help ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.

You can learn more about our team here.

What areas does TLC Family Care serve?

TLC proudly provides professional nanny and childcare support in the following locations:

Florida: Apopka, Boca Raton, Cape Coral, Clearwater, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Hialeah, Jacksonville, Kendall, Kissimmee, Miami, Miami Beach, Orlando, Palm Bay, Port St. Lucie, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Winter Garden

Georgia: Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Candler Park, Canton, Clarkston, College Park, Conyers, Cumming, Dacula, Douglasville, Duluth, Dunwoody, East Point, Fairburn, Fayetteville, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Lithonia, Loganville, Mableton, Marietta, Morrow, Norcross, North Decatur, North Druid Hills, Powder Springs, Riverdale, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Stockbridge, Stone Mountain, Suwanee, Tucker, Union City

Illinois: Arlington Heights, Bolingbrook, Chicago, Cicero, Des Plaines, Edison Park, Evanston, Hinsdale, Lincoln Park, Oak Lawn, Skokie

Missouri: Brentwood, Chesterfield, Clayton, Creve Coeur, Des Peres, Kirkwood, Ladue, Olivette, O’Fallon, St. Louis, Tower Grove, Town and Country, Webster Groves

North/South Carolina: Charlotte, Concord, Cotswold, Eastover, Foxcroft, Freedom Park, Hembstead, Montford, Myers Park, Pineville, Providence Park, Providence Plantation, South Park, Fort Mill, Rock Hill

Tennessee: Memphis, Nashville

Texas: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Plano, Preston Hollow

Virginia: Colonial Place, Midlothian, Manchester, Mechanicsville, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Richmond, Short Pump, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg

If you do not see your location listed, please contact our team. We are continually expanding our service areas and may still be able to assist.

Working With TLC Family Care - Nannies, Babysitters, and Caregivers

Why Choose TLC

Why should I work with TLC Family Care instead of finding families on my own?

Working with TLC Family Care gives you consistent opportunities, support, and protection you don’t get when working independently. We connect you with families, coordinate scheduling and communication, and provide a trusted organization behind you so you can focus on what you do best: providing excellent care.

Getting Started

What kind of support does TLC provide caregivers?
When you work with TLC, you’re backed by a dedicated team. We provide:

Clear job details before each assignment
Ongoing communication and support
Help resolve concerns or questions
Guidance on best practices in caregiving

You’re never “just on your own.”

What are the benefits of working with TLC Family Care?

Caregivers who work with TLC enjoy:

Flexible scheduling options
Competitive pay rates based on experience
Access to families seeking professional childcare
Opportunities for both short-term and long-term placements
Ongoing support from our staffing team

Many caregivers appreciate the ability to choose assignments that fit their schedule while building relationships with great families.

What types of jobs are available?

TLC caregivers may receive opportunities for:

Backup childcare shifts
Occasional babysitting
Hotel babysitting services
Event childcare staffing
Long-term nanny placements
Newborn and overnight care

Assignments vary depending on your experience, availability, and location.

What do I need to apply?

Applicants must have:

At least 1 year of verifiable childcare experience
A valid driver’s license (for many positions)
The ability to pass a criminal background check
A clean motor vehicle record (MVR) if driving is required
Professional references

Our goal is to work with nannies, babysitters, and caregivers who take childcare seriously and want to provide reliable, high-quality care to families.

Do I need CPR and First Aid certification?

Yes. Caregivers must have current CPR and First Aid certification.

If you do not currently have certification, TLC offers an online CPR/First Aid training option for $14.95 to help caregivers meet this requirement.

Pay & Opportunities

How much can I earn?

Pay varies depending on:

Experience level
Type of job (backup care, babysitting, nanny placement, etc.)
Schedule and responsibilities
Number of children

Many earn competitive hourly rates aligned with local market standards.

Can I work part-time or occasionally?

Yes. Many employees work with TLC on a part-time or flexible basis. Others accept frequent assignments or pursue long-term nanny placements.

You can choose opportunities that match your schedule and goals.

Scheduling & Availability

How does scheduling work?

Caregivers provide TLC with their availability through our scheduling system. This availability helps our team match you with shifts that fit your schedule.

We ask caregivers to:

Maintain at least 2 weeks of availability
Ideally, keep schedules updated 4 weeks in advance

When your availability is accurate and up to date, TLC can match you with more opportunities.

How does auto-booking work?

TLC uses an auto-booking system to quickly assign caregivers to shifts that match their reported availability, experience, location, and personal preferences. Caregivers set preferences such as travel distance, comfort working with pets, age groups they prefer to care for, and other important details. Once these preferences and availability are established, our system uses them to match caregivers with appropriate assignments.

Caregivers are responsible for keeping their availability accurate and updated, so we only schedule them when they are truly available.

Can I still choose which shifts I work?

Yes. Caregivers control their availability; therefore, you control your schedule and can update your calendars anytime.

Because TLC relies on availability to schedule shifts, it’s important to only mark times when you are truly available to work and notify us if your preferences change.

Once a shift is assigned, families rely on that commitment.

Why is reliability so important?

Many TLC families request care because they do not have other backup options. They may need care to attend work, important meetings, or unexpected situations.

When a caregiver is scheduled for a shift, that family is counting on them. Reliability is one of the most important qualities for caregivers working with TLC.

Caregivers who are dependable often receive:

More frequent job opportunities
Requests from repeat families
Opportunities for longer-term placements

The TLC T.E.A.M. Point System

What is the TLC T.E.A.M. point system?

The T.E.A.M. point system stands for:

Transparency
Excellence
Accountability
Mutual Trust

This system recognizes babysitters and caregivers who demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and strong communication.

Employees earn points through consistent performance and participation in TLC shifts.

What do TEAM points do?

Employees who maintain strong TEAM scores may receive:

Priority consideration for job opportunities
Increased trust with repeat families
Eligibility for monthly bonus incentives

The system helps reward employees who consistently show up prepared, professional, and dependable.

Support From TLC

Will TLC support me if I have questions during a job?

Yes. Our staffing team is available to assist caregivers and families when questions or unexpected situations arise.

We want every assignment to be successful for both the caregiver and the family.

Can working with TLC lead to a long-term nanny job?

Yes. Many caregivers begin by working short-term or backup shifts and later transition into long-term nanny placements through TLC.

This can be a great way for families and caregivers to get to know each other before committing to a permanent role.

Professional Expectations

What makes a successful TLC caregiver?

Successful TLC caregivers are:

Reliable and punctual
Professional in communication
Engaged and attentive with children
Respectful of family homes and routines
Prepared to represent TLC well

These qualities help caregivers build strong relationships with families and grow their opportunities within the TLC network

Can caregivers bring their own children to assignments?

No. TLC caregivers are expected to focus fully on the children they are assigned to care for. Personal guests, including children, are not permitted during assignments unless specifically approved in advance.

Still Wondering?

What makes a TLC caregiver different?

TLC caregivers are selected for their professionalism, experience, and commitment to providing excellent care. Our screening process and ongoing support help ensure that families receive reliable, qualified childcare professionals.

Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help. Contact TLC Family Care to speak with a care consultant and learn more about your options.