WorkLife

In-home child care

Last updated: June 10, 2024

Ensure your peace of mind when hiring someone to work in your home by using trusted services to find care and conduct background checks for you. Whether you need care for one afternoon or are looking for a full-time live-in nanny, as a UW employee you have various options.

Sittercity membership

As a PEBB-eligible UW employee or student, you have access to a free Sittercity membership, which includes tools for connecting with babysitters, including virtual babysitters and caregivers who can manage small-group learning pods.

With your SitterCity membership, you can run an unlimited number of basic background checks on prospective caregivers and view results of those you previously completed. You can also get an enhanced background check for an additional fee (ranging from $20-$60).

Many people find that Sittercity is a great solution for finding care once they have used all of the annual back-up care visits they have available.

To access Sittercity tools and resources, visit Bright Horizons UW website and locate the “Find sitters, nannies, pet care and more” card under care programs for your family; click “use it” to access the registration page. This will bring you to UW’s Sittercity homepage, where you will create a username and password to gain access and begin to search for care solutions.

Already registered with Sittercity? You can use your existing username and password to access the SitterCity website. You will need to contact Sittercity membership services at 1-888-748-2489 to have your existing account associated with the University of Washington

Nanny and au pair discounts

Through Bright Horizons, PEBB-eligible UW employees and UW students can access discounted, local high-touch nanny placement services through Jovie Nanny Placement. Current discount includes 50% off the Jovie one-time registration fee of $200 for your nanny or sitter. Please note, hourly rates and placement fees vary and are subject to change. To connect with Jovie, visit Bright Horizons UW website and click “use it” under the “Get discounted nanny placement” card. This will bring you to the College Nannies website, where you submit a short inquiry form. Your local Jovie office will make contact within 48 hours to begin the consultation process.

The Whole U has partnered with local nanny and au pair services to help UW families hire a nanny full-time or part-time, or to arrange nanny shares. Visit The Whole U Discount page and search for child care discounts from the drop-down menu.