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Sitter background checks
Every check a sitter passes before they can take a job.
On this page
Every sitter on Wyndy passes a multi-step verification before they can work with families. A sitter can't apply to a single job until the Wyndy team has reviewed their application and every check has cleared.
The checks every sitter passes
| Check | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Application review | The Wyndy team reviews every application by hand, including childcare experience and written answers. |
| Identity & SSN trace | Run through Sterling. It uses the sitter's Social Security Number and data from more than 10,000 sources to confirm who they are and cover the places they've lived. |
| Criminal records check | National, state and county criminal records. Any possible match is checked against official court records. |
| Sex offender registry | A search of the Family Watchdog national database, which brings together public sex offender registries. |
| Phone number | Confirmed with a one-time code, like every Wyndy account. |
| College enrollment | When a sitter lists a college, Wyndy confirms it in one of three ways: the National Student Clearinghouse, a school .edu email address, or an uploaded document such as an acceptance letter. |
Who can apply
To be a sitter on Wyndy, you need all of these:
- You're 18 or older. The app checks your birthday and says "You must be 18 to apply."
- A driver's license and a Social Security Number, for the background check.
- Reliable transportation.
- At least one year of childcare experience.
What sitters fill in for the check
The background check is part of the sitter application in the app. It opens with a Background Check screen: "To finish applying you need to complete a background check." It lists three points: "Complete in less than 5 minutes", "Your data is securely processed" and "Get the best jobs".
-
Enter your Legal Details.
Your Social Security Number, your Driver's License Number and the state that issued it. The screen notes that this information "is only used to perform a background check". -
Read the FCRA Disclosure and turn on I agree.
You confirm you've received the Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and that you've read and understand it. -
Read the Background Check Disclosure and turn on I agree.
You confirm you've received the Disclosure Regarding Background Investigation. -
Sign the Background Check Authorization.
Turn on Click here to sign. That's your digital signature: "By clicking this box, I digitally sign and certify that the information I have provided is correct." Turn on Send me a copy of my background check too if you want a copy. That one is optional. -
Add your Legal Name and Current Mailing Address.
These come right after the sitter membership step. Legal first, middle and last name (turn on No middle name if you don't have one). For the address, tap Search Your Address. Apt / Suite / Floor is optional. -
Confirm your college in the College History Check.
Search for your school, then confirm with a .edu email or upload a document. See Applying to Wyndy for every step.
Tap Continue on each screen to move on.
After you submit
The app shows "Our team is reviewing your application". On average, review takes 2 to 3 business days, and the team sends updates by email, so check it regularly. While you wait, you can tap Edit My Profile to add more profile details.
When you're approved, you get a push notification: "You're approved! Your Wyndy sitter account has been approved. You can now start applying for jobs!"
If your application isn't approved, the app shows "Application Rejected". It may list the broad requirements, such as being 18 or older, passing the background checks, prior babysitting experience and a high-quality application. Tap Contact Wyndy or Contact support if you think it's a mistake. If you started a sitter subscription, the screen reminds you to cancel it to avoid future charges, with a Manage subscription button.
What parents see
Parents see the results on every sitter profile, so you don't have to take anyone's word for it.
- Background-checked sits among the numbers at the top of the profile. Tap it to see what Wyndy checked.
- The Wyndy Verified section lists each check. Tap a check to open what it covers and who ran it. It opens with "Every sitter on Wyndy completes a multi-step verification before they can work with families."
- The sitter's college shows College verified once it's confirmed.
- Learn the differences between sitter and parent verification opens "How Wyndy Verified Works", which compares the sitter checks with the parent ID check.
- Have a question? Message Wyndy Support sends a note to the Wyndy care team about that sitter.
When a sitter shares their profile card, it only says "Background checked" if they've passed Wyndy's checks.
Good to know
- Your SSN and license number are used only for the background check. They don't appear on your profile.
- Parents are verified too, with a one-time ID check. See ID verification for parents.
- A background check is one layer of safety. Read reviews, message the sitter, and trust your judgment too. Our safety page has more.
Questions
Can a sitter work before their checks clear?
No. Sitters can't apply to jobs until they're approved, and approval comes after the checks.
Who runs the checks?
Sterling runs the identity and SSN trace. The sex offender registry search uses the Family Watchdog national database. College enrollment is confirmed through the National Student Clearinghouse, a .edu email or an uploaded document.
How long does review take?
On average, 2 to 3 business days. Check your email for updates from the team.
I have a question about a sitter's verification. Who do I ask?
Open the sitter's profile, scroll to Wyndy Verified, and tap Have a question? Message Wyndy Support.
Related
Still stuck? Open the Wyndy app and go to Me, then Help, or contact the Wyndy team.