Can I have a babysitter or nanny come to my home?
California currently permits babysitters and nannies to provide in-home child care. Child care workers should adhere to basic prevention guidelines.
California permits child care programs, day camps and other education or recreation programs to enroll all children; essential worker families and vulnerable populations may receive priority enrollment. Nannies and babysitters are also allowed for all families.
How can I find a babysitter or nanny?
Sittercity is a web-based resource that helps families find pre-screened, in-home caregivers for occasional or long-term care. The Sittercity membership fee is covered by the UC system (subject to bargaining unit participation) or UCSF. Individuals pay for the services of the caregivers they hire through Sittercity (this service includes free basic background checks).
Other websites, such as Urbansitter.com and Care.com, are available for families to find occasional or long-term babysitters or nannies. Resources to find other families interested in share care include Care.com and Wunderhood. Since these programs are not administered by either the UC system or UCSF, membership fees may apply.
Another alternative is for families to get nanny leads through their neighborhood parent groups. You might want to check local neighborhood parent groups on Facebook, Nextdoor and Google Groups.
What are my child care options?
California’s public health order currently allows child care facilities to be open with necessary modifications. MyChildCare.ca.gov provides an interactive map of qualified licensed child care providers.
Through UCSF’s Child Care Referral Service, an experienced counselor can provide referrals to licensed centers and licensed family child care homes in addition to information on other related services. (fix link)
Some members of the UCSF community (faculty, residents, clinical fellows, students) have access to Bright Horizons’ Back-Up Care Program. This program provides in-home or center-based care when a family’s regular caregiver is unavailable. Co-pays and utilization allocations apply. To learn more about the program and to check eligibility, please visit the Back-Up Care page for faculty and residents/clinical fellows and the Student Back-Up Care page. (fix links)
What are child care centers doing to reduce risk of virus transmission?
Licensed child care programs are required to abide by the COVID-19 Guidance for Child Care Providers and Programs issued by the state of California, as well as local public health mandates. These requirements involve mask protocols, proper ventilation, cleaning and disinfection practices, and more. Visit MyFamily.ucsf.edu for more information on COVID-19 guidance for various child care and educational settings.
I’m struggling to juggle child care and my job responsibilities. How can UCSF help?
Learn how UCSF is Supporting Employees Through the Challenges of Balancing Work and Child Care Needs. Please refer to the UCSF Child Care Decision Tool for a high level overview of available options. In addition, HR’s COVID-19 FAQs for Employees offers information on emergency paid sick leave, financial planning services and more.
What resources are available for COVID-19 testing for child care providers?
California is increasing testing capacity daily, and has a comprehensive listing of testing locations on the state’s Testing and Treatment website. This site includes the requirements for each testing location.
In San Francisco, essential and frontline employees (including those who are not experiencing symptoms) can be tested at a CityTestSF location. Essential and frontline workers include those working in child care settings as well as those providing home-based care for children.
Who can I contact for more information?
Contact myfamily@ucsf.edu with questions.
