Your use of of our services constitutes your agreement to our Terms and Conditions (please review here)
Do you verify credentials and references? What about background checks?
Yes, we check credentials and references. Our caregivers are interviewed and their work history is reviewed before we make introductions. Most of our caregivers have already obtained the “Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (PIC-VS)” conducted by the Vancouver Police Department.
What is the hourly rate for a caregiver?
The hourly rates for most caregivers range from $19.00 to $22.50 per hour (with some flexibility). On-call rates are $19.00 per hour. For long-term employees, this is inclusive of payroll taxes, deductions and fees. Some of our short-term and on-call caregivers have the option of working as our subcontractors. However, many criteria factor into the hourly rate (e.g., hours worked, number of children cared for, age of the child, responsibilities/tasks and driving).
Your rate is a bit higher than what we normally pay. Why is this?
We believe that in-home childcare is a profession and only work with experienced caregivers. We know each caregiver personally and believe in compensating them well. We treat them “like family” and have found this to be a critical component of their performance and their reliability. Our caregivers genuinely love children and supporting families.
Does Kidcoover pay WorkSafe insurance on employees and subcontractors?
Yes, we most certainly do.
Who do I pay?
Families pay Kidcoover directly, as Kidcoover manages all payroll and salary responsibilities for caregivers. We require pre-authorized credit information or bank transfer information prior to the first booking.
What if the invoiced amount is not correct?
Our accounting team is focused on accuracy. However, no charges are processed until 1 business day has elapsed from the time the invoice is sent to you. This gives you the opportunity to review the invoice and alert us of any necessary adjustments – which will be cheerfully made.
Is there an additional agency fee?
Generally-speaking, no. All fees are already incorporated into our hourly rate. However, if you are hiring a caregiver for a long-term assignment and wish to convert the caregiver to being your full-time employee (i.e., you assume all employer related obligations), then a placement fee of 10% of the annualized payments will apply if you do so before 12 months have elapsed. Of, course many families opt to continue with Kidcoover – and let us handle the paperwork.
What about employer obligations and taxes?
We remain the employer of record for full-time, long-term caregivers and assume the regulatory and reporting responsibilities, including benefits (e.g. MSP) and payroll taxes. Some of our short-term and on-call caregivers work for Kidcoover as regular subcontractors.
Are caregivers available on short notice?
Yes. An additional $15 fee will apply to all same-day bookings.
Is it mandatory that we meet with a Kidcoover representative prior to booking?
The safety of our caregivers is a priority. Generally, we require a meeting with the family/parents and (when possible) visit the home location prior to the booking. However, we recognize that many bookings are on short notice and can accommodate you with a bit more information for security purpose.
Will you definitely be able to find me a caregiver?
No. We cannot guarantee that we can find you a caregiver that works perfectly for your family situation. However, we are committed to searching every possible option and presenting caregivers for you to meet with.
What if I need to cancel? We understand that plans and needs can change on short notice. Our cancellation policy requires the following: 1 day notice for full-day booking cancellations; 2 hours notice for evening babysitting cancellation. Please note that same day cancellations are subject to 3 hour charge plus $15 service fee..
Are you a licenced employment agency?
Yes. Kidcoover holds an employment agency licence in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia (Ministry of Labour).
What about confidentiality?
Your privacy and confidentiality is a priority to us. Our company and our caregivers recognize the sensitive nature of working within a private home and engaging with your family. From registration through booking, we keep your information and family details confidential and refer to them only for purposes of providing experienced care within your home. This information is subject to release, only as required by law or by law enforcement authorities and to such authorities.