To become a First Steps Sitter or Nanny, please complete the application below.
This submitted application will be turned into your Profile upon acceptance to be seen by First Steps families when awarded a job or if being considered for a nanny position. Please be detailed, and highlight your childcare experience. In addition, please provide at least two childcare specific references (this is not a family member, friend or other sitter/nanny who referred you). These references will be contacted and must provide a reply prior to your interview with a First Steps representative. Please notify your references that a First Steps representative will be contacting them in order to expedite the process.
Your resume does not have to be childcare specific, but if you are seeking a part-time or full-time nanny position, a childcare resume is best. If uploading a professional resume, please provide plenty of childcare experience details where prompted.
Once your application has been submitted, you will be directed to a confirmation page and receive a confirmation email to the email address you provide. If for some reason you do not receive confirmation, your application may not have been received. Please contact webmaster@firststepsnetwork.com with any application submission issues. Thank you!
Are you currently Employed?
Are you CPR certified?Pediatric CPR certification is a requirement for First Steps membership. You have six weeks from your application submission to complete this in-person training.
Are you comfortable using an Epi pen?
Do you smoke cigarettes?
Reference #1
Reference #2
Do you have a current valid driver's license?
Do you have your own mode of transportation?
Do you own your own car?
Do you hold current and valid automobile insurance?
First Steps requires all childcare providers to be pursuant of, or have already completed, higher education.
Have you ever plead no contest, nolo, or guilty to a crime (misdemeanor or felony) or been convicted of a crime (misdemeanor or felony)?
Are there any charges pending against you?
Do you currently have any health complications, or limitations, that would be important for someone hiring you to be made aware of?
In order to become a member of First Steps you must agree to a background check. Do you comply?
Upload your resume (Max size: 10mb, File types allowed: pdf, doc, docx, jpeg, png, jpg)
Please upload a professional picture to accompany your sitter profile (Max size: 10mb, File types allowed: jpeg, png, jpg)
Applicant Release and Authorization
Please check here to indicate that you agree to complete - and maintain - an Evident background check. The request will be provided by First Steps following your interview.
Agreement to Background Check Fee
Please check here that you agree to pay a total of $39.99 to cover the cost of your initial background check, and then $19.99 automatically each year thereafter. The cost of your background checks is all that you will pay to First Steps.
Continuing Education Requirement
You must receive within six weeks, and keep current, your in-person pediatric CPR certification. You are responsible for independently maintaining your CPR certification.
Provider Agreement
First Steps Network is a third-party, referral agency that serves to connect independently contracted childcare providers to childcare seekers. In order to become an independent contractor with First Steps Network, you must agree to the following minimum standards of conduct by checking the box beside each statement. Violation of this agreement in any way may result in immediate removal from First Steps Network. As a childcare provider with First Steps Network, I agree to national, state and local criminal background checks, including sex offender registry checks, and motor vehicle reports. I understand that First Steps Network may obtain Background Reports throughout my relationship with them. As an independently contracted sitter or nanny with First Steps Network I will pay a $39.99 non-refundable initial fee for my background check, and $19.99 annually thereafter. I will not dispute these charges and agree to provide a cancelation request prior to my annual subscription renewal date in order to opt out and not be charged. If my background check or references are unsatisfactory, I will not become a sitter with First Steps Network and understand my background check fee is non-refundable.
I understand that I must acquire, and maintain every two years, my pediatric (infant and child specific) CPR certification. I understand I must personally pay for the cost of this certification. I understand that failure to do so will result in no longer being part of First Steps Network.
I understand that I am an independent contractor, not an employee of First Steps Network. Therefore, I am responsible for my own taxes, insurance, etc.
I understand that my actions are a reflection of First Steps Network at all times. Because of this, I will be responsible in the choices I make outside of jobs with First Steps Network families, as well as my presence on social media outlets.
When I commit to a job, I will show up promptly, at the specified date and time that the family and I have agreed upon. If I am late, I will not accept payment for that time and understand that tardiness without adequate and/or cited emergency is unacceptable and grounds for removal from First Steps Network. If I do not show up at all for a job, I agree to offer to sit for the same allotted time free of charge at a new set date and time or know I may be removed from First Steps Network.
If I need to cancel a sitting job for any reason, I will contact First Steps Network immediately so the job may be re-routed and re-filled. I will also call, email and/or text message the parent(s) I am scheduled to work for immediately.
I will never use physical punishment (i.e. spanking, grabbing, etc.) or verbal profanity, steal from a client, leave child(ren) unattended, smoke cigarettes, or use alcohol or any illegal drugs while sitting for a member of First Steps Network.
I understand that First Steps Network does not set pay rates, but agree with the suggested pricing as listed on the website. I will discuss my rate before hired and seek guidance from First Steps Network if and when needed.
I understand that if a pay rate is posted within a job, and I accept that job, the rate is non-negotiable.
I understand that I will be paid directly in a numerous amount of ways; including but not limited to cash, check, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, etc. I will be open minded and courteous to make these transactions seamless.
I understand that if I receive more than two (2) negative evaluations from First Steps Network families, I will no longer be a member with First Steps Network. I understand that First Steps Network may remove me from its network at any time should any situation(s) occur and the consequence deemed necessary.
I will follow all instructions requested by First Steps Network families. If I am unsure about how to perform something [i.e. bed or bath routine, administering medicine or bottle(s), adequate number of diaper changes, etc.], I will not hesitate to ask upfront or contact the First Steps Network parent(s).
I will never disengage from the child(ren) by using my cell phone, laptop or any other personal device(s), studying, reading, etc. unless the children are asleep. In addition, I will not use a First Steps Network family computer or personal device(s) without permission.
I understand that screen time should not be the default method of entertainment while I am sitting. Screens I will limit, or avoid without parent approval, may include but are not limited to television, computers, tablets, smartphones, etc.
I will always clean up/pick up after the child(ren) and myself making sure the house is in the same condition - if not a better one - as when I arrived. This includes, but is not limited to, food, dishes, toys, clothing etc.
If I am uncomfortable with a First Steps Network family pet, I will inform the parent immediately to arrange for an environment comfortable for both parties involved. I will never harm a First Steps Network family pet.
If I am driving, I will ensure the child(ren) are secure in their car seat(s) and/or seat belt(s) and will drive carefully and follow all traffic laws. I will not talk or text on my cell phone or break any driving laws (i.e. speeding, rolling through a stop sign, etc.) while driving with First Steps Network child(ren) in the vehicle I am operating.
I will keep all personal First Steps Network family information private and will not share information with others.
I will never share pictures of First Steps Network children, homes, personal property or possessions online or electronically and understand by doing so without permission is a violation of First Steps Network individual and family rights.
I will not spend time in First Steps Network family home rooms outside of common area(s) occupied by guest(s) and child(ren), child(rens) room(s), kitchen and bathroom(s).
I will not have friends over unless previously approved by First Steps Network families.
I will not wear inappropriate or revealing attire while sitting for First Steps Network families. I will always wear attire appropriate for engaging with child(ren).
I will remain awake and not sleep or nap while sitting for First Steps Network unless told otherwise by parent(s). *Need not apply for overnight positions.
I will always take responsibility for my actions and be respectful while sitting for First Steps Network families.
I will not request/befriend/connect with any First Steps child(ren) on social media and/or online platforms or applications.
I have read the Terms of Use Agreement, Privacy Policy and Copyright for First Steps Network and agree to all terms and conditions. By using this Website, I hereby represent, warrant, understand, agree to and accept all terms and conditions contained herein.