Much like modern dating, your next babysitter could be just a swipe away. Meet Lindsay Lekkalapudi and her husband Naveen, two local parents who have experienced first-hand the difficulty of finding a babysitter for their son. Their solution? Building OtayChattanooga’s new childcare app.
Lekkalapudi said the app, which currently has a 70:30 babysitter-to-parent ratio, is designed to put an end to common problems like back-and-forth messaging and last-minute cancellations. Oh man, it’s time to break down the navigation.
For the parents
- Join the platform for $2 a month — Bonus: Sign up for an “Annual Subscription” and receive a six months free trial.
- Create a profile detailing your needs, information about your children and what you are willing to pay.
- Browse through the babysitters and select the ones you want on your list.
- Add “Shifts” to your calendar. You can select a specific babysitter to notify, or have the notification sent to your entire team.
- As soon as a babysitter takes over the shift, you will receive a confirmation text message. There is a backup system, so if a babysitter is unavailable, another will be notified that the shift is free.
“There is an easy alternative to daycare. I think people forget that it’s time to take a break and be more than just a mom.” – Lindsay Lekkalapudi.
For the sitters
- Join the platform for free – all babysitters are background checked by the Otay Intake Team.
- Fill out your profile with details such as education, work experience and salary.
- Swipe to find the parents you want to collaborate with.
- Take on shifts that fit your schedule.
Note: Payments between parents and babysitters are handled outside of the app, but babysitters can add their Venmo information to their profile for easy access and track their earnings through the app.
Lekkalapudi said the features will likely change over time and adapt to growing needs. She added that parents + babysitters can soon expect a rating system and house manuals (think: Instructions, rules and other necessary information from parents). Stay up to date on Instagram.
Would you like to meet the minds behind the app? Come to Otay for Opening party on Saturday 24th August, where you can socialise with other parents and meet some of the babysitters.
