Finding reliable childcare is one of the most overwhelming parts of motherhood. Luckily, Birmingham has plenty of options to meet the specific needs of your family. Here are four unique for childcare services in Birmingham.
1. Twinkle Toes Birmingham
Twinkle Toes Birmingham is a franchise that is locally owned and operated. They place thoroughly-screened nannies with families based on specific desires and needs. Payment, scheduling, conflicts, and back-up care are handled through the service. Twinkle Toes offers full time care, part time care, newborn care, date night and occasional care, summer/school break care, and temporary/travel care.
Process:
- Book a free consultation to discuss your family’s needs.
- Twinkle Toes sends a short list of applicants to choose from.
- Twinkle Toes coordinates an in-home interview.
- You provide feedback to Twinkle Toes if you want to move forward with the nanny you met or refine the search.
- Twinkle Toes handles scheduling and payments.
Safety:
All potential nanny candidates must complete eight extensive screening checks with Twinkle Toes before they are considered for a placement. Screenings include: county criminal check, county civil check, sex offender registry, motor vehicle check, social media/online review, verified written references, face to face interview, and CPR certification.
Cost:
- Full time starts – $22/hour
- Part time starts – $23/hour
- Additional per hour, per child – $2
- Holiday rate (may vary) – $32/hour
2. Moxi
Moxi offers Montessori-inspired infant, toddler, and preschool care that includes co-working, fitness, and community for parents. It was built by local moms and there are two locations (Homewood and Birmingham). You pay a monthly membership and book the specific childcare coverage as needed. Both Moxi locations are open Monday–Friday 8am–5pm.
Process:
- Download the Moxi app, create a profile, and choose the membership plan that best serves your family.
- Build your custom childcare schedule – Moxi offers 3, 6, or 9 hour sessions with a ton of flexibility. You can add or edit sessions through the app anytime.
- The Moxi app allows real time updates to check in on your kiddo or update the teacher on needed information.
Safety:
Moxi is fully licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Both childcare facilities have cameras in each classroom to support safety and security. Caregivers are trained in early childhood development and CPR-certified. Moxi offers industry-low caregiver ratios for higher quality care. They take care of their teachers by offering paid time off, benefits, and paid family leave.
Cost:
You pay a membership fee plus childcare coverage fees. Healthy, nutritious snacks are included in both full-day and half-day care. A balanced lunch is included with full-day bookings and can be added to half-day bookings for an additional $8.
Membership Fee options:
- $78/month (billed monthly, 12 month commitment)
- $68/month (paid upfront, 12 month commitment)
- $500/one time payment
Childcare Coverage Fees:
- Full days starting at $16/hour
- Half days starting at $18/hour
- Afternoons starting at $21/hour
Childcare Coverage Price varies by session length and child’s age. Live pricing is available in the app.
3. Au Pair in America
Au Pair in America is America’s first Au Pair agency. Au Pair is a term for a childcare provider who lives with a host family as part of an international exchange program. To become an au pair, candidates must meet these basic program requirements:
- 18 – 26 years old
- Minimum of 200 hours of recent childcare experience
- Not a United States Citizen, interested in cultural exchange
- Provide up to 45 hours of weekly childcare assistance
Process:
To become a host family you:
- Register online and submit a host family application
- Search and interview Au Pairs
- Invite and Confirm your match
The average time it takes host families from registration to the au pair’s arrival is 8-12 weeks.
Safety:
This is an established program with a large support network working to ensure a smooth process. The Au Pair in America team includes the following members: childcare consultant, placement coordinator, community counselor, regional program manager, and a 24/7 emergency assistance team.
There is also a comprehensive, multi-tiered screening process in order to become an Au Pair in America. Applicants must:
- Have 200+ hours of recent childcare experience
- Complete program-led training and training from trusted partners like AAA and American Red Cross.
Cost:
The cost to host an au pair varies depending on the program you choose, incidental costs, and the state you live in. However, many families find hosting an Au Pair to be more cost effective than hiring a nanny. On average, a host family can expect to spend:
- Annual Fees – $11,660
- Minimum Weekly Stipend – $195.75
- Education Stipend – up to $500
- Room and board
- Additional costs to consider: incidental costs, SIM card, car insurance
4. Wyndy
Wyndy is an easy-to-use site that allows families to meet and book college babysitters and nannies. The site was founded by a family in Birmingham and ensures safety and trust by thoroughly screening each sitter, performing extensive background checks, and verifying their student status. Booking, communication, and payment is completed through the site or app.
Process:
- Post a job
- Easily review, book, and pay sitters through the app.
- Save sitters your family loves so you can offer them your next job.
Safety:
The Wyndy team screens every babysitter and nanny. Each candidate must complete an extensive vetting process that includes:
- A comprehensive Online Application
- Personal Interviews completed by the Wyndy team
- Sterling Background Checks: We partner with Sterling for in-depth background checks, ensuring reliability and safety.
- All Wyndy babysitters and nannies are either currently or previously enrolled in a Wyndy-approved college or university.
- Each sitter must provide at least one reference from a family they have previously worked with.
- After every babysitting or nanny job, Wyndy caregivers are rated and reviewed by families, fostering a community of trust and excellence.
Cost:
There is an annual membership fee for a Wyndy parent subscription of $191.99 though there does appear to be a free trial.
You set the hourly rate when you post a job, and you’ll always see a full cost breakdown before you confirm a booking. You are able to use the site without a membership by paying additional fees, including a 20% service fee per booking.
Have you used any of these childcare services? Are there any local services we missed?
If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day Out Program or other regular part-time childcare, be sure to check out this list!
Mother’s Day Out & Part-time Childcare Programs in Birmingham
