Having several different people caring for the twins was never an issue. Every new bluebird had been briefed about the babies and our home so orientation was always quick and easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get gift certificates, or arrange for a third party to make payments?
At what time does night time coverage take place?
Will we have the same bluebirds every night?
Will we meet all the bluebirds before they comes to our home?
What is your cancellation policy?
Are bluebirds allowed to bathe the babies?
Are bluebirds expected to go into a home when the family members are ill?
May bluebirds be alone with the babies when the parents are out?
Are bluebirds allowed to look after other siblings?
How long has the company been in operation?
Are there specific office hours when we can reach you?
Do we pay each bluebird directly?
How are bluebirds hired?
What training do you provide to bluebirds?
Can you provide information for company-reimbursable flexi-dollars?
Can we get gift certificates, or arrange for a third party to make payments?
Absolutely. Gift Certificates are available in all denominations as gifts from friends, family and colleagues. Shower gifts in the form of a gift certificate are always most welcome. Parents or relatives may be billed if they request us to do this.
At What time does nighttime coverage take place?
Generally bluebirds arrive at 9:00 p.m. and leave at 7:00 a.m, although a degree of flexibiliy exists in special circumstances. Book time for each other with a "date night" when bluebirds arrive at 7 pm!
Will we have the same bluebird every night?
Generally we will have several bluebirds working with each family, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. For most new clients following a consultation and birth, a visit from a senior member of our team will be one of the first of our associates to come to your house to evalutate and help plan for getting your newborns into healthy productive sleep pattern. Unlike many other agencies, we invest heavily in training and education to establish a consistency in "The Bluebird Way" and to establish a personal rapport.
Will we meet the girl before she comes to our home?
Generally this is not possible unless they are doing a 24 hour shift although compatibility is of paramount importance to The Bluebirds, and is ensured with regular feedback between our clients and managers. Invariably you will have met Kate Hall or another Senior Manager who will give you a detailed background about the bluebirds who will be coming to your home. Once you have met Kate or a manager and have a full understanding of our philosophy and practices, we believe you will understand and appreciate the breadth and knowledge of our associates.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for 24 hours notice at all times. If one of the twins is taken to the hospital and we only have one baby to care for, then the single rate would be charged. Other cancellations made without the normal 24 hours notice will incur a charge of 50% of the regular evening fee.
Are bluebirds allowed to bathe the babies?
Yes on a day or early evening shift, but not on a night shift that starts at 9.p.m. Between 9 p.m. and 7a.m. we are trying to let the babies know it is sleep time and we keep them calm and quiet.
Are bluebirds expected to go into a home when the family members are ill?
Because we work with a variety of newborn infants, it is essential that on the rare case when family members are infected by cold, flu or any transmittable illness (especially conjunctivitus more commonly known as "pink-eye") that we reschedule your care for that evening. Similarly, bluebirds know that if they are under the weather, they must not go to work as protecting the health and safety of the newborns under our care is of paramount importance.
May bluebirds be alone with the babies when the parents are out?
Yes, but there is a caveat to this. Under no circumstances are bluebirds allowed to drive any kind of car with infants inside nor may any associate of our company dispense medication. Please understand that our insurance does not cover either of these situations and violation by an associate is a dismissable offense. We ask your understanding and consideration of this policy.
Can bluebirds look after other siblings?
Our focus is on newborn infants, and looking after older brothers and sisters might detract from this mission so generally we do not look after other siblings while newborn infants are in our care. However for extended care or when we travel with you on holiday, we often work in conjunction with parents to look after older children along with the newborns.
How long has the company been in operation?
The Bluebirds first began working with twins in 1991, although founder Kate Hall has been working with newborn infants in the field of early childhood development for over 40 years. Our company formally became a business entity in Massachusetts in January 2001 and in Florida in 2008.
Are there specific office hours when we can reach you?
We are available to registered clients 24/7. Others may reach us during our regular office hours of 8 am to 6 pm seven days a week. Please click here to contact us.
Do we pay each bluebird directly?
No. While many agencies retain their people only as Independent Contractors and require you to pay them directly there are several reasons The Bluebirds doesn't do this. Although the IRS provided a specific exemption for nannies to act as Independent Contractors, the Massachusetts Legislature has revoked this exemption. In addition, Independent Contractors by definition receive no training from the agency and they provide their own insurance that may or may not be checked by the agency that you hire. If you are paying your help directly, it is your responsibility to ensure you provide them with a 1099 form at the end of the year and there are additional tax implications arising from this.
At The Bluebirds, you are able to enjoy peace of mind knowing that all this is taken care of. As valued employees (we prefer the term associates) we provide a very high level of liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, benefits and tax statements to everyone that works for us. We pride ourselves on exceeding expectations and this extends to everyone who works for The Bluebirds.
How are bluebirds hired?
Our hiring process is extensive as we take only the very best on our training program. Minimum requirements are five years of experience in childcare with a focus on newborn and early infant development. Criminal background checks are performed in all states or countries where an applicant has resided for over a year. Additional background checks are also performed internally and independently. Professional and personal references are required and are checked orally and in writing.
What training do you provide to bluebirds?
Our unique training program pairs a trainee with an experienced bluebird to introduce them to "The Bluebird Way" before training with a member of senior management to ensure they fully understand and are able to clearly implement all that is expected of them. Only after a senior manager has signed off on their performance, competance, appearance and understanding of our philosophy do we award the coveted title of "bluebird."
Our company prizes teamwork, dedication, timeliness, knowledge, compassion, appearance, flexibility, honesty, and a ongoing thirst for knowledge. We simply do not tolerate anyone who engages in shortcutting, guesswork, lateness or who is not a complete and total team player. Our reputation is everything to us; everyone who works here regardless of their job or position is fully committed to our concept of excellence through teamwork. Our training is geared toward reflecting this ethos.
Can you provide information for company-reimbursable flexi-dollars?
Most certainly. A number of companies offer tax-free dollars that may be put toward childcare for which Bluebirds' services most often apply. We are always able to provide copies of invoices or summaries for tax or employment purposes.