Most agencies have the same levels of vetting (fun a background check, then call references). If you want some with more getting than that, ask any of the local agencies for someone who has been a sitter with them for at least 2 years who has parents request them again.

Whitehouse nannies and college sitters and nannies (or something like that) are two I have used through work provider back up care. But, these will be very expensive.

Why don’t you get to know some kids in the neighborhood. I’d have greater confidence in a family that I knew and they would be far less expensive.

Do you have friends, co-workers, or neighbors you could ask for recommendations? I would trust their vetting more than that of an agency.

Hi, any recommendations for the safest babysitting agency in the VA or DC area? We are totally new to this and though personally I am more comfortable with the idea of getting a babysitter for a few hours here and there, my husband is very paranoid about a stranger babysitting our kid, so any agency that has the highest level of vetting of sitters would be best to start our search with. Thanks in advance!