This new program could help young parents sleep better at night

Members of a local healthcare staffing agency who introduced trishaw bike rides for seniors are considering another community-based program — this time, for young families.

Kristy Delavalle from Superior Staff it Inc. has released a survey to determine if there’s enough interest in Sault Ste. Marie for a night-time nanny service.

Called Night Nanny, the program would be designed to give exhausted parents some extra rest while their infants and little ones (traditionally three and under) are cared for by trusted professionals throughout the night.

The idea came to Delavalle when she recently began wanting a child of her own.

“I was looking for services and seeing what’s available to new moms and parents,” she said. “I came upon an article that outlined what a night nanny was, and there’s nothing really like it in the Sault or surrounding area.”

“A lot of people don’t have family members who can relieve them for just one night so they can get a good rest,” she added.

Separating itself from the standard babysitting services, Night Nanny promises to offer customized support as tailored care plans can be created to fit each family’s unique needs.

Superior Staff it Inc. will hire nurses who have a background in neonatal care and pediatrics, while early childhood educators and experienced nannies would also be considered for the program.

Having served the community for eight years in other healthcare facets, the agency will handle the pre-screening, interviewing, background checks, payroll, liability insurance, scheduling, and other administrative tasks.

“We create files for everyone,” she said. “We’d connect the family to the person we feel would fit best with them. You can feel safe knowing we’ve done the work for you. These people all have CPR training and all the additional things you’d want them to have before they’re even sent to you.”

“We already do the hiring process for all these other designations, so we have a really good system working for us,” she added.

While she greatly appreciates the work that daycare services and other like-minded businesses are providing for families in the Sault, Delavalle senses there’s still a significant demand for a program like hers.

“There’s a lack of options for childcare and these types of services in the Sault,” she admitted. “We initially considered this as a night-time nanny service, but honestly the options are endless. If our employees are looking to supplement their income, I’m sure they can get a shift for two hours in the morning or after school to help mom and dad out.”

While the costs are yet to be determined, Delavalle wants to reassure families there will be affordable options.

“We’re willing to work with people on that,” she said. “We’re also looking into grants and anything that would help new parents and moms. We do try to cater to everyone, so it would be reasonably priced.”

Bookings are not yet available for the service as Delavalle wants to collect feedback from her survey first.

For more information on Night Nanny, readers can email [email protected] or call 705-450-5683 ext. 201.

“Everybody wants that balance in their life, and that stems from a good night’s rest,” she said. “If we’re offering this service to young parents who just need one night off a week, then we’re certainly able to do that.”