FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Asked by families, written in plain English. If we're missing something, tell us.
Common questions
- Is this only for kids with autism?
- No. We serve families of children with autism, IDD, and a broad range of special needs. We also serve families of adults with autism or IDD.
- How young is too young?
- We don't set a hard floor. Tell us about your kid; the Sidekick can decline if it's not a fit, and we'll find a better one.
- Can Sidekicks work with adults?
- Yes. Many of our DSPs work with adult clients during the week and prefer adult bookings.
- Can you help me find a Sidekick for an adult family member with autism or an intellectual / developmental difference?
- Yes. We serve adult bookings as a first-class use case — adult autism, IDD, and supported-living scenarios. See our dedicated landing page (/for-families/adult-bookings) for details and to start a booking. Many of our Direct Support Professionals prefer adult clients.
- What is the difference between you and a public-program in-home support service?
- Two short ones. (1) Public programs (Idaho's vouchered program for kids with qualifying diagnoses, and the DD Waiver self-directed services) are funded by Medicaid or state vouchers — they require qualifying paperwork and the caregivers typically come from the family's existing support network. (2) We are private-pay, no insurance, no Medicaid, no waiting list — and the Sidekicks are off-duty pros from the SpEd, RBT, DSP, and paraeducator world. Many families use both. Our guides cluster has a longer plain-English comparison (/guides).
- Who are the Sidekicks?
- Off-duty pros — Registered Behavior Technicians, Direct Support Professionals, paraeducators, and special education teachers — who already work with kids like yours during the week.
- Are they background-checked?
- Yes. National criminal check and the National Sex Offender Public Registry, paid by us. References are called by hand. We re-check annually.
- What can a Sidekick NOT do?
- Administer medication. Run a behavior plan. Carry out formal protocols. Document anything as a session note. Their professional credentials stay with their day jobs.
- Can I request the same Sidekick every time?
- Yes. Favorite a Sidekick and we boost them in your matches. Many families build long relationships with one or two Sidekicks.
- How much does it cost?
- Sidekick Pass $100/month for 3 hours. Sidekick Pass+ $200/month for 7. Drop-in $45/hour. There's a one-time $50 onboarding fee on your first drop-in booking.
- Do hours roll over?
- No. They reset on the 1st of each month.
- What happens if I cancel a booking?
- More than 48 hours notice: free. 12–48 hours: 50% charge to you, 50% pay to the Sidekick. Less than 12 hours or no-show: 100% to both.
- Is this licensed childcare?
- No. Idaho exempts occasional, irregular care from licensing. Each Sidekick is operating in that exemption when they take a booking.
- Do you carry insurance?
- Yes — general liability and professional liability covering our matching and vetting. We can share the certificate by request.
- What happens if something goes wrong during a booking?
- There's a one-tap 'Need Help' button on both sides of the app that pages our on-call line. We respond within the hour and follow up in writing within 24.
- What's the minimum booking?
- 2 hours.
- How much notice do you need?
- More is better, but we can sometimes fill same-day. Sidekicks have up to 4 hours to accept a request before we offer it to the next match.
- Will the Sidekick drive my kid?
- Not in v1. Bookings happen at your home.
- Can I have the Sidekick prepare meals?
- Light meal prep within your house rules — yes. Cooking from scratch — case by case, mention it in the booking notes.
- How are Sidekicks paid?
- Through Stripe. New Sidekicks are paid 7 business days after a booking; Trusted Sidekicks in 3; Senior Sidekicks in 1, and Instant Sidekicks same-day for $2/payout.
- Are Sidekicks employees or contractors?
- 1099 contractors. They set their own schedules and accept the bookings they want.
Still have a question?
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