Bryan Mawr couple Ashley and Michael Clark developed the app FAST as a solution for parent in need of a reliable babysitter, writes Max Bennet for the Patch. 

FAST stands for ‘Find a Sitter Today and it launched this wee. It operates similarly to rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, allowing families to view and book local babysitters in real-time.

Frustrated by frequent cancellations from sitters, Ashley decided to create a platform that would connect families with trusted caregivers. After discovering a lack of suitable existing apps, the Clarks partnered with an app development company to bring their vision to life. Safety was a primary concern during development; parents and guardians must verify their identities, while sitters undergo new background checks administered through the app, ensuring that they meet the required standards.

To date, the Clarks have onboarded dozens of babysitters over the past nine months, manually vetting candidates before the app’s launch. Now, the vetting process is automated, and user feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with the app achieving nine five-star reviews shortly after its debut.

FAST offers a competitive pay structure, where sitters earn $24 per hour, and parents pay $29, with the $5 difference supporting the app’s operational costs. Importantly, there are no subscription fees; users pay on a per-booking basis. The Clarks envision FAST as a resource for families in need of child care while providing supplemental income for local caregivers.

Currently, the app caters to the Main Line area, with aspirations to expand as the platform grows. The Clarks are committed to enhancing user experience, ensuring both sitters and families can feel secure using the service. FAST is available for download on the Apple App Store, with an Android version expected soon.

Read more about FAST on the Patch.

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