Helpr is marketplace for screened and curated babysitters in the Los Angeles area. The founders are Kasey Edwards and Becka Klauber Richter.

Helpr is used by many startups to offer free or subsidized Child care as a benefit to employees.

In 2007, while Kasey Edwards and Becka Klauber Richter were studying at University of California, Santa Barbara they started a nanny agency called University Sitters. The company matches screen child care providers in California, particularly those are either attending college or recently graduated, with families in need of helpers.

When they realized there was a huge demand for babysitters, they scaled their businesses by creating a technological platform and leveraged it for parents to make it more accessible.

To use Helpr, parents need to:

Once the job request has been put through, the Helpr app connects you with a babysitter; the parent sees the sitter's profile, her photo, and a video.

If it is not a great fit for the parent, they can always cancel and re-book.

Every time a parent books a request, a past sitter will be requested first so that there is consistency and rapport between the two parties.

For babysitters, it was required for people to have an in-person interview.

They will then follow up with background checks, CPR certifications, and they will check their references.

Helpr looks specifically for potential role models with bright futures, good communication skills, and interacts well with children.

Each babysitter gets charged at least $21 per hour for one child; the rates go up by an additional dollar for every additional hour.

If parents book within 8 hours of the start time, there is a 15% premium.

Rates also vary based on location.

Helpr is currently based in Los Angeles. They also offer their services in Santa Barbara, Orange County, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

They will be offering the app in Chicago, New York City, Boston, and Seattle soon.