Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our hourly childcare services. We're here to provide clarity and help you make informed decisions about your child's care.

General Information

Hourly childcare is a flexible service that allows parents to hire a qualified caregiver for specific periods, rather than committing to full-time arrangements. You can book care for as little as 2 hours or extend it to a full day, depending on your needs. This service is ideal for parents who need occasional help, have irregular schedules, or require backup care when regular arrangements fall through. Our caregivers come to your home at the scheduled time, care for your children according to your instructions, and provide a safe, engaging environment. Payment is calculated based on the actual hours of service provided, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

The minimum booking period is 2 hours, which allows sufficient time for the caregiver to settle in and establish a comfortable routine with your child. There is no strict maximum limit – you can book care for several hours, a full day, or even overnight if needed. For bookings exceeding 8 hours, we recommend discussing your specific requirements with our team to ensure proper caregiver scheduling and breaks. Extended bookings may qualify for adjusted rates. Weekend and evening bookings are available with advance notice, though rates may vary slightly from standard daytime hours.

We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance to ensure caregiver availability and allow time for proper matching based on your specific needs. However, we understand that emergencies happen, and we do our best to accommodate last-minute requests when possible. Same-day bookings may be available depending on caregiver schedules, though a rush fee may apply. For regular recurring bookings or care during high-demand periods like holidays and school breaks, booking 1-2 weeks ahead is advisable. Early booking also gives you more options in selecting a caregiver whose experience and personality best fit your family's preferences.

We provide hourly childcare services throughout София and surrounding neighborhoods. Our coverage includes central districts like Lozenets, Oborishte, Sredets, and Triaditsa, as well as residential areas such as Mladost, Lyulin, Druzhba, and Studentski Grad. We also serve families in Vitosha, Ovcha Kupel, and Nadezhda districts. For locations outside the central areas, a small travel fee may apply depending on distance. Our caregivers are strategically located across the city to minimize travel time and ensure prompt arrival. If you're unsure whether we cover your specific address, contact us at +359 88 743 2109 and we'll confirm availability in your area.

Caregiver Qualifications

All caregivers in our network undergo thorough screening and verification. Each caregiver has a minimum of 2 years of documented childcare experience, with many having backgrounds in early childhood education, pediatric nursing, or related fields. We verify educational credentials, conduct comprehensive background checks including criminal record verification, and check at least three professional references. Many of our caregivers hold certifications in first aid and CPR specifically for children. We also assess practical skills through interviews and trial periods. Ongoing training is provided on child development, safety protocols, and age-appropriate activities to ensure our team stays current with best practices in childcare.

Yes, all our caregivers are trained in pediatric first aid and emergency response procedures. This includes CPR for infants and children, choking response, treatment of minor injuries, and recognition of serious medical situations requiring immediate professional help. Certifications are renewed regularly to ensure skills remain current. Caregivers are trained to remain calm during emergencies, follow established protocols, and communicate effectively with parents and emergency services when needed. We also provide specific training on managing allergic reactions, administering prescribed medications with parental consent, and handling common childhood health issues. Emergency contact information is always on hand during care sessions.

Absolutely. We encourage building consistent relationships between caregivers and children, as this creates familiarity and comfort for everyone involved. After your first booking, you can request the same caregiver for future sessions, subject to their availability. Many families establish regular schedules with preferred caregivers, which we prioritize when arranging bookings. If your preferred caregiver is unavailable for a specific time, we'll suggest alternatives with similar experience and qualifications. For families with recurring needs, we can arrange semi-permanent assignments where a specific caregiver is reserved for your regular time slots, providing continuity and allowing the caregiver to become familiar with your child's routines, preferences, and any special requirements.

Our caregiver network includes individuals with various language skills. While Bulgarian is the primary language for most caregivers, we have team members who speak English, Russian, French, and other languages. If language preference is important for your family, please specify this when booking, and we'll match you with a caregiver who meets your requirements. Bilingual caregivers are particularly valuable for families raising children in multilingual environments or for expat families living in София. Language skills are documented in each caregiver's profile, and we can provide this information during the booking process to help you make an informed choice.

Booking and Scheduling

Booking is straightforward and can be done through multiple channels. You can call us directly at +359 88 743 2109 during business hours (Monday to Friday 9:00-18:00, Saturday 10:00-14:00) to speak with our team. Alternatively, send an email to [email protected] with your requirements, including date, time, duration, number of children, ages, and any special needs. We'll respond within a few hours with available options. During the booking process, we'll gather essential information about your children, discuss any specific instructions or concerns, and match you with an appropriate caregiver. You'll receive confirmation with caregiver details before the scheduled session.

We require at least 24 hours notice for cancellations to avoid charges. If you cancel with 24 hours or more notice, there is no penalty. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled session will incur a fee equivalent to 50% of the booking cost, as caregivers have reserved that time for your family. Same-day cancellations or no-shows are charged at the full booking rate. We understand that emergencies and unexpected situations occur, and we handle these on a case-by-case basis with consideration and flexibility. For recurring bookings, please notify us as soon as possible if you need to skip a session so we can adjust the caregiver's schedule accordingly.

Yes, bookings can be modified subject to availability and notice requirements. If you need to change the date, time, or duration, contact us as soon as possible. Changes made more than 24 hours in advance are generally accommodated without issue, though we'll need to confirm the caregiver's availability for the new time. Changes requested with less than 24 hours notice may not always be possible, as caregivers have scheduled their availability around confirmed bookings. Minor adjustments like extending the session by an hour can often be arranged directly with the caregiver on the day of service, provided they don't have another commitment immediately following your booking.

Weekend and holiday care is available, though advance booking is especially important during these high-demand periods. Saturday care is regularly available, while Sunday bookings require at least one week's notice. For major holidays, we recommend booking 2-3 weeks ahead to ensure availability. Rates for weekend and holiday care may be slightly higher than weekday rates due to increased demand and caregiver availability constraints. Our office is open Saturdays from 10:00-14:00 for bookings and inquiries. While the office is closed Sundays, you can still reach us via email at [email protected] for urgent requests, and we'll respond as quickly as possible.

Safety and Care Standards

Safety is our highest priority. Before each session, caregivers conduct a basic safety check of the care environment, identifying potential hazards. They follow strict supervision protocols, maintaining constant awareness of children's activities and whereabouts. Caregivers are trained to recognize and prevent common household dangers, from choking hazards for younger children to ensuring older children follow safety rules during play. All caregivers carry emergency contact information and know the location of first aid supplies. We have clear protocols for various situations, including illness, injury, behavioral issues, and emergencies. Caregivers check in with our office during longer sessions, and parents can contact the caregiver directly anytime during the booking.

Caregivers can administer medication with explicit written consent and clear instructions from parents. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and treatments for chronic conditions like asthma or allergies. You must provide detailed information including medication name, dosage, timing, administration method, and any potential side effects to watch for. Medications must be in original containers with clear labeling. For children with serious medical conditions requiring specialized care, we can arrange caregivers with relevant healthcare backgrounds. All medication administration is documented, including exact time given and any observations afterward. We cannot administer medication without parental authorization or when instructions are unclear or incomplete.

We welcome children with special needs and work to match them with caregivers who have relevant experience and training. When booking, please provide detailed information about your child's specific needs, whether physical, developmental, behavioral, or medical. This allows us to select a caregiver with appropriate skills and prepare them adequately. Some of our caregivers have backgrounds working with children with autism, ADHD, physical disabilities, or chronic health conditions. We can arrange consultations before the first session so the caregiver can meet your child, learn about routines and therapies, and understand how to best support their needs. Additional preparation time may be required for complex care situations, and rates may be adjusted accordingly.

Activities are tailored to your child's age, interests, and your preferences. For younger children, caregivers engage in age-appropriate play, reading, singing, and creative activities that support development. School-age children might enjoy crafts, educational games, outdoor play (weather permitting and with parental permission), or help with homework. Caregivers can follow your family's routines and rules regarding screen time, outdoor activities, and structured versus free play. If you have specific activities you'd like included or avoided, communicate these during booking. Caregivers bring creativity and experience to keep children engaged and entertained while ensuring activities are safe and appropriate. They can also follow special schedules for naps, meals, and other routines you've established.

Pricing and Payment

Pricing is based on several factors including duration of care, number of children, time of day, and day of the week. Our standard hourly rate applies to weekday daytime bookings for one child. Additional children from the same family receive a discounted rate per child. Evening hours (after 20:00) and weekend bookings have slightly higher rates due to increased demand. Overnight care and holiday bookings are priced individually based on specific requirements. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees – you'll know the exact cost before confirming your booking. Payment can be made in Bulgarian Lev (BGN) via cash, bank transfer, or card payment. For recurring bookings, we can arrange convenient monthly billing. Detailed invoices are provided for all services.

For first-time bookings, we require payment in advance to confirm the reservation. This can be completed via bank transfer or card payment before the scheduled session. For established clients with recurring bookings, we offer flexible payment arrangements including payment after service or monthly billing for regular customers. Cash payment directly to the caregiver at the end of the session is also accepted, though we prefer advance payment for administrative efficiency. If the session runs longer than originally booked, the additional time will be calculated and billed separately. We send detailed invoices via email for all transactions, and receipts are available upon request for tax or reimbursement purposes.

Yes, we offer several discount options for families with regular childcare needs. Clients who book recurring weekly sessions (same day and time each week) receive a 10% discount on the hourly rate. Monthly packages with a minimum commitment of 40 hours per month qualify for a 15% discount. Multiple children from the same family always receive reduced per-child rates. We also offer referral discounts – when you refer a new family who completes their first booking, both families receive a credit toward future services. Seasonal promotions and special offers are occasionally available, particularly during slower periods. Contact us to discuss which discount structure works best for your family's specific needs and schedule.

Your satisfaction and your child's wellbeing are paramount. If you're not completely satisfied with any aspect of the service, please contact us immediately at +359 88 743 2109 or [email protected]. We take all concerns seriously and investigate thoroughly. Depending on the situation, we may offer a different caregiver for future bookings, provide additional training to address specific issues, or offer a partial or full refund if service standards weren't met. We encourage open communication and welcome feedback, both positive and constructive, as it helps us maintain high standards and continuously improve. Most concerns can be resolved quickly through discussion, and we're committed to ensuring every family has a positive experience with our service.

About Mocezu

Since 2018, Mocezu has been connecting families in Sofia with qualified childcare providers. We started with a simple observation: parents need flexible, reliable support without long-term commitments. What began as a small team of 3 caregivers has grown into a network of 47 professionals serving over 200 families across Sofia's neighborhoods.

Professional childcare in Sofia

How We Started

Mocezu was founded by Elena Dimitrova, a former kindergarten teacher with 12 years of experience in early childhood education. After becoming a mother herself, Elena recognized a gap in Sofia's childcare market. Parents needed hourly care for various situations: a doctor's appointment, an evening event, or simply a few hours to rest. Traditional options required monthly contracts or didn't offer the flexibility modern families needed.

In March 2018, Elena launched the service from her apartment in Oborishte district. She personally interviewed and trained the first caregivers, establishing standards that remain our foundation today. Each provider underwent background checks, first aid certification, and completed a 40-hour training program covering child development, safety protocols, and communication with families.

47 Qualified Caregivers
6 Years Operating
200+ Families Served
98% Satisfaction Rate
Childcare services in Sofia neighborhoods

Our Expertise

Every caregiver in our network holds current first aid and CPR certification from the Bulgarian Red Cross. We require a minimum of 2 years of documented childcare experience, whether in kindergartens, schools, or private settings. Our team includes former teachers, pediatric nurses, and early childhood education graduates from Sofia University.

We serve families across Sofia's central districts including Oborishte, Lozenets, Ivan Vazov, and Studentski Grad. Our booking system allows parents to request care with as little as 4 hours notice, though we recommend 24 hours for optimal caregiver availability. We accommodate various schedules: weekday afternoons, weekend mornings, or evening hours when parents have commitments.

Our Mission

We provide accessible, hourly childcare that fits into modern family life. Parents can book qualified caregivers when they need support, without contracts or long-term obligations. We maintain safety standards through background checks, certification requirements, and ongoing training while keeping the process straightforward and transparent.

Our Vision

We aim to become the standard for flexible childcare across Bulgarian cities. By 2026, we plan to expand our network to Plovdiv and Varna while maintaining the quality standards that define our service in Sofia. We believe parents should have reliable options that adapt to their schedules, not the other way around.

What Guides Us

Verified Professionals

Every caregiver completes background checks, submits three professional references, and holds current first aid certification before joining our network.

Clear Communication

Parents receive detailed profiles of available caregivers, including experience, qualifications, and reviews from other families who have used their services.

Flexible Scheduling

Book care for 2-hour blocks or full days. Change or cancel bookings up to 12 hours in advance without penalties. Pay only for the hours you use.

Ongoing Support

Our coordination team is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 18:00 to assist with bookings, answer questions, or address concerns about your childcare arrangements.