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Step 1
Ask Family Members. This is probably the first place you should start if you are lucky enough to have family members that live close by. Most will be happy to have some extra time to spend time with the child. If you have more than one relative who is happy to do it, be sure to alternate different people so the child will form a close and trusting relationship with each one (and you will always have a back-up on the days that one is unavailable).
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Step 2
Check with neighbors or friends. Do you happen to have a neighbor or friend that you trust or that your child likes? They might be happy to watch over your little ones, especially if they have children of their own that would benefit from the company. Or maybe your neighbor has a teenage son or daughter who could use the extra money? The extra benefit is in knowing that the teenager’s parents are close at hand should anything arise while you are out.
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Step 3
Start a babysitting circle. Most parents are in the same boat when it comes to finding babysitters so why not band together? Instead of exchanging money you can exchange babysitting points. You will earn a certain amount of points each time you watch someone else’s child which can then be redeemed when you need a sitter. There is an internet program called mynightoff.com which can help you keep track of each persons points as well as an email program to find out who is available on the night that you need it. There are quite a few benefits to using this method such as: a) it can save all parents a lot of money in babysitting fees; b) it gives you backup options if one person is not available that day; c) you child or children will have playmates to keep them entertained while you are gone and; d) no one feels as if they are being taken advantage of. You can form this circle with your current trusted friends, neighbors or school parents and everybody wins.
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Step 4
Ask around for recommendations. Simply ask friends, neighbors or your child’s classmates’ parents if they happen to know of anyone who might be interested in babysitting. While some people might not want to give you the name of their own sitter, there is a good chance they do know someone who is available. Be sure to get references and if they are a teenager, be sure to talk to their parents personally.
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Step 5
The Internet. As usual, the internet has all the answers. One of the best sites is called SitterCity.com. They can not only find a babysitter in your area, but nannies, dog walkers, dog sitters and more. They have been featured on most of the major news programs. They have a four step screening process, free access to background checks, comprehensive sitter profiles, sitter video interviews and best of all an option of video monitoring so you can see what your child and the sitter are doing all day. They have different membership plans and a free 7 day trial so you should pay their site a visit and check it out for yourself. There are other sites out there as well (you can simply Google them) but this seems to be the one with the best reputation.
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Step 6
Look into your local college. There are many responsible students who can use the extra funds as well as a job that works around their school schedule. If you can, try and find the students who are already taking courses that relate to children such as education or child psychology courses. Quite often students will place ads right on the campus bulletin board. Again, however get references from professors or other people they have babysat for in the past.
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Step 7
Check your local paper or phone book for a baby sitting agency in your area. While there will be an additional fee involved for the agency, they do all the legwork of background checks and references. Also, you will not have to worry that a sitter will not be available. Quite often, they will give you the sitter you have come to know and love if they are available, but it is nice to know that if they are not, you will still be able to keep your plans for the evening with a trusted back-up sitter.
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Step 8
Local Girl Scounts and 4-H clubs. Another unique way to find a reliable sitter is to find older scouts that are looking to earn some extra money along with a babysitting badge. Quite often you will find teens in these groups to be responsible and trustworthy. Feel free to ask their Scout leader for their opinion and again be sure to talk to the parents.
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Step 9
Ask a High School Teacher. While they might not have young ones of their own, high school teachers are a great judge of who the responsible students are. Get a list of names of people they would recommend and then contact those students.
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Step 10
State Assist programs. Many states have programs that will help working moms. Look in your local phone book or check the internet to see if any program is available in your state. They could have licensed providers right in your area.
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Step 11
Look in the local paper. Quite often people in your neighborhood looking to earn extra money will place an ad in the local paper. Ask around to see if anyone you know has used them. As always, check references and if they are teenagers, speak to their parents
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Step 12
Place your own ad. The benefit of placing your own ad in the paper is that if you are a working parent, you can specify the exact times you will be needing a sitter. This way, only people who are available during those times will apply. You also have the option of listing what you are willing to pay per hour or per week and tell them up front that you will require references.
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Step 13
Locate the Department of Children and Families in your area. This is another resource that might be able to help you with ideas, connections and recommendations.
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Step 14
Look into PreK or Headstart or Programs. If you will consistently need a sitter for work reasons, this can be a great place to put your child. It will give them time to interact with other children, introduce them to the school environment and you will know that they are being well taken care of.
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Step 15
Day Care Centers. Another good environment for children to interact with other children their own age, and where they will receive constant stimulation. It is very important to do your research beforehand though. Make sure they are fully licensed by the State. Be sure to check out the environment on a weekday to see how the other children are being taken care of, and confirm how many adults are available on hand versus the amount of children in their care.
