Tips for Finding a Babysitter
For parents interested in obtaining temporary child care during a parents' night out or for just a few hours during the day, a babysitter may be a good option. But in many ways, finding a reliable babysitter to fill in the gaps can be even more challenging than creating a full-time child care plan, particularly if you can't guarantee regular hours. Luckily, Check ‘n Go provides resources that can help.
Check out the tips and ideas below to help you find dependable babysitting services for your child.
Get the Word Out
As soon as you recognize your desire or need for a babysitter, let everyone know about your interest. Send emails, make phone calls, and talk to other parents at your child's school and where you work. The more people you alert to your search for a babysitter, the more quickly you'll discover one that works for you and your family. Pay special attention to friends and relatives who share interests and values similar to your own, as they're more likely to understand the type of person who would make you feel comfortable.
Use a Referral Service
Many urban areas have nonprofit child care referral agencies available for parents interested in full-time, part-time, or occasional services. Ask other parents if they know about these services. Your child's school may also be a good resource for finding this kind of service in your community. You may want to check out local babysitter or nanny agencies as well, either through the yellow pages or online. Be aware, though, that this option can prove to be more expensive and may require you to agree to a certain number of regular hours. On the other hand, these caregivers are often trained in first aid and have undergone background checks, so you may feel more comfortable with this approach.
Talk to Local Organizations
If you live in a community with a college, university, or seminary, try calling their student employment offices to see if they have a list of students interested in babysitting. College students typically have very flexible schedules and are willing to work occasionally, so this may prove to be one of your best, most affordable resources.
Post or check for fliers advertising babysitting services at local religious organizations, like churches, mosques, or synagogues. Many of these organizations have regular child care available, so they may have professional caregivers interested in babysitting for extra income. Local nonprofit organizations, like the YMCA or Red Cross, are also good resources for the same reason.
Of course, no matter how you find your babysitter, take the time to do your own background check. Insist on references, and follow up with phone calls. Consider having the potential babysitter come by for a supervised visit with your child to see how your child and the caregiver interact. Remember to trust your instincts. Even the best references can't make up for an uncomfortable feeling when leaving your child with a caregiver.
Need to find a more regular source for full-time child care? Take a look at our Researching Child Care Providers page for additional ideas.