4 Best Ways to Get Babysitting Jobs These Days

Do you find yourself cracking a smile at the sound of children laughing and giggling? Does the sight of little ones chasing each other, or whispering secrets to one another melt your heart? Or are you the run for the hills type, while popping a few aspirins, to ease your aching head?

If you answered yes to the last question, babysitting likely isn’t the best job for you. But if you found yourself nodding your head at the first two questions, finding babysitting jobs may be a great way to help you earn a living, or at least a little extra money to keep on the side.

There are tons of people who are in search of good babysitters. Whether they are looking for just a once a week sort of thing, so they can enjoy a date night, or searching for someone to care for their kiddo on a daily basis so that they can go to work.

There are all sorts of opportunities out there. You just have to know how to find them.

Is there a Difference Between Babysitting and Nannying?

Absolutely! Well, depending on who you ask.

Some people throw the terms around interchangeably, but there actually is a difference between becoming a babysitter, as opposed to a nanny.

While both jobs involve caring for children and young adolescents, babysitting is more of a short term job, and you will be considered as an independent contractor.

As a babysitter you may have light duties to do, such as preparing meals, and getting the kiddos ready for bed. You are generally only needed here and there, on a short term basis.

Nannies, on the other hand, do everything that a babysitter does, and then some.

Tasks include, but are not limited to, running kids back and forth to school and other activities. Helping with homework. Packing lunches. And sometimes even light housework, such as laundry, dishes, and simply cleaning up after the kiddos.

Another difference, is that nannies usually have a set schedule every week. Their services are needed on a regular basis.

As a nanny, you will likely be considered a household employee, and your employer will have to do the work of payroll taxes. Sometimes you may even be able to receive benefits from your employer, and free rent.

Daycare Providers

Sometimes you may not fit into the categories of a nanny or a simple babysitter.

If you babysit multiple children, regularly, in the comfort of your very own home, you are likely considered an in-home daycare provider.

You will want to do some research on what it takes to become a daycare provider in your state. Each state has differing laws as far as how many kiddos you can care for in your home, at one time, as well as various other laws that you need to abide by.

Many states even require you to get a daycare license in order to care for a certain amount of children at once.

If you have any questions about getting started as an in-home daycare provider, check out this great daycare website, that will provide you with all sorts of resources. From the appropriate ratio of adults to kids, licensing requirements, and other super useful information about having your own daycare, you are sure to find the answers to all of your questions.

Do You Have What It Takes?

Babysitting jobs are no longer just a way for teens to start earning money. They are also a great way for adults to earn an extra income.

While many people hire teenagers to babysit for them, because they can oftentimes get away with paying fewer dollars per hour, there are plenty of others who seek out only adults to care for their kiddos.

Adults make great candidates because they usually have more experience babysitting. They have the mindset and knowledge to take action during emergencies. They are usually more responsible, and capable of making the right decisions.

There are many traits and qualities that people look for, in potential babysitters and nannies.

●     Trustworthy

It is hard to rank qualities, however, finding trustworthy sitters would certainly rank near the top. It is important to know that your kiddos are in the hands of a trustworthy person.

●     Responsible

Do you make responsible decisions on a daily basis? If you aren’t in the habit of making good choices, finding a childcare job is going to be slim to none.

●     Caring

What could be more comforting to a parent, than knowing that their children are in the hands of a caring individual?

●     Set good examples

Kiddos look up to adults. It is important that as a babysitter or nanny that you speak and behave in an appropriate manner, to set good examples.

●     Patience

We all know that kiddos can be trying. Patience is an incredibly important quality to have. Being impatient will neither help you, or the kiddos you are caring for

●     Energetic

It is unknown where children find their copious amounts of energy, but what is known, is that you, yourself, must be an energetic person to keep up with little ones running around.

●     Certification

While you will hope it will never happen on your watch, choking, and accidents do happen. Being certified in CPR, and knowing how to dislodge objects from a child’s airway can be a huge relief, should you ever need to take action.

●     Reliability

When you are hired for a job of any sort, someone is counting on you. Showing up on time, when you are expected is sure to help you maintain a good reputation, and help you land future jobs.

Training

To become a babysitter, training isn’t actually necessary. However, it can help you land more jobs, and be prepared for the unexpected.

Babysitting, and childcare classes are not just for young teens, who have little knowledge about caring for others. There are plenty of courses that are aimed towards adults, as well.

One of the best resources for some of your training needs and certifications is the American Red Cross. Unfortunately, you cannot become a certified daycare provide through the American Red Cross, but you can get certified in CPR, and other first aid.

Simply type your zip code into their search bar to find courses near you. They even offer online courses, if you don’t wish to leave the house.

How to Get Babysitting Jobs Near Me

Now that you have knowledge on what it takes to become a babysitter, how will you go about finding babysitting jobs?

You have multiple options.

Sitter City

Don’t you wish there was a single website that was devoted to finding childcare jobs? Well, you are in luck, my friend! There is!

Sitter City is a website for both parents in need of babysitters, and babysitters in need of jobs.

It is free to create your membership. Creating your profile is super easy, and there is ample room to list your qualifications and prior experience.

Once you have created your profile, just search for babysitting jobs near you, and apply! It really is that easy.

While Sitter City is a great way to help you find babysitting jobs, I do have some tips for you.

First of all, just because you apply does not mean that you will get hired. There are tons of other sitters out there, for parents to choose from. Apply to as many positions that are compatible with you.

Also, when you create your profile, make yourself stand out. Just because you think your experience is typical of babysitting, does not mean that you should leave minor details out. If you are experienced with newborns, be sure to make note of that. If you enjoy using your amazing cooking skills, for the kiddos you care for, include that as well. You never know what skills parents may be looking for, so include them all!

Word of Mouth

When you live in a small city, it can be hard to find jobs online. Fortunately, word of mouth can spread quickly, especially in smaller cities and towns.

Use your social media accounts. Chat with friends. Post an advertisement in the local classifieds (yes, people do still read them).

Let everyone know that you are looking to babysit kiddos. Be sure to mention your qualifications and availability.

Once you do land yourself a babysitting job, don’t hesitate to let the parents know you looking to babysit as often as possible. Perhaps they have friends or neighbors that are in need of a babysitter, and would be willing to recommend your services!

High Paying Nanny Jobs

Are you looking for guaranteed work, and possibly better pay, while still caring for children? Why not consider becoming a nanny?

Generally, these jobs mean spending an awful lot of time with someone’s children, so parents want to make sure that this person is highly qualified, and a caring individual.

To get a high paying nanny job you will definitely want to make sure that you take the time to get certified in CPR and first aid training, as well as have a clean driver’s license, and a great personality.

Another thing that could help you land a higher paying nanny job is to have a background in education. When parents see that potential nannies have a degree in elementary education, their hearts often flutter, as these candidates for sure have a love of children, and their well being.

If you think you have what it takes to become a nanny, you can use Sitter City to help you find a job.

But that’s not the only website that was created to help find jobs in childcare.

Care.com

Care.com is another website that will lead you in the right direction, to the perfect nannying gig!

Membership at Care.com is also free of charge. With your basic membership, you can create a profile, that allows others to learn about you, and what makes you qualified to care for their kiddos.

When you upgrade to a premium membership, you will then have the ability to read and respond to messages from care seekers.

The premium membership is actually a subscription. You can choose to pay on a month to month basis, for around $37 per month, or you can save money, by subscribing for an entire year, at a cost of only $147. You can upgrade to premium whenever you are ready. On the flipside, if you happen to find yourself a gig and want to downgrade back to a basic membership, you can do that, too!

Local Daycare Jobs

If your passion is kiddos, and you want to find a more regular day job, caring for them, you may to consider searching for daycare jobs near me.

When it comes to daycares, there are both in-home daycares, and regular state, licensed daycare centers.

Obviously, the regular centers will most often be the largest. They are most likely to offer benefits, such as paid days off, however, it all depends on the center. Though many do not come with benefits at all, other than simply receiving a discount, should you need to bring your own kiddo to work with you?

Indeed, ZipRecruiter and Monster

There are numerous job search sites that will allow you to do a quick search for local daycares that are hiring.

Indeed, ZipRecruiter and Monster are all basically like job search engines. Simply type the word, “daycare,” into the search bar, as well as your local zip code to begin your search.

Unfortunately, there is the possibility of receiving zero search results, but if that happens, just keep checking back.

In the meantime, consider stopping by the local daycares and asking if they are looking for help.

You can even ask your friends for contact information for their in-home daycare providers. Then make a call, and see if they are interested in taking on more kiddos, with your help. It never hurts to ask!

Read More: 10 Paid House Sitting Jobs Near Me, And Across The World

In conclusion, babysitting jobs these days have become a lot easier to come by. If you love spending time with children, and want to make a little extra money while doing so, babysitting, nannying, and daycare jobs are the route to go!