I am working some weekends (every other) and the occasional Saturday, so I need a part time sitter. Any ideas on where to look (advertise)? In the past I tried SitterCIty, but I didn't feel that I got quality inquiries for the job I posted (I interviewed 2 people by phone, they were awful!). Maybe because I couldn't pay the premium wage of $10-$20/HR, only $7.50/hr? It comes to $150 for the weekend, 10 hrs per day) I was thinking that might have something to do with it. I was going to ask at my daughter's preschool if I could post something there. I had one girl from the school sit once, but she moved, and I paid her $10/hr because it was just a one shot deal. Has anyone posted for a job at a preschool? Or do you have any suggestions on how to find a good sitter? I can't post anything on FB, because my current sitter would see it, and I need to replace her. My current sitter is a daughter of a friend of mine (which I haven't spoke to in years until recently), she is due with her first baby on Feb 1st. Very young, just turned 20. Aside from that, she just has't been a good match for my daughter, or me, so I thought when she has her baby it would be a good time to separate. TIA. Btw, I would pay the sitter more if I could, but I also pay full time preschool/daycare during the week, so together I end up paying almost a $1000 a month just in childcare!
Thanks Alyssa T for making me feel like CRAP. If I could pay more I WOULD. I'm not a cheapskate, I'm an only parent with NO SUPPORT and doing all that I can. Why should I pay a caregiver less?? Because I'm in a HARD spot and maybe the kind, loving, APPRECIATIVE person I find will also be in a hard spot and together we can HELP EACH OTHER out. Yeesh. Happy new year to you too.
UPDATE: I posted on Care.com (thank you!) and have already received 20 responses! A lot of them seem great, young college girls (perfect). $150 cash under the table (for 2 days) is more than minimum wage here in Florida, it works out to be $10/hr less taxes, our cost of living is much lower than Seattle or Chicago. It's also a permanent job so it's something they can count on. I feel the deal is middle of the road, I agree not the best, but certainly not the worst. Money is a touchy subject with me since losing my job 2 years ago and losing everything I have and being forced to downsize. I finally landed a salary job (not what I had before, but Ok) and am just starting to rebuild my life. I wish I could pay more; having the pick of the litter would be much easier! Thank you all for the suggestions and your opinions, even if "some" of them ruffled a feather! LOL... Happy New Year to all of you. :)
I would find out where the local babysitters class is and advertise with them. If you are paying less than the going rate you might have better luck with younger sitters. You could also ask the moms of your daughters friends, they might do it for less because it would be sort of a play date.
When my kids were little, I found a Mom who home w/ her kids.
Ask the preschool Moms. Leave a flyer at the preschool. Ask the preschool teachers and director about sitters.
Is there a local gym w/ a childcare? Call and ask to speak w/ the childcare manager.
Do you belong to a church? That can be a great way to find sitters. Are there any colleges near you? Not all college kids are looking for the next party and may be interested finding a weekend job that doesn't involve flipping burgers.
I've used Siter City for babysitters in the past.
But I'll agree with the others, unfortunately what you're able to pay won't cut it these days. We even pay the high school neighbor $10/hr for 2 kids.
For most sitters with actual experience and passed background check, you can expect them to ask $12-15/hr.
Good luck in your search.
If you are only willing/able to pay minimum wage then I'm afraid you will get minimum wage quality employees, that's just how it works.
If I were you I would advertise at the local college and/or high school, as you may be able to find a mature, responsible girl who needs money and is therefore willing to work for less (I was a girl like that!) Good luck :-)
We use Care.com and sittercity.com. You can post it..
Good luck
I dont mean to make you feel bad, but is really is this way, you do get what you pay for. I knew ladies in the child care biz who were in it for money only, and they were cheap, and did not really care, you should have heard what they said about the families!!! And I knew people who CARED, but they also got paid more because of their qualifications and personality. I was underpaid and had to quit.to support my own son. I cared for the kid I sat for, but the parents were cheap and used me for everything is was worth for the bottom dollar. It broke my heart to leave that kid, but my child was suffering. You really have to pay appropriately for each situation which is why I say interview hard, make sure your know the person. This person Is going to be a big part of your kids life, and THAT is very important
...10/hr is a fair starting point for most sitters. And you get what you pay for. As a child care giver I believe I am an important part of the child's life. why should I be paid less to look after the life of your child?! We real caregivers who are worth it, actually love are care for kids, we go though training, and we sometimes give up our own time with OUR kids to look after yours. Quality people are worth the dimes you pay. These people have your kids life in their hands...they are a big part of a small child's daily life. Look hard, interview harder and pay appropriately.
