Dependable Daycare

Updated on October 24, 2008
D.F. asks from Fairfield, CA
8 answers

I was wondering if anyone has the same trouble I do finding a good babysitter. I work from home so taking my daughter to daycare on a regular basis isn't always necessary. I have opted to have twentysomethings watch her that are in school to learn to be nannies. My trouble comes when I call, say last minute or a few days ahead to schedule a full day with my daughter. I have to deal with them in school. Now, I knew that was a possiblity, so that is not always a problem. It is the excuses of wanting to hang out with the boyfriend or whatever. And my other caregiver is pregnant and says her husband wants to spend more time at home with her so she wants to stay home more often. I mention she is pregnant because she lost her other job because she was so ill she could not stay at work. So, she is in need of money but who can explain to a young girl who wants to be home with her husband that work is work? Not me. I did have a thirty something watching my baby, but recently she had something horrible happen in her life and I can't see asking her right now to babysit, nor would I think she would want to. She miscarried in her 3rd month of pregnancy, and I could not even see she was pregnant. Assumed, but didn't mention it to her because she had lost a baby in her 8th month, 2 years back, and it just didn't seem right. Because if I was wrong about her being pregnant, that would have seemed cruel.
Anyway, what do others do? I can't afford a regular sitter with regular hours every week yet. My business is just getting off the ground. I don't have family near by.
Anyone have any good suggestions?

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S.P.

answers from San Francisco on

D.,
Do you have friends that have regular babysitters or nannies? Perhaps you could do a nanny-share with one of them? This is a great way to cut costs too. I was a nanny while attending college too and I found most of my families by word of mouth or by college postings. You could call SJSU or De Anza College Child Development Program and fax over a job listing with your needs. Most of the people in these programs are studying to become preschool teachers or elementry school teachers, so the extra income is always helpful. For me, it was hard finding a family that could pay me what I am worth (trust me as a parent myself I know how expensive it could be) but, to find someone that is reliable and with experience you will have to pay a bit more.
Good Luck!

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C.A.

answers from San Francisco on

I was a realtor for 15 years while my kids were young. I hired a nanny that came to the home twice a week. I arranged all of my appointments on those two days, and the other days informed clients I was not available. I also did my computer work in the morning before they were awake, and in the evenings after they went to bed. For me, it required an adjustment from "normal business hours" to "mommy working hours." Worked great for me! Now I am a small business owner, homeschooling a 4th grader and still have time for the business- in the morning before the kids wake, and after school while they are playing with friends.

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C.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi D.,
I also run an in home family childcare and have openings for drop ins. I'm in Dixon, have 20+ yrs experience and lots of references. Contact me if you are near here or know someone who needs care.
###-###-####
C. Brown

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N.M.

answers from Sacramento on

I know this was a while ago, but I am a licensed day care provider and have been for 8 years. I am available for drop in care if you still need to. I am a 24/7 daycare ###-###-#### ____@____.com

C.C.

answers from Fresno on

Do you know any grandmas or SAHMs? In our old neighborhood, there was a darling grandma who lived down the street from us who would come over sometimes and watch our girls so my husband and I could get a night out. It worked out great. The thing about grandmas and moms is that they understand what it's like to have babysitters flake out, so they will probably be more reliable.

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K.V.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi D.,

I am a stay at home mom as well and watch some of my mom friends babies here and there when they want a day off or need to work outside the house. I have an eight month old son. I don't know where you live, but if we are close to each other I am very good last minute since I stay at home. How old is your baby? Let me know if your interested.

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L.T.

answers from San Francisco on

Have you tried Sitter City? I heard of it as a Mamasource sponsor and have been happy with the respondents so far. You can post your childcare needs as job listings and several candidates will reply.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi! I am a licensed provider who does drop in care/ availability permitting.
Which area are you in? I am in Antelope.

My website is
http://SacramentoKids.com/discoveryplayhouse.htm

Please call and I can help with other referrals if it is a bad location. ###-###-#### Jenn

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