Tips on finding a baby-sitter/nanny

[liberal_chick]

I just found out today that I got a job! *throws confetti*  I'll be working as the teen librarian at our local library and I'm so, so excited.

The job is only 30 hours a week and, in order to shorten the time that we'll need childcare, I'm probably going to be working exclusively afternoon hours.  I think we'll need between 20 and 25 hours worth of childcare per week.

How does one go about finding childcare?  Ideally, I'd find a SAHM who just wants a bit of fun money, but you can't exactly put that in a newspaper ad.

Edited by liberal_chick - 1/3/11 at 2:47pm

[nkintzel]

We used care.com. I really liked it and we found a really cool nanny!

[lisalu100]

Local moms group? Put the word out... Nannies4hire.com

And, congrats on the job, I saw you post about it earlier in the week, that's great that you got it!

[laurabfig]

Do you have craigslist in your area?

If not, I would just start talking to everyone you know about the fact that you need childcare.  Maybe put up postings at a local natural food store, YMCA, or other place that you think like-minded people would be looking at bulletin boards? :)

Good luck!

[laurabfig]

another thought: maybe a college student?  if there are any in your area... 20 hours/week would be a perfect job for a college student.

and congrats on the job!

[darcytrue]

I found the drop-in sitter I use right now on Craigslist. There are always people posting on there looking for sitting jobs. She actually has been sitting in her home for over 9 years and has a lot of kids she watches. I really love her! She's close by and I can take my child any day of the week for drop-in or plan ahead, she doesn't mind. And she is VERY reasonable with her prices, much better than a daycare center. We've become friends and she is even on my Facebook now.

[liberal_chick]

Thanks, ladies!

I ended up wrangling one of my friends to keep my littles and another to have my 5 yo bussed to her house.  I'm so grateful that they said they'd do it b/c I trust them totally!  Although I will have to find someone new for my two little guys in March since that friend will be having a baby.  All this advice will be super handy for finding someone then.  I think we're going to go ahead and start so that we have 6 weeks to interview people.

As for the questions, yes, we have a community college, so their message boards will probably be my first stop.  No craigslist or anything of the type where I am.