[lasttime85]

Any advice out there for two working parents who need a babysitter M-F during regular working hours. I understand that many individuals are looking for sources of income, and I do not want to leave the little one in unreliable, unqualified hands. However, we also prefer an in-house sitter who can come to us. We live off W 215 & Russell. Any suggestions/recommendations are appreciated.

[BUGBULLY]

I would suggest getting someone that does the service inside their home. You need to make sure the are licensed with the state. We had our daughter with our sitter for 3 1/2 years. Our sitter only has about 4-6 kids at a time, and it was great for our daughter. She really worked with the kids on everything, and it was good interaction for our daughter, especially since she is an only child.

The only reason we do not have her at the sitter is because I work from home. But I do miss it, I noticed her getting really shy lately.

We had to put her with the sitter when she was 6 weeks old. It was really hard for me, but I went to her house a couple of times at different time frames, to get a feel for her and to make sure that the interaction with my daughter was good. I also talked with several of the other mothers. She uses me for a reference now.

I actually found her from the paper.

[SoHoVe]

I would definately rec doing a background check on anyone you use.

[jfkIII]

Originally Posted by SoHoVe

I would definately rec doing a background check on anyone you use.

...especially if they say they read about the job on City-Data.com!

[ruready1st]

I suggest the out of home placement as well. Children get bored at home.

At a minimum you should find someone who is licensed. You can check on the following City of Las Vegas site:
Apply for Licenses (Official City of Las Vegas Web Site)#

Check for recommendations from people you or your spouse work with. Don't trust someone through here or craigslist.

[lasttime85]

Thanks for the suggestions. There is the ever-so-obvious Craigslist, etc. but in an economy such as this, we've found ourselves interviewing those merely looking for a paycheck. One candidate actually called us back 3 times and insisted she was "qualified," only to realize she would not show up for her interview later. I agree that a licensed sitter with multiple clients will be the best way to go....

[BUGBULLY]

Look in the paper. When they advertise in the paper, they have to pay for it. To me, it felt like they were more professional and cared about what they are doing. Anyone can post on Craigslist.

[tacpwife]

I need an occasional babysitter for my 3, twin 5yr old boys and 1 year old daughter- but do not know where to start. We are new here. Military. Thought in home would be best (for nights mostly), but during the day on weekends out of home sounds best- Hopefully I find a truthworthy reliable person before I forget what my husband looks like!!

[lisdol]

Have you tried the Family Center to see if they have a list of teens that have completed the Red Cross Babysitting course?

That is going to be my first place to look for sitters when we PCS there. I have one that is old enough to watch siblings but not babysit non-siblings in base housing yet, so I think I will need a "real" sitter sometimes.

[baily23]

I would try the website sittercity.com.It will give you a list of diffrent sitters and give you detailed information on them,there are background checks available through the website also.