How easy/hard is it to find a nanny/babysitter for just after school hours

[Anonymous]

My toddler is currently in day care, which is working out well, but looking forward to when he starts elementary school, we are going to need after-school child care Monday through Friday - i.e., someone to pick my son up at school and babysit him until we get home from work between 6:30 and 7. I am wondering how to go about finding such help and whether it is realistic to think that it's even available, since I would imagine most nannies are looking for full time positions. I suppose the alternative is an au pair, but I was wondering if there are any other options that don't involve someone living with us.

Thanks in advance for your insight

[Anonymous]

You'll want to advertise on care.com, neighborhood list serves and ask neighbors. Things you can do to improve your odds of finding someone include guaranteed pay even if you don't need the a particular day or week, include dinner so it's not 7/7:30 when they can finally eat, be open to older high school girls, be open to one person on mwf and another on t-th (or whatever), competitive pay, not the bare minimum you think you can get by with, good communication and clear expectations. Make sure each party is on the same page.

[Anonymous]

Do a search. Simple.

[Anonymous]

How about an after school after care program located near his school?

Someplace that would have an adult pick him up at his school, then walk them near by to a daycare center where he can stay until you get off work?

If your neighborhood does not have one, perhaps a SAHM with a child similar in age or even a college student or a retired woman in your neighborhood.

Ask around or try a childcare website.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Probably not too hard to find a college kid looking for extra cash. I agree with PP, you should offer guaranteed pay if you're asking them to guarantee their time to you, seems fair.

[Anonymous]

Totally doable; I know a number of people (myself included) who have done this while in school. I echo the other posters who suggest offering guaranteed hours and some kind of PTO. You will find better qualified and more committed candidates if you do.