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Special Needs Babysitters Citrus Heights, CA (Contact for Free)

Find the right babysitter who has experience with the special needs of your child. We have members who specialize in autism, Down syndrome, dyslexia, food allergies, diabetes, asthma, and much more. See our Pay Rates.

Show all babysitters in Citrus Heights


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Alexis Prenatt
Roseville, CA

Activity summary

Member since: Aug 2024

I can help your children and dogs development and learning skills.

During my childhood, I resided on extensive rural land where I had the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of animals including goats, sheep, pigs, dogs of varying sizes (ranging from 10 to 250 lbs), chickens, lambs, roosters, geese, turkeys, and deer. From the age of 10, I have been actively engaged in the training of canines of assorted sizes. I have been instrumental in assisting numerous families in training their aggressive dogs, effectively transforming them into obedient pets suitable for family life and work-related activities. Furthermore, I have demonstrated proficiency in calming and acclimatizing apprehensive animals of diverse breeds, helping them to acclimate to human interaction. My unwavering commitment to aiding animals in distress has been a driving force in my endeavors.

In addition to these experiences, I have devoted my time to supporting the emotional and developmental growth of children from infancy to 16 years of age. I facilitate their journey to self-acceptance and nurture their capacity to effectively communicate their needs to their parents. I adopt an empathetic approach, valuing children's emotions and empowering them to articulate their feelings, thereby fostering understanding between them and their parents.

Dealing with children presenting behavioral challenges such as persistent anger, selective eating habits, and excessive crying, I have developed tailored strategies to address these issues. For children exhibiting signs of anger, I endeavor to identify the underlying causes and teach them constructive ways to express their emotions. Additionally, I employ creative techniques to expand the food choices of selective eaters, gradually broadening their palate through engaging activities. In the case of incessant crying, I strive to establish deep connections, employing approaches akin to those used with children demonstrating behavioral difficulties.

Moreover, I have provided academic support to children struggling with their studies from the early years of daycare to the 8th grade. I adopt a personalized approach, making learning enjoyable for them and tailoring my methods to align with their unique cognitive processes and thinking styles. I firmly believe in the importance of recognizing and accommodating the individual needs and learning modalities of each child. This belief stands in contrast to the prevalent issue of educators failing to recognize and address the distinctive requirements of students, ultimately impeding their learning progress.

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Parent helper $20/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Toddlers (1 - 2 years)
  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Small school kids (5 - 8 years)
  • Tweens (9 - 12 years)

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Bottle feeding
  • Transporting kids
  • Taking kids on outings
  • Toilet training
  • Changing diapers
  • Bathing kids
  • Help with homework
  • Care for twins/multiples

I'm available for events

  • Special event babysitting
  • Corporate functions babysitting
  • Wedding babysitting

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

Household duties I can do:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry / washing
  • Grocery shopping
  • Running errands

Pet sitting $17.50 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Reptiles
  • Small animals (rabbits, ferrets, etc.)

Other pet duties I can do:

  • Administering medications
  • Feeding
  • Pet playtime
  • Daily exercise for your pet
  • 24/7 supervision
  • Care for puppies
  • Care for senior dogs
  • Care for kittens
  • Care for senior cats

Dog walking $15.50 / hour

  • Small dogs (0—22lbs / 0—10kg)
  • Medium dogs (22—44lbs / 10—20kg)
  • Large dogs (44—88lbs / 20—40kg)
  • Giant dogs (+88lbs / +40kg)

Other pet services I can provide

  • Pet checker (home visits to check on pets)
  • Pet training
  • Pet grooming

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting

Other services I can provide

  • Yard work
  • Cleaning

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary, Part-time, Full-time employment.

I can travel to surrounding suburbs/towns of Roseville for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

- - - - - - -

Day

- - - - - - -

Arvo

- - - - - - -

Eve.

- - -

Nite

- - - - - - -

I'm available for:

  • Last minute bookings
  • School holidays
  • Public holidays
  • New Year's Eve
  • Overnight jobs
  • Full weekends
  • Vacations with the family

My credentials

I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:

  • 10 years experience working with children
    • I have child car seats
  • 10 years experience working with pets
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
    • Pet owner references
    • Have a pet carrier
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 21 years old
    • Driver's license
    • I have a car
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Permanent resident
    • Languages I can speak: English

During my childhood, I resided on extensive rural land where I had the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of animals including goats, sheep, pigs, dogs of varying sizes (ranging from 10 to 250 lbs), chickens, lambs, roosters, geese, turkeys, and deer. From the age of 10, I have been actively engaged in the training of canines of assorted sizes. I have been instrumental in assisting numerous families in training their aggressive dogs, effectively transforming them into obedient pets suitable for family life and work-related activities. Furthermore, I have demonstrated proficiency in calming and acclimatizing apprehensive animals of diverse breeds, helping them to acclimate to human interaction. My unwavering commitment to aiding animals in distress has been a driving force in my endeavors.

In addition to these experiences, I have devoted my time to supporting the emotional and developmental growth of children from infancy to 16 years of age. I facilitate their journey to self-acceptance and nurture their capacity to effectively communicate their needs to their parents. I adopt an empathetic approach, valuing children's emotions and empowering them to articulate their feelings, thereby fostering understanding between them and their parents.

Dealing with children presenting behavioral challenges such as persistent anger, selective eating habits, and excessive crying, I have developed tailored strategies to address these issues. For children exhibiting signs of anger, I endeavor to identify the underlying causes and teach them constructive ways to express their emotions. Additionally, I employ creative techniques to expand the food choices of selective eaters, gradually broadening their palate through engaging activities. In the case of incessant crying, I strive to establish deep connections, employing approaches akin to those used with children demonstrating behavioral difficulties.

Moreover, I have provided academic support to children struggling with their studies from the early years of daycare to the 8th grade. I adopt a personalized approach, making learning enjoyable for them and tailoring my methods to align with their unique cognitive processes and thinking styles. I firmly believe in the importance of recognizing and accommodating the individual needs and learning modalities of each child. This belief stands in contrast to the prevalent issue of educators failing to recognize and address the distinctive requirements of students, ultimately impeding their learning progress.

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Comedy
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Sports
  • Fitness
  • Swimming
  • Nature
  • Gardening
  • Cooking
  • Video
  • Design
  • Computers
  • Writing

Contact Alexis For Free

Your job requirements will be sent with your message.

Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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McKayla Perry
Roseville, CA

Activity summary

Member since: Apr 2025

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Parent helper $25/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Newborns (0 - 2 months)
  • Babies (3 - 12 months)
  • Toddlers (1 - 2 years)
  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Up to 4 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Bottle feeding
  • Changing diapers
  • Bathing kids

I'm available for events

  • Special event babysitting

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

Household duties I can do:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry / washing
  • Grocery shopping

Pet sitting $20 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Dogs
  • Cats

Other pet duties I can do:

  • Care for kittens

Dog walking $30 / hour

  • Small dogs (0—22lbs / 0—10kg)
  • Medium dogs (22—44lbs / 10—20kg)

Other pet services I can provide

  • Pet daycare (at my place during the day)
  • Pet boarding (at my place overnight)

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting

Other services I can provide

  • Cleaning
  • Elderly care / companionship

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary, Part-time employment.

I can travel to neighboring suburbs/towns of Roseville for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

- - -

Day

- - -

Arvo

- - -

Eve.

- - - -

Nite

- - - - - - -

I'm available for:

  • Last minute bookings

My credentials

I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:

  • 8 months experience working with children
    • I'm a parent
    • Registered carer
  • 1 year experience working with pets
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 22 years old
    • Driver's license
    • I have a car
    • Languages I can speak: English

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Comedy
  • Reading / storytelling
  • Sports
  • Fitness
  • Swimming

Contact McKayla For Free

Your job requirements will be sent with your message.

Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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Jaylah Smith

Jaylah Smith
Citrus Heights, CA

Activity summary

Member since: Dec 2024

I’m here to help!

Hello, my name is Jaylah formally but I do prefer Jaynae. My goal is to bring you and your family excellent care services at a low price. I genuinely want to help I understand that caregiver services are expensive these days. I work best with children ages 2-10 due to my creative and playful nature. I have experience working with teenagers and adults, I have a very good understanding of boundaries for those age groups. If I piqued your interest, don’t hesitate to contact me!

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Parent helper $7/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Babies (3 - 12 months)
  • Toddlers (1 - 2 years)
  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Small school kids (5 - 8 years)
  • Tweens (9 - 12 years)
  • Teenagers (13+ years)
  • Up to 4 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Bottle feeding
  • Toilet training
  • Changing diapers
  • Bathing kids
  • Help with homework
  • Care for twins/multiples

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

Household duties I can do:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry / washing

I can do tutoring

  • Tutoring

Pet sitting $7 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Birds
  • Small animals (rabbits, ferrets, etc.)

Other pet duties I can do:

  • Feeding
  • Pet playtime
  • 24/7 supervision
  • Care for puppies
  • Care for senior dogs
  • Care for kittens
  • Care for senior cats

Other pet services I can provide

  • Pet checker (home visits to check on pets)

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting

Other services I can provide

  • Cleaning
  • Elderly care / companionship

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary, Part-time, Full-time employment.

I can travel within Citrus Heights for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

Day

Arvo

Eve.

Nite

I'm available for:

  • Last minute bookings
  • School holidays
  • Public holidays
  • Full weekends

My credentials

I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:

  • 5 years experience working with children
    • Working With Children Check (WWCC)
  • 2 years experience working with pets
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 22 years old
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Permanent resident
    • Covid vaccinated
    • Languages I can speak: English

I have worked as Board Certified Behavioral Technician for the last 2 years.

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Singing
  • Dance
  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Sports
  • Swimming
  • Nature
  • Gardening
  • Cooking
  • Video
  • Writing

Contact Jaylah For Free

Your job requirements will be sent with your message.

Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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Mia De Luca

Mia De Luca
Roseville, CA

Activity summary

Member since: Jul 2024

Welcome message:

I’ve been playing volleyball for around 2 years now, i have 3 younger cousins that i help take care of when their parents need it. I have 2 dogs that i take care of. I help maintain a clean house for my family and i would love to help out other people who are in need !

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter $15/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Small school kids (5 - 8 years)
  • Tweens (9 - 12 years)
  • Teenagers (13+ years)
  • Up to 3 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Help with homework
  • Care for twins/multiples

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

Household duties I can do:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry / washing

Pet sitting $15 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Dogs
  • Cats

Other pet duties I can do:

  • Feeding
  • Pet playtime
  • Care for puppies
  • Care for senior dogs
  • Care for kittens
  • Care for senior cats

Dog walking $15 / hour

  • Small dogs (0—22lbs / 0—10kg)
  • Medium dogs (22—44lbs / 10—20kg)

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting

Other services I can provide

  • Cleaning

My availability

I'm looking for Part-time, Full-time employment.

I can travel to neighboring suburbs/towns of Roseville for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

- - - - - - -

Day

Arvo

Eve.

Nite

- - - - - - -

I'm available for:

  • Last minute bookings

My credentials

I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:

  • 5 years experience working with children
  • 7 years experience working with pets
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 18 years old
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Permanent resident
    • Languages I can speak: English

i have experience with my cousins for around 5 years i have been babysitting all 3 of them. i am a upcoming junior going into homeschool for visions academy

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Sports
  • Fitness
  • Swimming
  • Writing

You can learn more about me by browsing my social accounts:

Contact Mia For Free

Your job requirements will be sent with your message.

Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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Hayleigh Enscoe

Hayleigh Enscoe
Rocklin, CA

Activity summary

Member since: Jun 2024

Special Needs Sitter

Hello, I have plenty of experience with all types of kids. From loud to quiet kids I can handle any child! When it comes to special needs ones, I just need to know what they have. I know a lot of common disabilities and neurodivergence, but I still like to do quick research on what I'm going to help with.

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter $14/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Toddlers (1 - 2 years)
  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Small school kids (5 - 8 years)
  • Tweens (9 - 12 years)
  • Teenagers (13+ years)
  • Up to 3 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Bottle feeding
  • Help with homework
  • Care for twins/multiples

I'm available for events

  • Special event babysitting
  • Corporate functions babysitting
  • Wedding babysitting

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

Household duties I can do:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry / washing

Fish sitting $5 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Fish

Other pet services I can provide

  • Pet checker (home visits to check on fish)

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting

Other services I can provide

  • Yard work
  • Cleaning

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary, Part-time employment.

I can travel within Rocklin for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

-

Day

-

Arvo

-

Eve.

-

Nite

- - - - -

I'm available for:

  • Last minute bookings
  • Full weekends

My credentials

I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:

  • 1 year experience working with children
  • 2 months experience working with pets
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 18 years old
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Languages I can speak: English

I know how to handle disabled kids because I have three siblings. My sister has low functioning autism and she's a wheelchair user. My middle brother is the same only he has severe ADHD. Me and my littlest brother have light ADHD. So I'm used to working with disabilities. I am a minor so my parents might tag along just to ensure my safety. I babysit for my family and friends all the time.

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Singing
  • Dance
  • Comedy
  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Swimming
  • Nature
  • Gardening
  • Cooking
  • Video
  • Design
  • Computers
  • Writing
  • Foreign languages

Contact Hayleigh For Free

Your job requirements will be sent with your message.

Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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Maribel Zaragoza
Sacramento, CA

Activity summary

Member since: Jan 2025

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter $20/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Newborns (0 - 2 months)
  • Babies (3 - 12 months)
  • Toddlers (1 - 2 years)
  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Small school kids (5 - 8 years)
  • Tweens (9 - 12 years)
  • Teenagers (13+ years)
  • Up to 4 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Bottle feeding
  • Transporting kids
  • Toilet training
  • Changing diapers
  • Bathing kids
  • Help with homework
  • Care for twins/multiples

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary, Part-time, Full-time employment.

I can travel to neighboring suburbs/towns of Sacramento for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

- -

Day

- -

Arvo

- -

Eve.

- -

Nite

- -

I'm available for:

  • Last minute bookings
  • School holidays
  • Public holidays
  • New Year's Eve
  • Valentine's Day
  • Overnight jobs

My credentials

I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:

  • 13 years experience working with children
    • I'm a parent
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 23 years old
    • Driver's license
    • I have a car
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Languages I can speak: English

My skills and interests:

  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Sports
  • Fitness
  • Nature
  • Gardening
  • Cooking

Contact Maribel For Free

Your job requirements will be sent with your message.

Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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Petrina N Rilea

Petrina N Rilea
Roseville, CA

Activity summary

Member since: Feb 2023

Welcome message:

Hi - My name is Trina and I am a teacher during the day and am looking to assist some families so they can get out and enjoy some time together while I watch the little ones.
I did many years as a nanny before I began teaching. I am comfortable with infants and toddlers all the way up to teens. I would be more than happy to send my resume to you if you would like just let me know. I would be happy to help out even if it's for you to get some sleep or time to yourself. My rate is $20 an hour up to midnight and then it is $25 thereafter.
Overnights are dependent on the number of hours needed, and are a flat rate.
I am available late afternoons, evenings and weekends.
You can reach me at 916-591-3814. I have passed background check also. I hope to hear from you soon. Have a wonderful weekend! Trina

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Parent helper, Nanny $25/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Newborns (0 - 2 months)
  • Babies (3 - 12 months)
  • Toddlers (1 - 2 years)
  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Small school kids (5 - 8 years)
  • Tweens (9 - 12 years)
  • Teenagers (13+ years)
  • Up to 4 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Bottle feeding
  • Transporting kids
  • Taking kids on outings
  • Toilet training
  • Changing diapers
  • Bathing kids
  • Help with homework
  • Care for twins/multiples

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

Household duties I can do:

  • Laundry / washing
  • Grocery shopping
  • Running errands

I can do tutoring

  • Tutoring

Pet sitting $25 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Small animals (rabbits, ferrets, etc.)

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting

Other services I can provide

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary, Part-time employment.

I can travel to surrounding suburbs/towns of Roseville for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

- - - - -

Day

- - - - -

Arvo

- - - -

Eve.

Nite

- - - - - - -

I'm available for:

  • Last minute bookings
  • School holidays
  • Valentine's Day
  • Overnight jobs
  • Full weekends
  • Vacations with the family

My credentials

I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:

  • 10 years experience working with children
    • I'm a parent
    • CPR training
    • First aid training
    • First aid training for babies
    • Anaphylaxis training
    • Bachelor of early childhood education (completed)
  • Pet credentials:
    • I'm comfortable with pets
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 56 years old
    • Police check
    • Driver's license
    • I have a car
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Permanent resident
    • Covid vaccinated
    • Languages I can speak: English

I am currently an elementary school teacher. I teach first and second grade. I have a certificate in gifted education. I have also worked with kids that have special needs in and out of the classroom. I was a nanny prior to working in the education field.

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Fitness
  • Swimming
  • Nature
  • Gardening
  • Cooking
  • Writing

Contact Petrina For Free

Your job requirements will be sent with your message.

Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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Select the Services You Need

Do you need childcare services?

How many kids need care?

Do you need pet sitting services?

Other pet services you need:

Do you need dog walking services?

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Babysitting Pay Rates Citrus Heights, CA, United States (Updated 5 Oct 2025)

Citrus Heights babysitters are paid an average of $19.39 per hour as of October 2025, which is 7.2% lower than the Californian average of $20.89, and 5.3% higher than the United States average of $18.43. A fair pay rate depends on babysitter credentials, specific job requirements, and local demand for babysitting services in Citrus Heights.
1 Kid 2 Kids 3+ Kids
Citrus Heights:
$17.63 $19.39 $21.16
California:
$18.99 $20.89 $22.79
United States:
$16.75 $18.43 $20.10

Rates are calculated weekly from our live member data. Prices are shown in United States dollars (USD). If you republish our rates please credit kidsit.com 😊

Don't know how much to pay? See our parents' guide to babysitting pay rates



Special Needs Care Our Babysitters Can Offer

Find a babysitter who has the right skills that match the special needs of your child. Our babysitters can offer care for the following conditions:

  • Food allergies
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) / Conduct Disorder (CD)
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Down syndrome
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Deaf / hard of hearing
  • Visual impairments
  • Sleep disorders

Top 10 Tips For Hiring A Special Needs Babysitter

Follow these handy tips for hiring a special needs babysitter so you can feel confident your child will be safe, supported, and happy.

1. Look for relevant experience

Choose babysitters who have worked with children with similar diagnoses, behaviors, or medical needs.

2. Check training and certifications

Ask about CPR, first aid, and any specialized training (e.g., administering medication, ABA therapy, seizure response).

3. Ask detailed questions

Discuss how they would handle meltdowns, medical emergencies, or communication challenges.

4. Request references

Speak to families of children with special needs they’ve cared for before.

5. Arrange a meet-and-greet

Observe how they interact with your child and whether they connect in a patient, caring way.

6. Be clear about routines

Provide written instructions for meals, bedtime, medications, and calming strategies.

7. Communicate about triggers and supports

Share sensory sensitivities, behavioral strategies, and comfort items.

8. Confirm reliability

Ensure they can commit to consistent care and handle unexpected situations calmly.

9. Start with short sessions

Begin with trial sittings so your child and babysitter can build trust gradually.

10. Trust your instincts

Choose someone who shows genuine empathy, patience, and respect for your child’s individuality.


Special Needs Babysitter Interview Questions

Ask the following questions when interviewing special needs babysitter candidates to help you find someone who’s skilled, patient, and the right fit for your child.

Experience & Background

  • What experience do you have caring for children with special needs?
  • Have you worked with children who have [your child’s specific condition, e.g., autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, epilepsy]?
  • How do you adapt your caregiving style to different needs and abilities?
  • Can you share an example of a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it?

Skills & Training

  • Are you certified in CPR and first aid?
  • Have you had training in behavior management, sensory support, or therapies (ABA, speech, occupational)?
  • Are you comfortable assisting with mobility equipment, feeding tubes, or other medical supports?
  • Are you willing to learn specific care techniques unique to my child?

Communication

  • How do you communicate with children who use alternative methods (signs, devices, gestures)?
  • How do you handle situations where a child has difficulty expressing their needs or emotions?
  • How do you communicate updates and concerns with parents?

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

  • How would you handle a medical emergency, seizure, or allergic reaction?
  • Are you comfortable administering medication, if needed?
  • How do you ensure safety during outings, play, or transitions?

Routines & Behavior

  • How do you approach meltdowns, overstimulation, or behavioral challenges?
  • Are you comfortable following strict routines, or do you prefer flexibility?
  • How do you encourage independence while keeping the child safe?

Personality & Fit

  • What do you enjoy most about working with children with special needs?
  • What qualities make you a good fit for our family and our child?
  • How do you stay patient and positive in stressful situations?