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Special Needs Babysitters Cotati, 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.

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Amber Rivera

Amber Rivera
Cotati, CA

Activity summary

Last seen: 1 day ago Member since: Nov 2025

Patient, Playful Nanny Who Brings Laughter to Learning

Hi Families!

I’m an imaginative nanny with four years of toddler experience, and a knack for bringing a little enchantment into everyday life. I love creating playful worlds, silly stories, and crafts that spark curiosity—and I’m especially good at coaxing out those big, contagious belly laughs!

Whether we’re building blanket fort kingdoms or exploring the backyard like it’s a secret forest, I try to make each moment feel special. I blend calm guidance with creativity, helping little ones feel safe, joyful, and free to be wonderfully themselves.

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Parent helper, Nanny $30/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)

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Cooking with kids
  • Transporting kids
  • Taking kids on outings
  • Toilet training
  • Changing diapers
  • Bathing kids
  • Supervising swimming / water play
  • Preparing kids for bed / sleep routines
  • Before school care
  • Preparing school lunches
  • After school care
  • Help with homework
  • Care for sick children
  • 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
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
    • Down syndrome
    • Intellectual disabilities

Household duties I can do:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry / washing
  • Grocery shopping

Other services I can provide

  • Elderly care / companionship

My availability

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

I can travel a few suburbs/towns away from Cotati for work.

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ - -

Day

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ - -

Arvo

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ - -

Eve.

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ - - -

Nite

- - - - - - -

My credentials

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

  • 4 years experience working with children
    • CPR training
    • First aid training
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 32 years old
    • Driver's license
    • I have a car
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Permanent resident
    • Languages I can speak: English

I am in the process of renewing my CPR certification.

My skills and interests:

  • Singing
  • Dance
  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Games
  • Sports
  • Fitness
  • Nature
  • Animals
  • Gardening
  • Cooking
  • Writing

Contact Amber For Free

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Select the services you need:

Childcare

How many kids need care?

Pet sitting

Other pet services you need:

Dog walking

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Babysitting Pay Rates Cotati, CA, United States (Updated 24 Nov 2025)

Cotati babysitters are paid an average of $22.55 per hour as of November 2025, which is 8.2% higher than the Californian average of $20.85, and 22.2% higher than the United States average of $18.45. A fair pay rate depends on babysitter credentials, specific job requirements, and local demand for babysitting services in Cotati.
1 Kid 2 Kids 3+ Kids
Cotati:
$20.50 $22.55 $24.60
California:
$18.95 $20.85 $22.74
United States:
$16.77 $18.45 $20.12

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?