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Special Needs Babysitters New Rochelle, NY (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 New Rochelle


María José Falconi

María José Falconi
New York, NY

Activity summary

Member since: Dec 2024

Experienced teacher!

Hello! My name is María. I’m a caring teacher with 8 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Development and Education. I speak English and Spanish. I will care for your children and pets as they are my own!

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Parent helper, Nanny, Au pair $35/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)
  • Up to 3 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'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:

  • Grocery shopping
  • Running errands

I can do tutoring

  • Tutoring

Pet sitting $30 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

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

Other pet duties I can do:

  • Medical injections
  • Daily exercise for your pet
  • 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)
  • 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

My availability

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

I can travel a few suburbs/towns away from New York 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
  • 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:

  • 8 years experience working with children
    • Bachelor of early childhood education (completed)
  • 10 years experience working with pets
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
    • Have a pet carrier
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 35 years old
    • Police check
    • Driver's license
    • I have a car
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Permanent resident
    • Covid vaccinated
    • Languages I can speak: English and Spanish

I’m a caring teacher with 8 years of experience. I have a master’s degree in Early Childhood Development.

My skills and interests:

  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Sports
  • Swimming
  • Cooking
  • Writing
  • Foreign languages

Contact María 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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Valery Torres

Valery Torres
Mineola, NY

Activity summary

Member since: Apr 2025

Babysitter

I worked at a summer camp where I Supervised and nurtured a group of 10-15 four-year-old children, ensuring safety and creating a positive atmosphere for personal growth. Designed and implemented engaging, age-appropriate activities such as sensory play, storytime, arts and crafts, and outdoor games to foster developmental skills (e.g., motor skills, socialization, problem-solving). Promoted social interaction among children through structured group activities, teaching sharing, cooperation, and conflict resolution in a supportive environment. Supported emotional growth by offering guidance, encouragement, and comfort during transitions and group dynamics. Communicated with parents regularly to provide updates on their child’s progress, behavior, and camp experience. Collaborated with fellow counselors to ensure the smooth operation of daily activities and a well-organized schedule.

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter $14/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)

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Bottle feeding
  • 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

I can do tutoring

  • Tutoring

Dog walking $10 / hour

  • Small dogs (0—22lbs / 0—10kg)

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting

Other services I can provide

  • Cleaning

My availability

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

I can travel to surrounding suburbs/towns of Mineola 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
  • Valentine's Day
  • Overnight jobs
  • Full weekends
  • Vacations with the family
  • Live-in with the family

My credentials

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

  • 2 years experience working with children
    • CPR training
    • Asthma training
    • Anaphylaxis training
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 17 years old
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Languages I can speak: English and Spanish

I currently go to Mineola High School and I am in eleventh grade. And I have plenty experience working with kids and babysitting.

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Singing
  • Dance
  • Comedy
  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Sports
  • Fitness
  • Nature
  • Gardening
  • Cooking
  • Video
  • Design
  • Computers
  • Writing

Contact Valery 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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Teresa Bottari

Teresa Bottari
East Meadow, NY

Activity summary

Member since: Apr 2025

Hi everyone!!

My name is Teresa! I’m a high school junior with big dreams of becoming a nurse. I’ve been babysitting for a while, and I especially love working with children who have special needs. I believe every kid deserves to feel safe and understood, and I always put my heart into making sure they do. I’m known for being reliable, patient, and genuinely caring. I also love pets, so if you have furry family members, that’s a bonus. I look forward to being a supportive and fun presence in your child’s life.

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter $16/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)

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Bottle feeding
  • 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

I can do tutoring

  • Tutoring

Pet sitting $15 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

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

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 $14 / hour

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

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

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary employment.

I can travel to neighboring suburbs/towns of East Meadow 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

My credentials

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

  • 3 years experience working with children
    • CPR training
    • First aid training
    • First aid training for babies
  • Pet credentials:
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • Police check
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Languages I can speak: English

Hi I am a 16(turning 17 in June) student who is a junior in high school. I go to Holy Trinity which is located in Hicksville NY. I have been babysitting ever since I was younger (starting off with my family). I am currently starting to look at colleges and want to become a nursing major. I also work with special needs kids who are part of the ANCHOR program. I am a very outgoing and reliable person.

My skills and interests:

  • Dance
  • Comedy
  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Cooking

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

Contact Teresa 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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Delilah Otero

Delilah Otero
Levittown, NY

Activity summary

Member since: Jul 2024

I’m available anytime please reach out to me :)

Hiii! My name is Delilah! I’m a senior in high school and have younger triplet siblings. I love kids and I am especially great with energetic children! I can prep meals, help with going to the potty, keep children engaged, and put them to sleep as well.

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Parent helper, Nanny $14/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

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

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • 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

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting

Other services I can provide

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary employment.

I can travel to neighboring suburbs/towns of Levittown 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

My credentials

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

  • 4 years experience working with children
    • Asthma training
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 17 years old
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Covid vaccinated
    • Languages I can speak: English

I am rising senior in high school. I have three younger siblings one of whom is special needs. I’ve cared and tended for them since i was young. I have lots of experience in feeding, bathing, playing with, and calming down children. Im great at keeping a child’s attention for a while. I do have asthma training as one of my brothers suffers from bad asthma, and i do know the Heimlich maneuver.

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Video
  • Computers

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

Contact Delilah 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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(remains private)

Destiny

Destiny
New York, NY

Activity summary

Member since: Nov 2024

Heyyy come book me

Hi my name is Destiny and I’m 17 years old . I’m a senior in high school trying to earn some money on the side . I have pets of my own and have my whole life dogs and cats . I dog sit my friends dogs all the time from small to big . I have a 6 year old nephew who I’ve been babysitting since birth as well as my little cousins. I’ve been around dogs and children my entire life , my family is full of them . I’m located in The Bronx and I’m able to travel to anywhere in New York State .

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter $15/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)

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Bottle feeding
  • Transporting kids
  • Taking kids on outings
  • Changing diapers
  • Bathing kids
  • Help with homework

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

Pet sitting $15 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Birds

Other pet duties I can do:

  • Feeding
  • Pet playtime
  • Care for kittens

Dog walking $20 / 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 daycare (at my place during the day)
  • Pet boarding (at my place overnight)

My availability

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

I can travel to neighboring suburbs/towns of New York 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
  • Valentine's Day

My credentials

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

  • 10 years experience working with children
  • 10 years experience working with pets
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
    • Have a pet carrier
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 18 years old
    • Languages I can speak: English

I’m a senior in high school just trying to make some money , I’ve babysat huskies, German shepherds , pitbulls, Yorkies , golden retrievers , cats and etc . I’ve babysat children from newborn to the age of 13 . I’ve worked a summer job at a daycare watching children. I take last minute bookings and I’m always available

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Cooking
  • Writing

Contact Destiny 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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Max Cohen

Max Cohen
Hawthorne, NY

Activity summary

Member since: Sep 2024

Welcome message:

I was a camp counselor for 2 summers and I worked with kids of all kinds at my old school It was called green chimneys Brewster I help out in the elementary school I help kids that struggling and I handled kids when they get aggressive So I talked to them make a connection

Anyway I have tons of experience with all kinds of kids.

So contact me if you want to talk about hiring me

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Parent helper, Nanny $12/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

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

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Bathing kids

I'm available for events

  • Special event babysitting

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 Hawthorne 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
  • Full weekends
  • Vacations with the family
  • Live-in with the family

My credentials

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

  • 4 years experience working with children
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 21 years old
    • Languages I can speak: English

My skills and interests:

  • Sports
  • Swimming
  • Nature
  • Computers

Contact Max 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

Powered by Google

(remains private)

Default user image

Patience Phillips
New York, NY

Activity summary

Member since: Sep 2024

Experienced Childcare Provider with 5 Years of Babysitting Expertise

I am a dedicated childcare provider with over 5 years of hands-on experience. I’ve managed my own babysitting business, caring for children of all ages and ensuring a safe, fun, and nurturing environment. My goal is to support children's growth and development while meeting the unique needs of each family. I bring a strong work ethic, responsibility, and a genuine passion for helping children thrive.

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Parent helper, Nanny, Au pair $17/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)
  • 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'm available for events

  • Special event babysitting
  • Wedding babysitting

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 $17 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Fish

Other pet duties I can do:

  • Feeding
  • Care for puppies
  • Care for kittens
  • Care for senior cats

Dog walking $17 / hour

  • Small dogs (0—22lbs / 0—10kg)

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 a few suburbs/towns away from New York 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
  • Full weekends
  • Vacations with the family
  • Live-in with the family

My credentials

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

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

I am a college student with over 5 years of experience in childcare, having run my own babysitting business. I have hands-on experience caring for children of various ages, ensuring their safety, well-being, and development through engaging activities. While I don’t have formal certifications, my practical experience has given me strong childcare skills and the ability to manage a wide range of situations effectively.

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Singing
  • Comedy
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Swimming
  • Cooking
  • Design
  • Computers
  • Writing

Contact Patience 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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Default user image

Katherine Unite
New York, NY

Activity summary

Member since: Jul 2024

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter $20/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)
  • Up to 2 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Bottle feeding
  • Taking kids on outings
  • Changing diapers
  • Bathing kids
  • Help with homework

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

Household duties I can do:

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

I can do tutoring

  • Tutoring

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting

Other services I can provide

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary employment.

I can travel to neighboring suburbs/towns of New York 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
  • Full weekends

My credentials

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

  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 25 years old
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Languages I can speak: English

My skills and interests:

  • Reading / storytelling
  • Arts / crafts

Contact Katherine 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

Powered by Google

(remains private)

Anne Bruton

Anne Bruton
New York, NY

Activity summary

Member since: Apr 2023

Welcome message:

Hi my name is Anne I come from a large Irish family of 14 kids and I have a daughter who’s attending university of Connecticut and she’s amazing ?I finished up my last job a few months ago they have 2 wonderful children I worked for them 12 yrs . Sincerely Anne ☘️

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Nanny $25/hour

Child ages I'm comfortable caring for:

  • Toddlers (1 - 2 years)
  • Preschoolers (3 - 4 years)
  • Up to 2 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Transporting kids
  • Taking kids on outings
  • Toilet training
  • Changing diapers
  • Bathing kids

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

Household duties I can do:

  • Running errands

Other services I can provide

  • Cleaning

My availability

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

I can travel to surrounding suburbs/towns of New York 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
  • Vacations with the family

My credentials

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

  • 12 years experience working with children
    • I'm a parent
    • CPR training
    • Working With Children Check (WWCC)
  • Pet credentials:
    • I'm comfortable with pets
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 62 years old
    • Driver's license
    • I have a car
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Permanent resident
    • Covid vaccinated
    • Languages I can speak: English

Contact Anne 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

Powered by Google

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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 New Rochelle, NY, United States (Updated 5 Oct 2025)

New Rochelle babysitters are paid an average of $23.67 per hour as of October 2025, which is 9.1% higher than the New York average of $21.70, and 28.5% 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 New Rochelle.
1 Kid 2 Kids 3+ Kids
New Rochelle:
$21.52 $23.67 $25.82
New York:
$19.73 $21.70 $23.68
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?