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Special Needs Babysitters Ocala, FL (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 Ocala


Jessica Smith

Jessica Smith
Ocala, FL

Activity summary

Last seen: 2 days ago Member since: Oct 2026

Jessica Smith, compassion comes naturally.

Hi! My name Is Jessica. I have had a passion for caring for children, animals, and really anybody or anything that needs care since I was very young. I am an extremely compassionate individual, who just loves to give.

Special Needs Babysitter, Nanny $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)
  • Up to 5 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Cooking with kids
  • Bottle feeding
  • Transporting kids
  • Taking kids on outings
  • Changing diapers
  • Bathing kids
  • Supervising swimming / water play
  • Preparing kids for bed / sleep routines
  • Before school care
  • Preparing school lunches
  • After school care
  • Care for sick children
  • Administering medications
  • Care for twins/multiples

I can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids
    • Asthma
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    • Anxiety disorder
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
    • Down syndrome
    • Intellectual disabilities
    • Physical disabilities

Household duties I can do:

  • Laundry / washing
  • Grocery shopping
  • Running errands

Pet sitting $20 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

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

Other pet duties I can do:

  • Feeding
  • Pet playtime
  • Cleaning litter boxes
  • Cleaning cages / bedding
  • Transporting pets
  • Care for kittens
  • Care for senior cats

Dog walking $15 / 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 grooming

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting
    • Collecting mail / packages
    • Watering plants
    • Taking trash bins in / out
    • Rotating lights / blinds (for a 'lived-in' look)
    • Basic house security checks

Other services I can provide

  • Elderly care / companionship

My availability

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

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

Here's my weekly availability:

M T W T F S S

Morn

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ - ✓ ✓

Day

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ - ✓ ✓

Arvo

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ - ✓ ✓

Eve.

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ - ✓ ✓

Nite

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ - ✓ ✓

I'm available for:

  • Public holidays
  • New Year's Eve
  • Valentine's Day
  • Overnight jobs
  • Full weekends
  • 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
    • Babysitting course complete
    • Asthma training
  • 3 years experience working with pets
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 21 years old
    • Driver's license
    • Emergency car access
    • I have a car
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Permanent resident
    • Languages I can speak: English

I have 5 years experience babysitting/nannying with ages, infant- 12 years old. I have experience with live in, overnight care, and keeping households running smoothly. I love animals, as I’ve owned almost any you can think of myself. From Cats, Dogs, turtles, fish, rabbits, hamsters, lizards, and horses. I recently got into elder care as well this past year and enjoy it a lot. I’d love to get to know you and your needs!

My skills and interests:

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

Contact Jessica 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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Felicia rossi

Felicia rossi
Dunnellon, FL

Activity summary

Member since: Jun 2026

Welcome message:

Hi families! I’m Felicia, a CPR/First Aid certified childcare provider with 15 years of experience and a professional background in home health care. From infants to pre-teens, I know how to keep kids safe, engaged, and thriving. My caregiving background means I bring an extra layer of safety, patience, and reliability to your home whether I'm helping with homework, managing bedtime routines, or caring for children with special needs. I’d love to help bring some ease to your family's daily routine!

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter, Parent helper, Nanny $17/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 9 children at once

Childcare duties I can do:

  • Light meals
  • Full meals
  • Cooking with kids
  • Bottle feeding
  • 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)
    • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) / Conduct Disorder (CD)
    • Anxiety disorder
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
    • Down syndrome
    • Intellectual disabilities
    • Dyslexia
    • Epilepsy / tics
    • Physical disabilities
    • Deaf / hard of hearing
    • Visual impairments
    • Sleep disorders

Household duties I can do:

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

I can do tutoring

  • Tutoring
    • Primary school tutoring
    • Reading writing
    • Science tutoring
    • Art lessons

Pet sitting $17 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

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

Other pet duties I can do:

  • Feeding
  • Pet playtime
  • Daily exercise for your pet
  • Cleaning litter boxes
  • Cleaning cages / bedding
  • Transporting pets
  • Care for puppies
  • Care for senior dogs
  • Care for kittens
  • Care for senior cats

Dog walking $17 / 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)

I can do house sitting

  • House sitting
    • Collecting mail / packages
    • Watering plants
    • Taking trash bins in / out
    • Rotating lights / blinds (for a 'lived-in' look)
    • Basic house security checks

Other services I can provide

  • Elderly care / companionship

My availability

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

I can travel to neighboring suburbs/towns of Dunnellon 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

My credentials

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

  • 15 years experience working with children
    • Registered carer
    • CPR training
    • First aid training
    • First aid training for babies
  • 5 years experience working with pets
    • I'm comfortable with pets
    • I have pets
    • Pet first aid training
    • Pet owner references
    • Have a pet carrier
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 27 years old
    • Police check
    • Driver's license
    • Emergency car access
    • I have a car
    • Non-smoker / non-vaper
    • Permanent resident
    • Languages I can speak: English

Hi there! My name is Felicia. I am a dedicated, compassionate childcare professional with 15 years of experience caring for children of all ages. My journey in childcare started when I was 11 years old, and over the years, it has grown from a passionate hobby into a rewarding career. In addition to my extensive background as an independent nanny and babysitter, I have a professional background in healthcare as a certified Home Health Aide (HHA) and Direct Support Professional (DSP). This specialized experience means I am highly skilled in managing structured daily routines, providing emotional support, and caring for individuals with diverse or special needs with the utmost patience and respect.My top priority is always your child's safety and well-being. I love creating a fun, engaging, and nurturing environment where kids can learn, play, and express their creativity. Whether it’s helping with homework, preparing healthy meals, or organizing fun afternoon activities, I treat every family with the highest level of reliability and care. I look forward to meeting your family and supporting your childcare needs!

My skills and interests:

  • Music
  • Reading / storytelling
  • Drawing / painting
  • Arts / crafts
  • Games
  • Sports
  • Swimming
  • Animals
  • Video
  • Writing

Contact Felicia 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)

Default user image

Breanna Mcalester
Ocala, FL

Activity summary

Member since: Jul 2026

Special Needs Babysitter, Babysitter $14/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
  • Cooking with kids
  • Bottle feeding
  • 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
  • Administering medications
  • 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
    • 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
    • Dyslexia
    • Epilepsy / tics
    • Physical disabilities
    • Deaf / hard of hearing
    • Visual impairments
    • Sleep disorders

Pet sitting $13 / hour

Pets I'm comfortable caring for:

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

Other pet duties I can do:

  • Feeding
  • Pet playtime
  • Daily exercise for your pet
  • 24/7 supervision
  • Cleaning litter boxes
  • Cleaning cages / bedding
  • Care for puppies
  • Care for senior dogs
  • Care for kittens
  • Care for senior cats

Dog walking

  • 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)

My availability

I'm looking for Casual/temporary employment.

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

My credentials

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

  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • Languages I can speak: English

Contact Breanna 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)


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?

Powered by Google

(remains private)


Babysitting Pay Rates Ocala, FL, United States (Updated 19 Oct 2026)

Ocala babysitters are paid an average of $17.52 per hour as of October 2026, which is 7% lower than the Florida average of $18.83, and 6.7% lower than the United States average of $18.78. A fair pay rate depends on babysitter credentials, specific job requirements, and local demand for babysitting services in Ocala.
1 Kid 2 Kids 3+ Kids
Ocala:
$15.93 $17.52 $19.12
Florida:
$17.12 $18.83 $20.54
United States:
$17.07 $18.78 $20.48

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?