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Special Needs Babysitters Westmere, Manawatū-Whanganui (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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Rochelle Sargent

Rochelle Sargent
Whanganui

Activity summary

Last seen: 6 hours ago Member since: Oct 2026

Practical Fun Supportive Educational & Caring Nanny

Dear Parents.

My name is Rochelle and I am offering to help care for your children.

I have always had an innate passion and drive to work alongside children.

I have many years experience in both childcare centres and children's homes. I am skilled at providing fun, meaningful experiences that extend children's in-depth knowledge, their sense of self and how they see the world.

In creating our Kidsit profile, we are asked to tick boxes alongside the list of intetests; while I have many, my love for nature is often reflected in my work. However its the children's intetests I follow and base planning on. Devices and screen type activities were the only two options left unticked. I discourage screens except on rare occasions - a sick child needing rest, or for a school project/homework.

Caring for children with special needs I believe is much better discussed, and I am open to having that conversation.

I am looking for part time work and my hours are flexible, and wages negotiable. If interested, you can contact me anytime.

Special Needs Babysitter, Nanny $28/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 6 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 nappies
  • 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 can provide special needs care

  • Care for special needs kids

Household duties I can do:

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

My availability

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

I can travel to neighboring suburbs/towns of Whanganui 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:

  • 30 months experience working with children
    • I'm a parent
    • CPR training
    • First aid training
    • First aid training for babies
    • Bachelor of early childhood education (completed)
  • General credentials:
    • Email verified
    • 54 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 was amongst the first group of students to graduate from Wellington Nannies College. Whilst nannying I did Playcentre training to level. I later gained my Bachelor of Education through Victoria University. I have upkept professional development and 1st aid training (physical, and more recently, mental health 1st aid).

My skills and interests:

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

Contact Rochelle 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

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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 Westmere, Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand (Updated 19 Oct 2026)

Westmere babysitters are paid an average of $22.55 per hour as of October 2026, which is 5.4% lower than the Manawatū-Whanganui average of $23.85, and 10.8% lower than the New Zealand average of $25.27. A fair pay rate depends on babysitter credentials, specific job requirements, and local demand for babysitting services in Westmere.
1 Kid 2 Kids 3+ Kids
Westmere:
$20.50 $22.55 $24.60
Manawatū-Whanganui:
$21.68 $23.85 $26.02
New Zealand:
$22.97 $25.27 $27.56

Rates are calculated weekly from our live member data. Prices are shown in New Zealand dollars (NZD). 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?