Find a babysitter in Palo Alto, CA

**Please note: I do not generally take care of sick children. Please let me know in advance if anyone in your family is sick, especially if they’re contagious, so I can decide whether or not to come. If I’m not told about your sick child until I arrive, I reserve the right to leave to protect myself and the other children in my care. Thank you for understanding** I’m currently working full time as a manager in tech and am only babysitting very occasionally to supplement my income. I was a nanny throughout college to a family with two children, including one with autism. I’ve been babysitting for years for children of a variety of ages. I am not currently available for any regularly scheduled, part time, or full time positions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to discuss further.

Years ago, my first profile picture on this site was criticized by a potential family for being too strange. I picked one way stranger in response (me in a unicorn onesie) until the 2024 powers that be on this site recently called it inappropriate. So, now I’ve found one off the charts strange with my head half shaved in the middle of a home COVID haircut ;-). Children are SO important to me—yes that means physical safety, but for me it also involves emotional safety. I want deeply for children and young people to love themselves and find their voices as they grow, but to do that they need to see adults who appreciate and take joy in their own uniqueness. That, more than any resume point, is what I offer to kids and families with fierce commitment. I have worked with children and young people in a variety of settings for thirty years. In my early days there was the usual teenage babysitting. I have also worked for summer camps and non-profits--designing, leading, and overseeing children's activities and programs. Next, I taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade English for the last thirteen years in both Southern California and the Bay Area, followed by ten years of nannying for children of all ages. Finally, I have started to move very organically into parental coaching, upon request of families I care/have cared for. I have special insight into neurodivergent kids and school engagement struggles. I am certified in CPR, First Aid, AED, have taken expressive arts therapy training, and have had multiple experiences working with autistic young people, in addition to being autistic myself. I am happy to help older children with their English homework and do Elmo's voice for the younger children in the fort we just built :) I am tidy, punctual, and you will not find me on my phone or devices while my attention should be on your child. I love and appreciate the curiosity, creativity, kindness, and honesty of all children, and I look forward to being part of the village that helps care for yours. Thanks, Water pronouns: he/him [removed] Ps. 8/18/26 I'll be gone from this platform when my membership expires because of their unnecessarily complicated policies about legal name changes that frankly border on transphobic. My profile will be hidden before then because I will no longer be doing updates. Find me soon on a sight that rhymes with Bear lot Tom under the name Water Woody for my regulars who do not already have my personal contact info.

Hi I'm Maria! I am a passionate childcare provider with over five years of experience. My passion for child development fuels my work and the positive impact I have on children's lives. I am IQ qualified . I prioritize providing a safe and fun environment where children can learn and grow. As a patient, friendly, and respectful caregiver, I value open communication with parents and follow their preferred communication method. I am very comfortable enforcing household rules and have experience caring for children of various ages, from infants to preteens. In terms of activities, I enjoy playing both educational games that promote learning and fun games like sports, board games, and puzzles. Im CPR certified, I am always looking for opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge. Lastly, I have a car, am comfortable with pets, and I look forward to meeting you and your family!

Hi! I’m a 32-year-old professional nanny from Turkey with over six years of childcare experience. I spent two years as an au pair and have been working with wonderful families in San Francisco for more than four years. During this time, I’ve cared for children of all ages and needs—everything from premature babies to children with special needs. I’m also trained in the Montessori approach and have developed strong skills in sleep training and potty training, which I love using to make life easier for families. I’m experienced in all aspects of childcare, including laundry, meal prep, cleaning, bath time, diaper changes, and planning fun, engaging activities. Families often describe me as calm, proactive, and adaptable, with a positive attitude that helps me handle any situation. I also enjoy cooking and love creating meals that suit a family’s unique preferences. What’s most important to me is building a close, family-like bond with the families I work with. I strive to be a trusted role model and a “big sister” to the children I care for, sharing my skills and life experiences in a way that helps them grow. If you’re looking for someone who’s caring, responsible, and truly passionate about working with kids, I’d love to meet you!

Health & Safety Note: Because I often care for 2–3 different families in a single day, I do my best to keep everyone healthy and safe. For this reason, I’m not able to provide care for sick children or in homes where someone is currently unwell (cold, flu, fever, cough, etc.). If I arrive and notice signs of illness that I wasn’t informed about in advance, I may need to step away from the booking to avoid the risk of spreading anything to other children and families. Thank you so much for your understanding and support in keeping everyone well! ❤️ I’m a caring and experienced nanny with over 15 years of working with children of all ages — from tiny newborns to busy school-aged kids. I’ve worn many hats over the years: babysitter, summer camp group leader, and even some families trusted to help interview and choose the right nanny. I truly love what I do and always aim to create a warm, safe, and loving space where children can feel secure and thrive. Supporting parents and becoming a trusted part of the family is the heart of my work.