Find a babysitter in Portola Valley, CA

Hello! I’m Caitlyn, a childcare professional with over 13 years of experience. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University. Currently, I work as a Site Supervisor for Hillsborough Recreation’s Aftercare program, and I’ve had the opportunity to work at various recreation centers over the years. I’ve also been a nanny for five families, caring for children aged 2 to 13, and have experience with newborns and infants, along with roles as a summer camp counselor. I’m reliable, patient, CPR certified, and fully vaccinated (including the COVID booster). I’m available for occasional date night and weekend childcare. Feel free to reach out with any questions—I’d love to assist your family!

Hello, my name is Cagla. I hold a master’s degree and have been working with children and families since 2013. My experience includes working as an au pair in the U.S. as well as supporting families through after-school educational programs and family-focused care services. I understand the different needs of children at various developmental stages and adapt my approach accordingly, and I consistently receive positive feedback from families for my professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to build trust.

**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.

With 19 years of experience in education, I bring a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and genuine passion to every family I work with. Throughout my career, I have taught 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades and have served in school leadership roles. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of child development, learning, behavior, and how to create environments where children feel safe, supported, and successful. In addition to my professional career in education, I have provided babysitting and nanny services for more than 25 years. I have extensive experience caring for children from newborns through teenagers and am comfortable adapting to the unique needs of every age and stage. Excellent references are available upon request. Although my professional career has been in education and school leadership, I have continued providing childcare throughout the years because I truly enjoy working with children and supporting families. As I search for my next long-term leadership opportunity, I am excited to dedicate more of my time to caring for children—something that has always been one of the most rewarding parts of my life. Over the years, many of the children I've cared for have described me as "firm, fair, and fun"—and I truly believe all three can exist together. Parents have affectionately referred to me as the local "Super Nanny" and even "The Baby Whisperer," compliments that I cherish because they reflect the trust families place in me. My philosophy is simple: children thrive when they are loved, respected, and held to high expectations. I encourage kindness, good manners, personal responsibility, and respect for both others and their environment. I believe children should spend time outdoors, use their imagination, solve problems, and learn to work cooperatively with others—including their siblings. I create a warm, structured environment where children feel safe, capable, and confident while having plenty of fun along the way. Whether your family is looking for an occasional date-night sitter, a dependable nanny, homework support, or someone who can confidently care for multiple children, my goal is always the same: to provide exceptional care while giving parents complete peace of mind. I strive to become a trusted extension of your family and someone your children are excited to see each time I walk through the door.