Find a babysitter in Portola Valley, CA

Browse background checked babysitters near you in Portola Valley. Compare local reviews, rates, and experience to find the right fit.

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80 available babysitters in Portola Valley, CA

Families in Portola Valley use UrbanSitter for date nights, after school help, and last-minute babysitting.

All babysitters shown here are background checked every year. Learn more.

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Chelsea
Booked by 116 repeat families
162 reviews
Mountain View
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 228 families in Portola Valley, CA

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 newstoriescalling.com (for the time being, legally still: Chelsea Delaney)

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Gloria
Booked by 4 repeat families
5 reviews
Redwood City
$28 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 8 families in Portola Valley, CA

Hi my name is Gloria, I worked in a daycare over ten years ago. The woman I worked with closed her daycare and I changed careers. I miss working with kids I love exploring the world with toddler's for the first time. I enjoy playing make-believe, creating new worlds, arts & crafts. I enjoy playing board games and reading books.

She was great.

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Stephany
Booked by 9 repeat families
13 reviews
Mountain View
$37 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 20 families in Portola Valley, CA

Hello, I'm Stephany, a 28-year-old Brazilian living in the USA. I have a driver's license and am CPR certified, ensuring I'm prepared for emergencies. I also have my own car and a clean record. I'm patient, easygoing, and love spending time outdoors, whether it's walking, biking, or visiting parks. I have over five years of experience working with children. I used to work in a school back in Brazil, where I looked after more than 15 kids at a time. During the pandemic, I started caring for two children at my home. One was just 5 months old, and the other was 4 years old. I took care of them for a year and a half before moving to another country. In addition, I have two years of experience as an au pair, where I focused on studying behavior and discipline management, effective communication, child development, and time management. I'm passionate about caregiving because I find immense joy and fulfillment in nurturing and supporting others. Witnessing the growth and development of children is incredibly rewarding to me. I also love animals and have two dogs. Thank you for considering me.

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Alena
Booked by 28 repeat families
41 reviews
Redwood City
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 59 families in Portola Valley, CA

I have been working with children for about 25 years. I have experience working with multiple children at a time and children different ages, including infants. Working with children has always been my passion. I am very energetic and love taking kids for walks, to the park, library, enjoy doing art projects, read books and just love watching kids grow and watch them learn new things. I also speak German and Bosnia . I am a mother of two school aged children. My son is 17 and daughter is 15 years old. I have worked with many families and therefore have many references. I am available for occasional evening and weekend babysitting.

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Figen
Booked by 13 repeat families
23 reviews
Menlo Park
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 27 families in Portola Valley, CA

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!

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"Recommendations from friends are a must when it comes to a sitter for my kids. UrbanSitter has expanded our network of babysitters, and it has given us peace of mind."

Matt K., dad of two

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"UrbanSitter has supported my needs for reliable and joyful sitters. Whether it be for work, recreation or last-minute emergencies, we've made wonderful relationships with local sitters who have become a part of our family!"

Natalie O., mom of five

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"UrbanSitter is my go-to for quality sitters! I can book weeks ahead of time or easily find a same-day sitter when in a bind. I even hired a part-time nanny during a daycare transition. Customer service is helpful and babysitters respond in a timely manner."

Laura F., mom of two

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Frequently asked questions about Portola Valley babysitters

What does a babysitter do?

Babysitters supervise children and keep them safe while you're away. Depending on your needs, they may also help with meals, bedtime, homework, light cleanup, school pickup, or activities.

How do I find a babysitter near me?

Sign up for a free UrbanSitter account, post a job with your dates and needs, and review babysitter profiles, including distance, before choosing the right fit. Learn more about how UrbanSitter works.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every Portola Valley babysitter on UrbanSitter is background checked annually, and each profile is individually reviewed by a trained specialist on our Trust & Safety team. Learn more about what's included in a background check.

What's the best way to find a last-minute babysitter in Portola Valley?

Sign up for a free UrbanSitter account, then request a babysitter by posting a job with your needs. In most cities, sitters will reply within minutes, so you can review choices quickly, then book them immediately.

Can I find babysitters for after school care in Portola Valley?

Yes. Families often use UrbanSitter for after school care, including pickup, homework help, tutoring, and early evening coverage. You can filter for babysitters who are willing to drive or have their own car.

Can I find babysitters for evenings, weekends, or extended hours in Portola Valley?

Yes. Families in Portola Valley use UrbanSitter for date nights, weekend plans, extended hours, and other scheduling needs. You can review each sitter's availability and experience to find someone who fits your hours.

Resources

The Ultimate Babysitter Guide for Parents

A step-by-step guide to hiring the right babysitter.

Tips for Finding Last-Minute Child Care

How to find a babysitter fast when plans change.

Top 20 Questions to Ask a Babysitter in an Interview

Essential questions to help you find a great fit.

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