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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359 available babysitters in Portola Valley, CA

Families in Portola Valley use UrbanSitter for date nights, after school help, and last-minute babysitting.
882 available tonight | Avg hourly rate: $30.66/hr

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

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Alyssa
Booked by 111 repeat families
141 reviews
San Francisco
$45 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 200 families in Portola Valley, CA

Hello, I’m Alyssa. I am 36, I currently work as a lead 3/4 year old teacher through UCSF. I have over a decade of experience babysitting and nannying through urbansitter and I have 4 years of experience teaching in a preschool classroom. I have a double major in Human Development (BS) and Psychology (AB) from UC Davis. I also possess an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and 8 Associate of Arts degrees. I have current infant first aid and CPR certification as well as trust line (fingerprinting) certification. My upbringing prepared me for a career in childcare. I was raised the oldest female of thirteen cousins and often helped cook, change diapers, and care for my younger cousins with my grandmother every day after school. Caring for children from a very early age helped equip me with a variety of tools to approach children with patience, creativity, warmth, and kindness that I employ every day when I work with children. While I was in college, I nannied with children 1-on-1 for 7 years and I worked as a library aide for 5 years. In the past I volunteered for 8 years coaching volleyball and basketball to 3rd-8th graders, and volunteered for 2 years as a 1st grade English tutor. I began babysitting when a family from work asked me to help watch their three children. I also have lots of experience watching twins and their sibling simultaneously. You can probably tell from my extensive schooling background that providing quality education is one of my core beliefs. It is vitally important for me to contribute to shaping children’s growing minds in environments that are supportive, constructive, and open to letting children try different approaches to learning where they are allowed to fail and grow from their mistakes. I love encouraging literacy, teaching through songs, scaffolding how to try new things on the playground, creating art projects, and incorporating gross motor activity to stimulate retention in the classroom. Thank you for reading and looking forward to hearing from you soon! I have a 24 hour cancellation policy - I will charge 50% for the cancelled booking with less than 24 hours notice. I have multiple references for cat, dog, reptile, and house sitting. I also have references for doing overnight care & before/after school drop-off.

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Michelle
Booked by 12 repeat families
52 reviews
Alamo
$20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 88 families in Portola Valley, CA

Hello- My name is Michelle. I am currently a live-in nanny for a family in Alamo. I am looking for extra babysitting jobs on Friday nights (after 6:00 p.m.,) anytime on Saturday and an occasional Sunday (as my current job will permit.) I will always keep my calendar current. The children I care for are 13, 11 and 8 years old. I have been a nanny for this family for over twelve years. I have 18+ years of childcare experience plus I am the oldest of 5 children so I have cared for my nieces and nephews as well. I have excellent references that I would be willing to provide you with. I love caring for children of all ages. I enjoy doing all different kinds of things with the children. I am willing to travel anywhere in the Bay Area. I am fully vaccinated and received all boosters for COVID. I have excellent references that I would be willing to provide to you at your request. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hopefully hearing from you soon.

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Chelsea
Booked by 115 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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Francesca
Booked by 33 repeat families
58 reviews
San Mateo
$32 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 65 families in Portola Valley, CA

Please read thoroughly before requesting!! Thanks so much for viewing. If I am applying to YOUR post for a one time sit, I will accept the rate at which you’ve set. Please check my calendar. Please don’t request any days that are unavailable. NOTE: Will accept jobs that have a dedicated parking space or ample parking available in the neighborhood as I'll be driving to your location. In addition, if your child or anyone in the family is sick or suspects COVID, please do not book or if I have already approved the sit, please cancel. I want to protect my health and you and your families health so please be respectful. Current Availability - On Call, Date Nights, Occasional, Weekends Hello! My name is Francesca and I look forward to meeting your family. I've been babysitting since I was 13 years old, caring for multiple nieces and family friend's children ranging from ages 1-16. I also have experience working at a preschool for my senior project. Previously, I volunteered on and off as a Kindergarten Aide at an elementary school in San Francisco on my spare time. I am Trustline Certified. I have a clean driving record and have my own transportation. A little background about me: I played piano and keyboard for over 8 years, enjoy reading on my spare time, love to bake and cook, & I'm a Yoga and Pilates enthusiast. I have a 3.9 GPA with multiple honors and dean lists notations. I am also magna cum laude of my graduating class. Being around children brings me joy and love any opportunity to be around them. Some activities that I like doing with children are reading (highly encouraged since I was an avid reader since age 4), helping with homework, snack time/feeding, arts & crafts, computer/electronic educational games (only if parent encourages it - otherwise no electronics per parents request), singing, dancing, games, puzzles, going to the park, basketball, make believe etc... I am a responsible, caring, nurturing, dedicated and organized individual and hope to be a positive contribution to your family. Cancellation Policy: If bookings are cancelled by the parent within 12 hours of the start time of the booking, I charge a fee of 50% of the total booking to help offset the loss of wages on short notice.

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How much does a babysitter cost in Portola Valley, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $30.66
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.53
  • Typical job length: 4.4 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of July 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Portola Valley, CA

Trust and safety come first

Every babysitter's profile is individually reviewed by UrbanSitter's Trust & Safety team after clearing an annual background check. Rely on reviews from local families to help you find your best fit.

1,073 sitters background checked in Portola Valley, CA

4.9 average star rating from total of 7,530 reviews in Portola Valley, CA

photo of quoted parent Matt

"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

photo of quoted parent Laura

"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

How much do babysitters cost in Portola Valley, CA?

As of July 2026, the average babysitting rate in Portola Valley, CA is $30.66 per hour for 1 child, and $36.53 per hour for two children. Costs may vary depending on job responsibilities, children's ages, and the babysitter's experience. Try using a babysitting rates calculator as a helpful tool.

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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