Find a babysitter in Portola Valley, CA

Hi families! I’m Marilyn! I'm CPR and First Aid certified and have experience caring for kids from toddlers to teens (ages 2–13). I love keeping things fun with outings to the park, library story times, or helping with ballet, swimming, and after-school activities. I’m currently working with a few local families and am happy to help with light errands, dog walks (I’m a big animal lover!), and keeping things tidy around the house. I’m reliable, warm, and always happy to plan ahead especially for date nights or evening babysitting. Looking forward to meeting your family!

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.

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 IG: newstoriescallingart Ps. Yes, I know my profile says Chelsea, but I've been through a legal name change which this system "can't" correct until my membership expires. My name is Water, happy to show you my driver's license to silence the dead naming if it would help put your mind at ease. Not mad at caregivers who don't read this far, just mad at computer's needs being given precedence over people's needs.

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.

Hi families! My name is Karol. I’m an experienced babysitter who speaks English and Spanish. I’ve been caring for kids for over 3 years—ranging from 8-month-old babies to 12-year-olds. I’m active, patient, and love doing both outdoor and indoor activities with children. I also offer light housekeeping, pet care, and senior assistance. I’m CPR certified and always make safety a top priority. Looking forward to supporting your family!