Family with caregiver

Find an emergency babysitter in Oakland, CA

Oakland families count on UrbanSitter for same-day emergency child care. In most areas, average response time for urgent needs is under two minutes.

Looking for jobs? Apply here.

369 available babysitters in Oakland, CA

Families in Oakland turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
354 available today | Avg hourly rate: $31.03/hr

Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check, and every profile is individually reviewed by our Trust and Safety team. Learn more.

Profile photo
María
Booked by 5 repeat families
9 reviews
$35 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 12 families in Oakland, CA

Hi families! I'm María, an Elementary Teacher from Spain with over 12 years of experience working with children of all ages—from newborns to teens. Over the years, I’ve been a babysitter, camp counselor, activity leader, and spent a wonderful year as an au pair here in California—an experience that made me fall in love with the Bay Area, where I now live! I’m passionate about creating a positive, safe, and fun environment where kids feel happy, supported, and free to be themselves. Whether it’s playing, helping with homework, guiding routines, or simply being a caring presence, I always adapt to each child’s needs and personality. Fluent in both Spanish and English, I love to bring creativity, communication, and even a little language learning into our time together. I'm also happy to help with light housekeeping, meal prep, and anything that makes your family’s day smoother. If you're looking for someone experienced, warm, and genuinely dedicated to kids of all ages, I’d love to meet you!

“Maria is incredible with my kids. She understands them so well, and she built rapport with them so fast. She is very understanding of their hard moments, too. I recommend her super highly—she’s one of the best caretakers we’ve worked with before.”

Profile photo
Kathryn
Booked by 17 repeat families
30 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 42 families in Oakland, CA

Hello, my name is Kathryn! I'm a Mental Health Counselor at an elementary school in Oakland where I provide trauma-focused therapy. I completed my Master of Social Work at NYU in 2022, and prior to grad school, I was a kindergarten teacher for 7 years. I love exploring and learning with kids, and my teaching experience was focused on combining social and emotional wellness with project-based, exploratory learning. I am patient and love having fun with kids, but am also confident in setting clear boundaries and expectations that ensure safety and comfort are always the top priorities. I've worked extensively with children and adults with special needs as well, and am comfortable communicating in various ways to suit individual styles and abilities. I play the harp in my free time and am passionate about fostering creativity through music and art with young children. I also love being outdoors and led a nature club at school for a number of years, so I'm always looking for opportunities for kids to be scientists and learn from the world around them.

Profile photo
Madeline
Booked by 27 repeat families
26 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 44 families in Oakland, CA

Hello! My name is Maddie and I'm a first grade teacher. I have a Master's in Teaching, two teaching credentials, and a BA in History. I'm looking for occasional jobs in order to supplement my income, especially during school breaks. My hobbies include cooking/baking, reading, and playing video games. I am comfortable with children of all ages, including those with special needs. I worked as a nanny for many years before beginning my teaching career. I also love pets! If you are looking for excellent child care, reach out to me!

“Our kids loved Madeline! She is lovely and we’re excited to work with her again. ”

Profile photo
Devin
Booked by 2 repeat families
4 reviews
$32 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 3 families in Oakland, CA

Hey 👋🏽 I’m Devin, a dedicated and compassionate caregiver with a unique background that blends professional leadership and hands-on childcare experience. I’ve spent the past few months coaching middle school basketball, where I mentor 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade girls and help them build confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Before that, I honed my leadership and organizational skills over 9.5 years in the tech industry as a Product Support and Customer Care Manager. In addition to my professional experience, I’ve spent over four years as a Camp Coach and Gym Director at Legarza Sports Camps, working with children of all ages to foster their growth and development in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment. I was also the JV Head Coach at Marin Catholic High School for two years, further solidifying my ability to connect with kids and teens while encouraging them to reach their full potential. Beyond my formal roles, I’m often the go-to babysitter for friends and family, caring for children from infancy to their teenage years. I bring a warm, caring, and engaging personality that puts people of all ages at ease, so much so that even strangers feel comfortable sharing their stories with me. Whether working with kids, teens, or seniors, I approach caregiving with empathy, patience, and a sense of fun. I love creating meaningful connections and tailoring my approach to meet each individual’s unique needs. From planning engaging activities for children to offering companionship and support to seniors, I take pride in making those I care for feel valued and comfortable. I bring a diverse set of skills, including cooking, cleaning, basketball training, and even website consulting, but I’m always open to discussing and adapting to meet the unique needs of your loved ones. If you’re looking for someone who combines reliability, kindness, and a natural ability to connect, I’d be honored to help care for your loved ones 🤗

“Devin was excellent. She was a great communicator and the kids were drawn to her from the moment they met her. She ensured they cleaned up all their stuff as we asked so when we returned we had sleeping children and a spotless house. We will definitely be having her back again soon! ”

Profile photo
Maria Camila
Booked by 10 repeat families
7 reviews
$28 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 23 families in Oakland, CA

With five years of dedicated experience in the field of childcare, I provide an unparalleled level of care, safety, and support for families. My extensive background includes working with children from infancy (3 months) to early adolescence (13 years), cultivating a nurturing and engaging environment that prioritizes each child’s development, well-being, and individuality. Certified in CPR, first aid, and EpiPen administration, I am fully prepared to respond to any circumstance, ensuring peace of mind for the families I serve. In my recent role, I have expanded my expertise to encompass comprehensive household management, blending childcare with refined housekeeping services. Over the past year, I have supported homes through meticulous organization, pet care, errands, driving, meal preparation, and more—dedicated to creating a harmonious, seamless environment tailored to each family’s needs. My bilingual proficiency—native Spanish and an upper-intermediate level of English—enhances my ability to connect meaningfully in diverse settings. Continuously improving my English fluency, I am committed to fostering open, effective communication with families from a variety of backgrounds. Above all, I am known for my professionalism, adaptability, and discretion. I bring a thoughtful, refined approach to my work, supporting the unique lifestyle and aspirations of each family I serve.

Live near a college or university? View babysitters by college

Children playing together

How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Oakland, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $31.03
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.88
  • Typical job length: 4.7 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Oakland, CA

When it's urgent, trust comes first

All UrbanSitter babysitters are background checked every year. Profiles are individually reviewed by our Trust and Safety team.

2,627 sitters background checked in Oakland, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 30,804 reviews in Oakland, CA

photo of quoted parent Hillary

"We were incredibly grateful that Maya was able to help us out with a last-minute childcare emergency. She matched our 9-year-old's energy with arts & crafts, some quiet reading, and a walk around the neighborhood. We'd have Maya back in a heartbeat!"

Hillary S., parent

photo of quoted parent Theresa

"We used Tania for a last minute emergency. She responded very quickly. My daughter seemed to enjoy herself. My son napped most of the time. I enjoyed how she kept me updated by text."

Theresa M., parent

photo of quoted parent Lauren

"Hannah was awesome. Went above & beyond to help me with a last minute emergency. She was really sweet & great with my 16mo old. Highly recommend!!"

Lauren D., parent

Family with caregiver

Find emergency care in Oakland

Share your needs and hear from available sitters.

Why families trust UrbanSitter for emergency babysitting

Trusted by Oakland families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents in your Oakland neighborhood, school, or parenting group.

Fast responses for urgent needs

Average response times for last-minute requests are under two minutes in most areas.

Background checked, every year

Every babysitter completes an annual background check, offering peace of mind when you need it most.

Reviews from local parents

Read reviews from local families, see repeat family counts, and compare profiles before you choose.

Frequently asked questions about emergency babysitters in Oakland

How do I find an emergency babysitter in Oakland?

Sign up for an UrbanSitter account, then share the date, time, and number of children who need care. Available sitters in Oakland can respond, and you can review full profiles before booking.

How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Oakland?

As of October 2026, babysitting rates in Oakland average $31.03 per hour for one child, and vary by experience, number of children, and job length. For same-day care, offering a higher rate can help attract interest and a faster response. See average babysitting rates in your area.

Are babysitters in Oakland on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check, including those in Oakland, and each profile is individually reviewed by our Trust and Safety team. See what's included in the background check.

Can I find a babysitter in Oakland for today or tonight?

Yes. Same-day and tonight requests are common on UrbanSitter. Share your care needs and available sitters can respond. You can read reviews, watch profile videos, and choose the right fit.

What's the best way to find a babysitter in Oakland on short notice?

On UrbanSitter, when an urgent need comes up, share your timing, location, and care needs so available sitters can respond. See tips for finding last-minute child care for additional ways to find support.

What do I do if my babysitter cancels in Oakland?

Sign into UrbanSitter and submit a new urgent request with your timing, location, and care needs. Available sitters can respond, and you can compare reviews, profile videos, and response times before choosing.

As seen on