Family with caregiver

Find an emergency babysitter in Santa Cruz, CA

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

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65 available babysitters in Santa Cruz, CA

Families in Santa Cruz turn to UrbanSitter for emergency and same-day babysitting.
11 available today | Avg hourly rate: $29.98/hr

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

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Emily $25 per hour for 1 child

Hello! My name is Emily, and I am a local college student and a professional Afterschool Youth Leader with the . I specialize in providing premium childcare, dedicated pet care, and specialized household assistance as a trusted Mother's Helper. I have extensive, high-trust experience managing groups of children and working closely with local families. My background includes: * Working with the prestigious Harker Lower School afterschool program. * Years of private neighborhood babysitting for diverse family dynamics. * International experience tutoring children abroad in Taiwan! Medical & Health Safety: I have deep, personal, and firsthand experience managing Type 1 Diabetes and navigating specialized healthcare routines. If your child manages a health condition, I am fully prepared to follow strict care guidelines and provide a highly safe, attentive environment. I bring a vibrant, energetic, and creative approach to my shifts! I love organizing engaging activities like structured arts and crafts, interactive games, dancing, and fun fashion shows. I am highly organized, deeply value absolute cleanliness, and am happy to follow your exact family routines, assist with household tasks, or provide dedicated homework help.

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Gabrielle $29 per hour for 1 child

Hi families! I am a passionate, patient, and highly communicative caregiver who truly loves being a part of children's growth and daily milestones. I believe in creating a joyful, structured, and engaging environment for little ones. One of my favorite things is planning creative activities both indoors and outdoors. I love introducing music to children’s routines—I’ve been playing the keyboard since I was 12 years old and enjoy using music for learning and fun! I also love cooking healthy meals, diving into the magical world of Disney and cartoons, and planning special surprises or themed activities for holidays and celebratory dates to make their childhood memories extra magical. Open communication is very important to me. I love connecting with parents at the end of the day to share updates, talk about the children's daily routine, and ensure we are always aligned. I look forward to bringing safety, creativity, and lots of smiles to your home!

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Amelia $30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 3 families in Santa Cruz, CA

(I am currently teaching fulltime this year, if you need support on the weekend, please reach out). Hello! I’m Amelia! 👋🏻👋🏼👋🏽👋🏾👋🏿 I am an energetic, warm, and highly experienced childcare provider who loves active outdoor games, creative play, and keeping kids fully engaged! As a career educator with over a decade in of hands-on experience in early childhood development, nannying, and play-based learning, I bring parents complete peace of mind. I hold an M.A. in Special Education, B.A. in Child Development, and active State Teaching Credentials, meaning safety, structured fun, and developmental care are second nature to me. Quick Highlights: + Fully State-Credentialed & Live Scan Fingerprinted. + CPR & First Aid Certified + Expertise in Positive Behavior Support & Play-Based Early Learning Whether you need dependable backup care, weekend help, or engaging after-school support, my goal is always to make your day easier and keep your children happy, safe, and entertained. I’d love to connect! 🌈🌊☀️🌺 ~ Amelia

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Yesenia $25 per hour for 1 child

Hi there! My name is Yesenia, and I’m so excited to offer child care this summer to support your family. With over 10 years of experience working with children from 6 months to 12 years old, I bring a warm heart, a creative mind, and a lot of energy to everything I do. I’ve worked as a babysitter, in daycares, after-school programs, and summer camps, and I’ve even performed in children’s shows at California’s Great America—so keeping kids smiling and engaged is second nature to me! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science (Preparation for Teaching) from San Jose State University and a Master’s degree in Teaching from Santa Clara University. I’ve also taught in bilingual classrooms for students in TK through 6th grade. Education is a huge passion of mine, and I love helping children grow, explore, and learn in fun and meaningful ways. I am passionate about working with kids because they keep me young at heart! I’m constantly inspired by their natural curiosity, joy, and honesty. From DIY art projects to story time to nature scavenger hunts, I believe in keeping kids busy in ways that continue to spark curiosity and creativity. Through it all, I lead with patience, positivity, and consistency. I believe children learn best by example, and I aim to show them how to be kind, respectful, curious, and confident in themselves. I’m caring, dependable, communicative, and always ensure I create a safe, supportive space where kids can be themselves. Outside of work, I love arts and crafts, reading, hiking, beach days, and staying active—especially with my dog and bearded dragon by my side. If you’re looking for a sitter who is responsible, nurturing, and genuinely passionate about working with kids, I’d love to be a part of your family’s summer!

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Jamiese $30 per hour for 1 child

Hi! My name is Jamiese, but I also go by Miese (pronounced Me-C)! I’m currently a student at San José State University studying Criminology, with plans to pursue a career in law. I have several years of experience working with children of different ages through nannying, babysitting, summer camps, and youth sports programs. I currently work with multiple families throughout the Bay Area, providing morning care, after-school care, transportation to and from activities, and occasional evening and weekend babysitting. I’m a very outgoing, patient, responsible, and energetic person who genuinely enjoys working with children. I love keeping kids active and engaged, whether that’s spending time outdoors, doing arts and crafts, playing games, helping with homework, or finding fun activities that match their interests. Growing up, I participated in competitive cheerleading, dance, track, swimming, and water polo, so staying active has always been a big part of my life! I am also CPR certified and understand how important it is for parents to feel comfortable and confident with the person caring for their children. Safety is always my top priority, and I do my best to create a positive, nurturing, and fun environment while respecting each family’s routines, expectations, and parenting styles. One of my favorite things about nannying is building genuine connections with the children and families I work with. I love watching kids grow, develop their personalities, and become more independent. I believe patience, communication, and consistency are important when caring for children, and I always try to bring those qualities into my work. I’m currently looking for additional occasional babysitting opportunities, especially during evenings and weekends. Whether you need someone for a date night, weekend outing, or just an extra helping hand, I’d be more than happy to help! I look forward to connecting with new families and hopefully meeting your little ones soon! 😊

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How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Santa Cruz, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $29.98
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.27
  • Typical job length: 5.9 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Santa Cruz, 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.

203 sitters background checked in Santa Cruz, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 1,157 reviews in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz

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Why families trust UrbanSitter for emergency babysitting

Trusted by Santa Cruz families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents in your Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz

How do I find an emergency babysitter in Santa Cruz?

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

How much does an emergency babysitter cost in Santa Cruz?

As of October 2026, babysitting rates in Santa Cruz average $29.98 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 Santa Cruz on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check, including those in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

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.

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