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Find a last-minute babysitter in El Cerrito, CA

Need a sitter on short notice? El Cerrito families find trusted, background checked babysitters on UrbanSitter.

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182 available last-minute babysitters in El Cerrito, CA

Families in El Cerrito use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
177 available today | Avg hourly rate: $30.83/hr

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

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Melissa
Booked by 12 repeat families
20 reviews
$29 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 20 families in El Cerrito, CA

Hello — my name is Melissa! I am offering occasional child care. I’m happy to cover date nights, school or work events, or times you just need to focus on something else. I am a former elementary school teacher (and current medical assistant) with interests in education/tutoring, reading, and spending time outdoors. I can often be found with my kindle by the lake or checking out an East Bay coffee shop. My subject matter expertise while teaching was math and science for elementary students, but I have worked with children as young as infants up through high school age. I started babysitting and tutoring when I was in middle school and have worked with children throughout college and my career. If you think I might be a good fit for you, feel free to send me a message. Looking forward to connecting!

“Melissa was great - attentive, fun, and positive. Our kids loved having her stay with them!”

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Knar
Booked by 12 repeat families
14 reviews
$37 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 46 families in El Cerrito, CA

Hi, my name is Knar. I was born and raised in San Francisco and currently live in Oakland, with no issues commuting into the city. I have over 15 years of childcare experience and am deeply passionate about providing nurturing, dependable care that supports children’s growth, confidence, and development. My background includes three years working in a daycare setting and twelve years as a full-time nanny, giving me hands-on experience with children across a wide range of ages and stages. I value building close, trusting relationships with both children and parents and take pride in being a steady, supportive presence in a family’s life. My childcare philosophy centers on creating a safe, loving environment with clear structure, consistency, and care so children feel secure and encouraged as they grow. I am family-oriented, patient, respectful, and highly communicative, and I believe open and honest communication is the foundation of a strong partnership. In addition to childcare, I am happy to assist with light household tasks such as baby laundry and dishes, introducing solids, supporting developmental milestones, and tailoring care to each child’s unique needs. Availability update: I have a full-time position and am not currently available, but I appreciate you taking the time to view my profile.

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Cynthia
Booked by 7 repeat families
19 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 19 families in El Cerrito, CA

Hi, I’m Cynthia! I’m a reliable, energetic caregiver with years of experience caring for children from toddlers through elementary age kids. I’ve worked with families in both Washington, DC and San Francisco, providing consistent, trusted support for busy parents. I currently work part-time as a consultant, so I have a flexible schedule and genuinely enjoy spending my free time with kids. Caregiving is something I choose to do because I love it—not just as a job, but as a way to stay engaged, active, and connected. I especially enjoy working with curious preschoolers and early elementary kids (ages 3–6 are my favorite!). My style is hands-on and interactive—I prioritize play, creativity, and outdoor time over screens. Whether it’s building forts, doing puzzles and Legos, reading together, or heading to the park, I bring a high level of energy and engagement. I also have some experience supporting children with ADD/ADHD and understand the importance of patience, structure, and positive reinforcement. Outside of caregiving, I’m a long-distance runner and love staying active—something that translates well to keeping up with high-energy kids who enjoy being on the move. I also volunteer as a reading tutor at a local elementary school, which has been a rewarding way to support early learning. (Fully vaccinated and CPR/First Aid certified.)

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Phia
Booked by 49 repeat families
97 reviews
$32 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 172 families in El Cerrito, CA

Hi! My name is Phia and I would be happy to work with you. I have been working with children professionally since I was 16 but babysat before then. I have worked with children of varying ages, from infants 3 months and older, toddlers, elementary age, all the way up to young teenagers preparing for high school. I graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BA in sociology in May 2022. I now work as a project coordinator supervising youth development and policy at a local non-profit. I still work with babysitting families 1-2 times a week. In the Bay Area, I have worked as an after-school program leader for the YMCA in SFUSD, as well as a classroom aid. Beyond this, I have worked as an interim babysitter and nanny for various families before and during the pandemic. Through my time with the YMCA and other organizations, I have been trained in childhood development and creative education. I enjoy working with kids because it helps me keep in tune with my ability to empathize and stay creative. Children are the expression of a community, so staying in tune with the needs and experiences of youth is better for the community as a whole. Booking and payment policy: Same day cancellation, if you cancel within 4 hours of the booking start time, you are agreeing to pay me 1/2 of lost wages.

“Phia is so great with my kids! She and my toddler especially get along great, and she does an awesome job playing with him. Highly recommend.”

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Chelsea
Booked by 65 repeat families
80 reviews
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 119 families in El Cerrito, CA

Hello prospective families! My name is Chelsea. I pride myself on being dependable, responsible, and honest. I am looking for date night or occasional jobs that can fit into my schedule. I am a graduate of the University of Virginia (B.A. & M.P.P) and University of Michigan (MBA) and will start my full time job at the end of summer. For over four years I worked with children from newborn through four-year-olds in a children's ministry in addition to routinely babysitting for families including daycare pick-up/drop-off. I am CPR certified and completed a refresher course. As a preteen, I began watching children as a mother's morning helper and continued babysitting throughout graduate school. My background is in the arts, cheering, and dance. The summer before leaving for college I worked as a performing arts instructor teaching children between the ages of 4 to 14. I enjoy spending time with kids and finding creative activities to fill the time. If you are looking for an enthusiastic and responsible sitter, please reach out to me. *As I drive my car to jobs, please let me know what the available parking in your area is when you request a booking **Please note, I am unable to accept bookings if anyone in the household has been sick within the last 48 hours. For occasional babysitting jobs, I do charge for an in-person interview. Additionally, due to a peanut allergy, I am unable to prepare or feed children food with peanuts. I do charge a 50% fee for cancellations without a 24 hours notice. Thank you for your consideration.

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How much does a last-minute babysitter cost in El Cerrito, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $30.83
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.75
  • Typical job length: 4.7 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in El Cerrito, CA

Trust matters, especially on short notice

Babysitters on UrbanSitter are background checked every year, with every profile individually reviewed by our Trust and Safety team.

2,488 sitters background checked in El Cerrito, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 30,122 reviews in El Cerrito, CA

photo of quoted parent Marie

"Amina came and helped us out when our babysitter canceled last minute. She was great with our kids. Even our 11 month old son who has stranger anxiety warmed up to her."

Marie C., parent

photo of quoted parent Jenny

"She was so flexible and came last minute to help out. The house was really neat when I got home and both kids were asleep. Two thumbs up!"

Jenny S., parent

photo of quoted parent Jesse

"Thrisa was amazing! Came over last minute and took amazing care of our 11 month old - including bedtime - she's coming back tomorrow :)"

Jesse D., parent

Family with caregiver

Find a last-minute babysitter in El Cerrito

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Why El Cerrito families choose UrbanSitter for last-minute child care

Quick responses when plans change

In most cities, average response time for last-minute requests is under two minutes.

Recommended by El Cerrito families

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Background checked, every year

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Read reviews, then decide

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Frequently asked questions about finding a last-minute babysitter in El Cerrito

How do I find a last-minute babysitter in El Cerrito?

Sign up on UrbanSitter, enter your zip code, and submit a request with your timing and care needs. Babysitters near El Cerrito who are available can respond to your request. Before choosing, you can view profiles, parent reviews, and shared connections.

How much does a last-minute babysitter cost in El Cerrito?

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in El Cerrito is $30.83 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in El Cerrito.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check. You can also read reviews from El Cerrito families and see shared connections before you book. See what's included in the background check.

Can I find a same-day babysitter in El Cerrito?

Same-day requests are common on UrbanSitter. Submit a request with your timing and care needs, and available sitters in El Cerrito can respond. In most cities, the average response time for urgent requests is under two minutes.

Should I pay more for a last-minute babysitter?

Some parents offer a slightly higher rate for last-minute or same-day requests, but it is not required. On UrbanSitter, rates are set by individual babysitters. You can see each babysitter's hourly rate on their profile before you book.

What if I need a babysitter last minute today?

To find a last-minute babysitter today, share your timing and care needs on UrbanSitter. Available babysitters in El Cerrito can respond, and you can review profiles before choosing.

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