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Find a last-minute babysitter in Portola Valley, CA

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

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83 available last-minute babysitters in Portola Valley, CA

Families in Portola Valley use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
58 available today | Avg hourly rate: $31.22/hr

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

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Catia
Booked by 4 repeat families
5 reviews
$31 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 9 families in Portola Valley, CA

Hi! My name is Catia — I’m 25 years old and based in Palo Alto. I have several years of experience working with children from infants and toddlers through elementary school, both in private homes and educational settings. I currently work as an Infant & Toddler Teacher Assistant at a children’s center, where I help provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for young children. Alongside my childcare experience, I’ve worked as a nanny and babysitter for multiple families, caring for children as young as 4 months through elementary school. I love creating fun, engaging, and safe environments where kids can learn, play, and feel comfortable being themselves. I’m also CPR and First Aid certified, bilingual in Spanish, and experienced in supporting children with different learning and behavioral needs. Families describe me as responsible, kind, and dependable, and I truly enjoy building positive relationships with both kids and parents. I’d love the opportunity to bring that same care and energy to your family! -Catia :)

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Liana
Booked by 2 repeat families
6 reviews
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 7 families in Portola Valley, CA

Hi! My name is Liana and I’m looking for one-time and occasional babysitting jobs. I’m a Physician Assistant student at Stanford University and am looking to make some extra money while I’m in school. I have always loved working with kids. I graduated with a B.S in Neuroscience from Santa Clara University and I hope to work in pediatrics as a PA. I have past experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), pediatric medical assistant, daycare volunteer, and math/reading tutor. I have my own car and am comfortable driving to/from activities. I enjoy reading, baking, spending time outside, watching tv/movies, and doing crafts!

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Nancy
Booked by 1 repeat family
$25 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 2 families in Portola Valley, CA

Hi, I’m Nancy! I’m a Bay Area native and a full-time first-grade teacher who truly loves working with kids of all ages. With over five years of classroom experience, many years of babysitting, and a Master’s in Education, I bring patience, creativity, and a nurturing approach to every family I work with. I’m a credentialed public school teacher and have cared for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children—from feedings and nap times to homework help and fun activities. Being bilingual in Spanish and English helps me connect with families from diverse backgrounds, and I’m CPR & First Aid certified so you can feel confident your little ones are safe with me. Families describe me as dependable, warm, and easy to communicate with. Whether you need an extra set of hands during a busy week or a trustworthy sitter for a night out, I’d love to support your family and give your kids a safe, engaging, and fun experience.

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Katarzyna
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Portola Valley, CA

Hello! I am former au pair with extensive childcare experience, and I’m also a proud mum to a 15-year-old daughter. I truly love being around children and find so much joy in supporting their growth, creativity, and everyday routines. I currently work at Stanford during the week, but I’d love the opportunity to support your family on weekday evenings after 5 pm and on weekends. I am BLS certified, including CPR, and my rate is $30 per hour (happy to discuss). Thank you Kasia

“She is awesome and great with my boy. Kasia is on time, kind and fun. My son likes her a lot. We recommend her to any family.”

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Emily $25 per hour for 1 child

Hi, My name is Emily and I am currently a part-time freelance tutor for elementary aged children. I am offering child care, senior care, and household cleaning services. I love working in childcare and have previously worked as a summer camp counselor (campers aged 4 to 13) as well as an in-class aide for special needs students and a math and language arts tutor for students aged 6 to 12. I have worked positions requiring school drop-off/pick-up, preparing simple meals for children as well as seniors, engaging children in fun after-school activities and outdoor play, tutoring, housework, running errands, and in-home eldercare--including medication administration, memory care, daily hygiene, and cleaning. I served as my own father's end-of-life caregiver and understand the needs of seniors living out their last years as comfortably as possible in-home. I can engage children's critical thinking and problem-solving skills to improve their academic performance, and I'm good at devising easy, fun games for children to stimulate their creative imaginations. I also have a lifetime of experience caring for cats. I am not as familiar with dog care, but I am happy to learn.

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

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $31.22
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $36.87
  • Typical job length: 5.0 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Portola Valley, 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.

1,089 sitters background checked in Portola Valley, CA

4.9 average star rating from total of 8,228 reviews in Portola Valley, 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 Portola Valley

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

Why Portola Valley 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 Portola Valley families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents at your child's school, preschool, or neighborhood in Portola Valley.

Background checked, every year

Every babysitter clears an annual background check, offering peace of mind even on short notice.

Read reviews, then decide

See parent reviews, repeat families, and average response times to find the right fit fast.

Frequently asked questions about finding a last-minute babysitter in Portola Valley

How do I find a last-minute babysitter in Portola Valley?

Sign up on UrbanSitter, enter your zip code, and submit a request with your timing and care needs. Babysitters near Portola Valley 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 Portola Valley?

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Portola Valley is $31.22 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Portola Valley.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

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

Can I find a same-day babysitter in Portola Valley?

Same-day requests are common on UrbanSitter. Submit a request with your timing and care needs, and available sitters in Portola Valley 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 Portola Valley can respond, and you can review profiles before choosing.

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