I am 25yrs old and I have 36 ECE Units how can I advertise to babysit and what rate are reasonable?

Question

I am 25yrs old and I want to start babysitting. I currently work part time for a special needs preschool and I need another side job. I was wondering how I should go about advertising. I have 36 early child development units. THank you.

Answer 1

I'm not sure where you're located, but I've had some decent luck with sittercity.com. This is a website where you can create a profile with your experience and background, and you can search jobs in your area. Also, they send you an email every day with all of the new jobs listed withing 5 or 10 miles of your location. There is everything from full and part time nannying positions to one Saturday a month positions. Give it a shot and see what is in your area!

Answer 2

36 ECE units is a lot.  I'm assuming your major is child development, right?

With previous experience as a teacher at a preschool and that many early childhood education units, I'd say that it would be reasonable for you to ask for at least $12/hr.

That is the very least.

With your qualifications, however, why not seek part-time work at another preschool rather than babysitting?

Answer 3

First you might need to get certified to provide care.  Check out your state's website.  Once that is completed, put up posters at the local churches, libraries, and grocery stores.  Word of mouth works well if you babysit in your home.  

Depending on your area's average cost, the child's age, whether breakfast/lunch/snacks are provided all determine tuition.  Ball park cost for FULL TIME care:  $150/week for Ages 0-2, $140/week for Ages 2-3 (potty trained), $130/week for Ages 4-5.  $75-$95/week for Before/After School Care.

Of course you would adjust for P/T hours, and perhaps offer a 10% sibling discount.  Good luck!

Answer 4

Word of mouth is your best bet :-).  Your work in the special needs preschool may be where you would like to start...if that is not against the policies.  Make sure that the teachers no, send home fliers or business cards if you can.  When I began child care I created some business cards with my name, availability, phone number, and services I offered.  I purchased some cheap business card holders and left some at the Early Childhood playgroups and etc.  I also created a flier with my info on it.  On the bottom I created "slips" with my name and phone number that they could tear off.  I put them at the Department of Human Services, some libraries allow you too...but most are getting away from that, we have something called MichiganWorks...helping people find jobs...that's a good place to put up a flier.  Some people say that laundromats are a good place because people often read the fliers because there is little else to do...and most have families.  :-)  

I do not recommend putting an ad in the paper.  :-)  Number one, it makes it look like you are desperate :-)  but most importantly... some interesting people can get a hold of your phone number more easily.  Good luck!