Getting started in babysitting & childcare

Steps to start booking independent babysitting clients safely and professionally.

1. 1

   Get CPR/First Aid certified

   Not legally required in most places, but it's the single biggest trust signal for parents and often justifies a higher rate.

2. 2

   Complete a background check

   Run one proactively through a service like Care.com or a local provider and be ready to share the result — parents will ask.

3. 3

   Check local licensing rules

   Occasional/casual babysitting is unlicensed in most areas, but regularly caring for children from multiple unrelated families in your own home can trigger in-home daycare licensing rules — check your state/county.

4. 4

   Set your rate structure

   Decide your base hourly rate, per-additional-child add-on, and flat day/overnight/weekend rates before your first booking conversation.

5. 5

   Build an intake form and contract

   Collect emergency contacts, allergies/medications, house rules, and get the agreement acknowledged before the first session.

6. 6

   List yourself and ask for referrals

   Care.com, neighborhood parent Facebook groups, and school/daycare parent networks drive most independent sitters' early bookings — referrals from happy families compound fastest.