There are several different routes you can take to find child care for your family.
There are some websites that can help you identify and screen babysitters. Care.com and similar sites like Sitter City will let you create a profile for what you are looking for in a babysitter and it allows people to submit applications. Then you can scan the profiles of potential babysitters and interview them as needed. There are also options for completing background checks on applicants that you like.
Some parents are looking for a more skilled babysitter to meet their child’s needs and ensure their safety. An idea to explore would be to contact local colleges in the area and see if they can help you identify a Master or Bachelor’s level student pursuing a career in speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy because they might have an expanded knowledge of the skills you are looking for in a babysitter. You can also specify this in your preferences on one of the aforementioned babysitter websites.
Greater MetroWest ABLE (associated with the Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ in Livingston, NJ) offers training opportunities and a babysitter training course for individuals working with children who have special needs.
PerformCare is the single point of entry to the Children’s System of Care in New Jersey for families to receive services for children. This New Jersey funded agency will help provide you with access to many different resources to help support your family and your child. Resources include: Family Support Services, Summer Camp, Crisis Intervention, case management services, and respite care. Respite services offer families opportunities for child care options delivered through several different methods. With some respite services offered through PerformCare, families are able to access afterschool programs or may receive an allowance to pay a personal babysitter/caregiver of their choice. The application is lengthy and can be time-consuming but the opportunities that come with it are vast. Access the ID/DD application here.
Child and Family Resources of Morris County: you may be eligible for a subsidy to help pay for childcare, including camps that are approved by the state. Unfortunately, options can be limited and this will not cover a private babysitter. If you are interested or would like to check if you would be eligible click the link here.
More options:
Check your local ARC. ARC can help you find out more about services that may be available in your community for assistance. Visit the ARC of NJ’s website here.
Check out Facebook for Parent Support Groups offering ideas and resources.
Check out Aunt Bertha, a “Social Care Network,” that has compiled resources in many different categories. You type in your zip code, what you are looking for, and then you can narrow your search to make it more specific to your needs or start exploring the results.
Look out for Parent’s Night Out opportunities – Unique Athletics offers childcare services and so does Liquid Church periodically. If you know more, please send me them so I can share with others!