I'm an elementary teacher who wants to make some extra money this summer babysitting...?

Question

How should I advertise my services? There are only about 3 weeks of summer break left and I don't have money to advertise in the papers, but I live in a small community and I thought I could post flyers at the post office and laundromat. What should I include on the flyer, and how much can I charge? I was thinking somewhere between $7-10 per hour. Is that reasonable, seeing as how I'm an adult with two school age children and training in dealing with children, as well as first aid and CPR certification?

I've checked on a babysitting site and it says that for my area in Florida, a baby sitter who's over 22 years old with over 5 years experience should make $11/ hr for one child, $12 for 2, $13 for 3.....

As far as babysitting future students, that's not an issue...I teach 30 minutes away from where I live, so not likely.

In addition, I'm not talking about babysitting the same child every day from 9-5, I'm talking about babysitting for "one-time events," evenings out, stuff like that. This is a big tourist area and I could go to hotel rooms and watch kids while their parents have a quiet dinner, stuff like that...

Answer 1

Babysitting is great, but have you considered tutoring? There are many elementary teachers who offer tutoring services, both in math and reading, to elementary-aged children. Tutoring happens after school, during the summer, on weekends - it just can't be done during contract hours at school. Some tutor in their home, the student's home, the local library... I have a 10 year old with learning difficulties, and he has been in tutoring for about 3 years - we are currently paying $35 per half hour session, which is the going rate in our area (I've checked). Whichever way you decide, include your price per hour/session, your certifications (first aid and CPR, as well as any speciality areas), hours available, references, and how they can reach you. Good luck!

Answer 2

I watch kids allllllllllllllllll day long, from about 8 to 6 and I get 21 dollars a day per kid. 10 an hour? Good luck.

PS

If you are planning on watching very, very young kids...the cpr and first aid thing is fine. But if you dont want diapers...then you are talking school age kids...and those parents would rather hear that you are fun...cheap. You might suggest educational games but then you have to follow through with that.

Most of the kids are already set up with childcare if you are talking summer only. New moms won't want to choose you then take them to someone else in a few weeks. School age parents will be swayed by LOCATION and PRICE...or offer to tutor in reading, math...summer bridge kind of stuff.

Answer 3

Watch out! You may be babysitting your future students. When you give them an F on a paper or assignment, they are going to say, "You were my favorite babysitter! How could you do this to me?"