OcalaMom.com

Jodi had never, ever, ever been left w/ anybody but me until I started school 6 weeks ago. It was rough and I will admit to crying on the drive there the first day (but I did manage to pull it together to avoid being some freak in a corner crying to herself...)
I did my own background checks on people which helped.
You also could try posting an ad on the UF job board. My friends in Gainesville do that just to find a babysitter to use every once in awhile.
I had people willing to drive to Ocala, even, for my ad. Some of the student resumes were pretty impressive! In fact, I have 1 girl who is a sr in elem ed who watched Jodi 1 day when the normal Th girl couldn't and was excellent!! She might be available some for you? She was totally willing to drive down for us so it would be even less to you. She starts her internship in the fall, though, so does have that to work around.
Anyway, I did my own background checks. I asked for and checked references. I made CPR a requirement (our main girl is pre-med and an EMT student this summer!)
I had to do a lot of calming myself (I had just read a book on keeping kids safe so that didn't help) and remind myself that the chances of something happening are minor; that these are college kids driven to a degree and just wanting money and they aren't going to babynap, etc... And then I keep watching J's reaction. One girl we got rid of and Jodi never liked her.
Not sure if any of that ramble helps, but we've just gone through this.

(holding my breath as I say this)...I think I may want to look into using the elem. ed. girl you were speaking about. Could you PM me and let me know how I should go about getting in touch w/ her? (whether you would want to say something to her, or if I should call her??) I don't really know how all of this works. Also, I'm totally clueless on how the $ part works. Did she set her own price or did you just pay her when you got back? This would just basically be for date nights for DH and I. Do you use her at night or during the day? Full of questions!!! Any extra info is welcome

I'll call her and tell her and then PM you the #. Will try to do that tomorrow.
I am probably one of the worst ever first-time babysitter users out there, and she was excellent. (OK, I am almost too embar. to admit this, but I left a 3-pg instruction sheet -- typed -- with the first sitters we started w/, along w/ the authorization for emergency medical treatment, etc...)
I actually had her referred from the Thursday girl we had been using (also excellent but moving back to Orlando for a job in the PICU) and hadn't even met her until that day and felt comfortable w/ her!
I just used her that one day but if I had other random days and she was available, I liked her enough we'd definitely be calling her again.
I paid $10 an hour but b/c it was a last-minute find (I literally found her the night before) I added a little extra. When I was babysitting in college (ahem cough awhile ago) I got anywhere from $7-10/hr. I asked around our groups and other moms said $8-12 range is about on target now.
Jodi really liked her and didn't want to leave her, which I think says great things about her.

hello to all of the moms!!

My name is Tina and I am 21 years old. I have been looking to maybe start doing some babysitting again at night. I loved to babysit in high school and I am a child psychology student currently at CFCC, I have references available. Please let me know if I can be of any help!! I live in Ocala and have reliable transportation. You can let me know by emailing me at fiestykitten112@aol.com Hope that i can be of some help!!

I would have to say word of mouth is best. I don't know personally as I have been a SAHM mom since my first was born. When/If we needed a sitter for me and DH to go out there was always the grandparents! Friends have said they prefer word of mouth concerning someone keeping their child.

Now that my youngest started school last year I took up Nannying. I found someone looking on Ocala4sale for a sitter for her child as she didn't want to put her in a daycare once the baby was born. I replied to the ad as I was having empty nest syndrome knowing my kids weren't home during the day but wanted/needed to be home since hubby runs business out of our home and I needed to be home to answer the phones, and we meet and I keep her daughter M-F 6:50am-5pm. I love it having another under foot again! I thought about taking another but we will see.

Hello...
I'm a stay at home experienced mom. I live in Ocala near horse farms on 27th AVE (nice clean/safe area). I do have a 6 yr old daughter of my own .I would like to start babysitting for a family who maybe also has a daughter around the same age as my daughter. No infants please:-( sorry. Reasonable rates,Flexible hours,Accepting up to 2 children,weekends ok if needed, Centrally located,Reliable transportation if need to go into town (with ice cold air haha). Let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you and your loved one. Email me at lorimuccino@hotmail.com .I welcome any questions you may have. Thank you.

My husband and I will be moving to Ocala in 3 weeks and will be looking for a sitter for our 2 boys also. They are ages 14 months and 3 1/2 years. We will be living in the community of Fore Ranch and hope to find a sitter in the same community. We won't know ANYONE in the state, so we'll need to find someone we can trust so my husband and I can have date nights and do some holiday shopping!

Can't wait to be there!

Kari

hello kari!! well welcome to florida!! as i posted before i have a lot of experience! If you need some references and the like feel free to email me at fiestykitten112@aol.com i am available for any nights!
Tina

Hi my name is Amanda. We just moved to Ocala last week. In need of a babysitter! I know nobody in state. Two children 4 1/2 yr & 2yr. Our oldest is not old enough to start K down here she misses the cut off date by 10 days. Our 2 yr old has VERY BAD food allegeries & is VERY active. I would be needing someone who may of had experience with this - not required! Not real sure on the days or hours yet, just starting out ~ but would only be during the week. Like I said just getting started inthe area. Anyone intersted please contact me via e-mail... for more information .... amstrvl@aol.com
amanda

hello!My name is Shanna and I am a single mom who loves to babysitt! If you ever need a night out or even a sat or sunday off let me know! I am available after 6 mon-fri and weekends.

quote:

Originally posted by keagansmom:
hello!My name is Shanna and I am a single mom who loves to babysitt! If you ever need a night out or even a sat or sunday off let me know! I am available after 6 mon-fri and weekends.

Shanna,
would you please contact me so that i amy beable to get some more information from you.
thanks.....amanda
amstrvl@aol.com

Im 19 a mother of a 18 month old and a 3 month old. I love children my home is child proof. I have bunches of toys. lunch,snacks,drinks are included when your children are with me. I have a clean background. Iv'e never been in trouble! I love children just looking for extra cash. age is no factor for me! I accept all ages. Please email me at Brat4ever2323@yahoo.com or call me at 352-546-5740.. we will find a price suitable for your budget! my name is angela.hope to see you and your little tike soon!

My children are in their 20s now but I guess I can still share on this site. When my children were little and I had to hire a sitter for when I worked, I would periodically pop in unexpectedly and check on things. If they know that you will always be there to pick up your child at 5:30, then everything is going to be perfect at that time. But, if you come by when they are not expecting you, you can see what is really going on. I use this same tactic now checking on my dad at his nursing home.

I agree with you soliver, and think that is a great idea whether its your children or other loved ones. I used to do this when my little one was in daycare and what I liked was the daycare encouraged it!

Hello I am a stay at home mom but my children are schoolage so if you need a babysitter during the week I am more than willing to babysit. Please feel free to contact me at lovely_lady_0310@yahoo.com for more information.