As a parent, it is your responsibility to be vigilant about whom you choose to care for your child when you are not there. The first place to look for a reliable baby sitter is through referrals from family and/or friends. Another valuable resource for finding baby sitters that is often overlooked is your neighborhood newsletter. Many college students need part-time jobs to pay tuition, look for a bulletin board at your local college

You should have a good list of questions ready so that you can evaluate the person applying for the job. Your questions should be set up so that you can get a good idea about the character, experience level and methods of child guidance used by the applicant. It is imperative that your overall views about the care of your children match with the views of your new baby sitter. You can find certified baby sitters in classes conducted by your local Red Cross or YMCA.

A lot of parents dislike the idea of leaving their child with any person at all, even if professional daycare services. Talk to neighbors and friends who have kids around the same age as yours. Ask them who are they using for a baby sitter.