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How to find a qualified babysitter is a question that both single parent as well as couples face when they have children. Finding a qualified babysitter requires time and effort, but your reward is assurance that your child is in capable hands.

Overview:
1. Ask for Recommendations
Whether you're looking for a teenage babysitter or a regular in-home caregiver, begin by asking your friends, colleagues, and neighbors for recommendations.

2. Community Organizations
Call your local library, YMCA, and community education facility to find out whether they offer babysitting classes. If they do, they might be able to give you a list of local babysitters.
3. Colleges and Universities
Also consider contacting your local community college or nearby universities. Their early education departments may have job boards where you can post your request.
4. Babysitting Services
You can also log onto www.babysitters.com to search for babysitters in your area.
More: Search for babysitters in your area.
5. Schedule Interviews
Schedule interviews with each potential candidate. If possible, make arrangements to conduct the interviews in your home so that the candidates can meet and interact with your children.
6. Prepare a List of Questions
Prepare a list of questions for the interview. There are five main categories you'll want to cover during the interview: previous experience, rules, emergencies, play time, and compensation.
More: A List of Questions to Ask When Interviewing Potential Babysitters
7. Review Your Expectations on the First Day
Once you've selected a babysitter, ask him or her to arrive early on the first day so that you can go over your rules and expectations.
8. Put Yourself in the Sitter's Shoes
Also think about how you can make your babysitter's experience in your home a pleasant one. You might consider keeping a few special snacks around and reminding your children that the house rules remain in effect when you are not home.
9. Arrive Home on Time
Try to be home when you said you would. Your sitter may have other plans, or may simply need a break by the time you arrive home.
10. Be Respectful
Finally, always treat your children's babysitter with respect. Stick to the hourly rate you agreed upon during the interview, and occasionally ask the sitter how things are going. Take the time to express how much you appreciate what he or she does for your family. Your kind words could mean more than you know!

Resources:
http://singlepa rents.about.com/od/havingfun/t p/findababysitter.htm

Learn more about this author, Sandie Alter.
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