Many options exist for families looking for babysitting services or to exchange childcare with other families in their community.

A babysitting exchange provides families the opportunity to swap childcare without payment for services. It is beneficial to families in three ways: 1) children have the opportunity to play with other children, 2) families in need of childcare receive it without spending money, and 3) both parent and child connect with other families building community support.

OFR is interested in establishing a babysitter exchange commuity through a Baby Sitter Exchange network. Please contact our office if you are interested in particpating.

Not interested in the exchange but want to offer services or are in need of services?

We provide an on-line bulletin board below.

Here you can post your childcare services or needs. All profiles are reviewed by our staff before they are made available on the website.

However, neither the Office of Family Resources, the University, its trustees, officers, employees, nor agents will accept liability for problems associated with use of these services. Your listing will be available for 60 days. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

The Office of Faculty Development offers faculty a free trial membership with Sittercity. In addition to babysitting services, Sittercity can connect you with services for elder parents or infirm family members, house sitters, pet sitters, and tutors.

Other options for finding a sitter include registering your need at the employment offices of colleges and high schools in your local area. Families interested in posting their babysitting needs at the UMass Student Employment Office can "Post a Job" under "Employer Links".

There is also a group of UMass students available for babysitting. If you are interested in more information they can be reached at babysitting.amherst@gmail.com.

Before leaving your child in another's care, OFR suggests this website which provides interview questions and checklists for preparing a new sitter.

These questions are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of things you should consider, we recommend you discuss issues relevant to your child and/or the child for whom you may be caring. For a more thorough background check, ask for references or to do a Criminal Records check CORI.