Regular after-school sitter
Take on set weekly after-school and school-holiday hours for a few families who rely on you.
- $50-400
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
82,162 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.5% in a year
NAICS 624410 “Child day care services”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
Fixed weekly childcare in the family's home: school pickup, snacks, homework help and activities until parents return, plus holiday cover.
Your first three steps
- Decide your available weekdays and hourly rate, and get CPR and first aid certified
- Reach out to school parent groups, community boards and neighborhood apps to find two or three families
- Put a simple written agreement in place covering hours, pay, cancellations and emergencies
Who pays
Working parents who need dependable cover on school days and during school breaks.
How it makes money
Hourly rate agreed in advance with each family, with predictable weekly hours and extra holiday and summer work.
Skills that help
- Dependable and punctual
- Homework help and activity planning
- Basic first aid and CPR
- Safe driving if offering school pickups
Watch out for
- Check whether your state requires a license or registration for regular childcare, even in the child's home
- A family that pays you regularly may have household employer tax duties, so check IRS guidance and keep clear records
- If you drive children, check your auto insurance covers it and use proper car seats
- Consider general liability insurance
- Relying on one or two families means income drops if they leave, so keep a waiting list
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: regular after-school sitter
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start as a regular after-school sitter?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $50 to $400, depending on things like first aid and CPR training, insurance and car seats if you offer school pickups.
How much can a regular after-school sitter earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many families you work for and your weekly hours. Plan for at least about 10 hours a week, plus school holiday cover.
What should I check before taking on regular childcare hours?
Check whether your state requires a license or registration for regular childcare, even in the child's home. Check IRS guidance on household employer tax duties, your auto insurance if you drive children, and consider liability insurance.
Other ways to run this business
Similar teaching and tutoring ideas
Online shogi tutor
Teach shogi by video call to beginners and improving players, one-to-one or in small groups.
- $50-400
- Side hustle
- Online
Online private tutor
Teach school subjects over video to students anywhere, from your own computer.
- $0-400
- Side hustle
- Online
Online Mandarin tutor
Teach Mandarin one-to-one over video to adults, teens and kids, from your own desk.
- $50-500
- Side hustle
- Online
In-home private tutor
Visit students at their homes for one-to-one help with school subjects like math, reading or science.
- $50-500
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online subject tutor
Teach school subjects one-to-one over video to students across your state or beyond.
- $50-600
- Side hustle
- Online
Online guitar teacher
Teach guitar over video call to students anywhere, with flexible hours that fit around your life.
- $100-600
- Side hustle
- Online