As summer starts to wind down, it is that time again to find an after school babysitter for the upcoming school year. Don’t wait too long. School will start before you know it.

Don’t stress…we have five easy tips to finding the right back-to-school babysitter.

1. Check out local colleges and universities. While your kids are preparing for back to school, college students are doing the same. These students often make some of the best and most responsible babysitters that you can find anywhere. Many can pick your kids up from school, take them to appointments and after school activities and even make them a great dinner.

2. Ask your friends– While they will not be too willing to give you the name of their favorite sitter, they may know someone else who may be able to watch your kids.

3. Ask teachers or pastors. These people know good caregivers in the area or young people who may want an after school job.

4. Arrange a swap. If you only need after school care for a few days each week, why not try to swap days with another parent? They can watch your kids the days that you need an after school sitter and, in return, you can watch their children on the days that they are in need.

5. Try an online matchmaking service. Sittercity has thousands of awesome babysitters all over the country. You can search their databases before you even sign up to find great babysitters right in your local area that would be a good fit to watch your little ones.

Confused about babysitter rates? Finding the right babysitter can be a large undertaking. There are many things to consider such as age and experience and this is all before settling on appropriate rate.

When choosing an adequate salary or hourly rate there are a few thing to consider.

• The distance your babysitter must travel to get to your home. This can be overcome by considering adding a bonus to help combat high fuel costs.

• The rate is directly related to the number of children being watched. More children will cost more.

• The age of your child or children, infants usually warrant a higher pay rate than older children.

• The days you need covered will also play a role in the salary. If for instance you need someone over the weekend or for extended hours know that you will be required to pay more.

In addition, how much you will have to pay for a babysitter will depend on many other factors.

First and foremost will be your location. The rates will vary widely from rural to urban areas as well as certain parts of the country. For instance, what you pay in a small town will be vastly different from what you would pay in New York City!

Check the daycare centers in your area as well as talking to friends and family to get the going rates for your geographic area. Generally speaking going rates today run anywhere from $4 per hour all the way to $25 per hour.

If you are still unsure, pay the babysitter a little more than the average babysitting rates for your area.

Sittercity offers a few calculator on their site to determine the going rate in your area. In addition, babysitters will post their required babysitting rates as well.

To check out rates in your area, visit Sittercity.com.