Signs of a great babysitter: what to look for

Choosing the right babysitter is a big decision—especially for families aligned with Montessori principles. In a Montessori home or Montessori-inspired daycare near Winnetka, CA, the ideal babysitter isn’t just someone who "watches" your child—they understand how to observe, guide, and respect a child’s natural development.

Great Montessori babysitters:

• Speak to children respectfully and at eye level.
• Allow children to do things for themselves, even if it takes longer.
• Understand the importance of calm environments and prepared spaces.
• Avoid bribes or punishments, focusing instead on modeling behavior.
• Know how to gently redirect rather than control.

If you're raising your child in a Montessori environment, whether at home or in a daycare in the San Fernando Valley, your babysitter should act like an extension of that same philosophy. The right babysitter will not interrupt a child deep in concentration, and they will view mistakes as learning opportunities, not problems. They will protect your child while also encouraging them to explore and grow.