What can after-school sitters do when school’s out? 2026 update!

Summer options for after-school nannies and babysitters

If you're an after-school nanny or babysitter, summer doesn't have to mean losing work. Many caregivers transition into full-time summer nanny positions, travel with families, pick up temporary roles, work at camps, or take on multiple part-time families. The right option depends on your schedule, goals, and relationship with your current family.

Keep on the sunny side in your nanny job

For after-school nannies and sitters, the end of the school year often brings uncertainty about employment and hours. Your regular, dependable gig and income might go on pause as kiddos are out of school, going off to camp, or traveling with their families. However, it might also mean a chance for more work and higher incomes for sitters with some flexibility. 

At SmartSitting, we've helped hundreds of nannies and sitters navigate this transition over the years, and one thing is clear: there isn't one "right" way to spend your summer. Let’s go through what to expect and how to manage during the summer months when your regular after-school jobs might pause so you cand find the solution that works for you.

Want more info? This guide to Nanny Summer Schedules is your one-stop guide for everything you need!

Step 1: Start by checking in on your current nanny job

Step one in figuring out your summer plans is to discuss summer plans well in advance with the family you work for. Some families might need full-time care during the summer, while others may enroll their children in camps or other activities and no longer need your services. Don’t wait until until the first day of summer break to figure out what’s in store for you.

Some families haven’t thought their summer through entirely and expect you to be available again when school starts back up. However, if they are not paying you a guaranteed income even when they don’t need you, they have to be prepared to potentially lose you to another job. 

That said, if you communicate early on, find out what the family’s plans are and how it might factor into your own, there’s often a way to work it out that works for both sides. Putting this at the forefront of their mind will help them think through it while you’re still around and available – a great chance for you to simply step up and be a welcome solution for them. Even if the family won't need you as much, you'll have plenty of time to look for other opportunities.

Ask questions like:

  • Will you need more hours over the summer?

  • Are the children attending camp?

  • Will your family be traveling?

  • Would you like help with camp drop-offs and pick-ups?

  • Are there weeks you'll need full-day childcare?

You’ve heard us say it before and it applies here more than ever: communication - as always - is key.

Options for nannies during the summer

Transition into a summer nanny role

For many after-school caregivers, the simplest solution is to continue working with the same family.

Summer often means longer days, more outings, preparing lunches, supervising swim lessons, or accompanying children to camps and activities. Because the responsibilities and hours increase, many summer nanny positions also come with higher pay than an after-school schedule.

If you're hoping to stay with your current family, discuss expectations early, including schedules, transportation, overtime, and any planned vacations.

Look for temporary full-time positions

If your family doesn’t need you in summer, don’t worry! There are many families out there looking for full-time childcare during the summer. These positions often involve more hours and can sometimes pay more due to the extended care needed. These roles can vary widely, from providing basic childcare to planning and engaging children in daily educational and recreational activities.

  • Compensation: Given the increased hours and responsibilities, summer nanny roles may offer higher compensation than part-time after-school jobs. Some families might also offer bonuses or increased pay for travel duties or special projects.

  • Activities and Duties: Beyond typical childcare, you may be responsible for taking children to various summer activities like swimming, sports, camps, or classes. You could also be asked to help with school summer assignments or projects. We find that many families looking for summer nannies are particularly interested in nannies with excellent swimming skills and even lifeguard experience. 

You might also look into other summer-only positions working with kids, such as at summer camps, sports activities, or educational programs where your experience working as a nanny can be a big boost. 

Temporary summer nanny positions can be a great way to:

  • Gain experience with different age groups.

  • Increase your income.

  • Explore neighborhoods you're interested in working in.

  • Build relationships with new families.

At Smart Sitting, we often help caregivers find seasonal placements that fit around existing commitments.

Work as a travel nanny

Some families might need a nanny to travel with them on vacation to help look after the children, offering a change of scenery and new experiences. Summer is one of the busiest seasons for travel nanny positions.

Traveling comes in all shapes. This may be a month-long stay in a family’s own Hampton house, or it may be a busy 2-week jaunt around Europe.  


Traveling with a family can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity but comes with its set of challenges and responsibilities. You'll need to adapt quickly to new environments and maintain flexibility. Duties while traveling often extend beyond typical childcare, including helping with packing, managing children’s schedules on the go, and ensuring safety in unfamiliar places.

Read more about traveling as a nanny. 

Use summer to build your skills

Here’s a little inside tip from us to you! If you're planning for a long-term career in childcare, summer can also be an excellent time to invest in yourself.

Consider renewing your CPR and First Aid certification, taking an early childhood education course, learning more about infant care, or developing skills like swimming instruction or tutoring.

Professional development not only strengthens your resume but also makes you a more competitive candidate for future nanny positions. Plus maybe this gives you a little break in summer to work other parts of your brain, so that you return fresh to childcare and your after-school family in the fall. Win-win?

When to start looking

Start looking for summer nanny roles or travel opportunities early in the year—ideally by late winter or early spring. Many families begin planning their summer as early as March, especially if it involves travel or enrollment in popular camps. Once you have a grasp on your current after-school family’s plans, it’s a good time to start looking! 

Towards the end of the summer, start reaching out to families you worked with during the school year. Confirm arrangements for the new school year and discuss any changes in schedule or duties.

 
 

Summer Nanny FAQs for After-School Sitters

If you're planning your summer as an after-school nanny or babysitter, you're not alone. These are some of the most common questions we hear from caregivers every year.

When should after-school nannies ask about summer plans?

Ideally, start the conversation in March or April. Many families begin planning camps, vacations, and summer childcare well before the school year ends. Asking early gives both you and the family time to make plans and, if necessary, gives you plenty of time to look for additional summer work.

Can after-school nannies work full-time during the summer?

Yes. Many families increase their nanny's hours while school is out, turning an after-school position into a full-time summer role. Responsibilities often expand to include planning activities, preparing meals, supervising outings, transporting children to camps, and managing full-day schedules.

Can I work for more than one family during the summer?

Absolutely. Some caregivers combine camp drop-offs and pick-ups with afternoon childcare for another family, while others accept temporary positions around existing commitments. As long as you're upfront about your availability and communicate clearly with each family, working with multiple families can be a great way to build experience and maximize your summer income. And if you're looking for more work during the summer and are working with a nanny agency (like Smart Sitting!), they can usually help you figure out a schedule that works for you and the families.

We have a job for you

As a high-end nanny agency, we find that summer is a busy time of year with families looking for more childcare help than ever. If you’re scrambling to find work for the summer – and you are dedicated, experienced, and love working with kids – we can help match you with just the right position for you. Fill out our application today and let the Smart Sitting team get to know you.

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Cajsa Landin