The Answer for St. Louis College Students–Back Up Care!
College students in St. Louis often need part-time work that fits around classes, studying, internships, and campus activities. Working as a backup care nanny can be a flexible and rewarding way to earn extra income while gaining valuable professional experience.
Backup care is temporary child care provided when a family’s regular arrangements are unavailable. A child may be home because school is closed, the family’s regular nanny may be unavailable, or working parents may need extra support. Assignments vary in length, location, and age group, allowing students to work when their schedules permit.
A Great Opportunity for St. Louis Students
Students attending these local universities may find backup care particularly convenient:
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Saint Louis University
- University of Missouri–St. Louis
- Maryville University
This work can be especially valuable for students studying education, early childhood development, nursing, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, or another people-focused field. However, students in any academic program may be a good fit if they have child care experience, sound judgment, and a dependable attitude. As long as you love kids, you will be great!
Work Around Your Classes
Unlike a traditional nanny position that requires the same weekly schedule, backup care offers greater flexibility. Students provide their availability and may accept assignments on open weekdays, during school breaks, or when their class schedules are lighter.
Assignments may be available throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and nearby communities. Before accepting a job, students should consider driving distance, traffic, parking, and the time needed to return to campus. Keeping availability accurate helps ensure that assignments fit comfortably around academic responsibilities.
Earn Money and Build Your Résumé
Backup care provides more than additional income. Students gain experience communicating with parents, following detailed instructions, managing children’s routines, planning activities, and adapting to new situations. These skills can strengthen a résumé and support many future career paths.
A successful backup caregiver arrives on time, follows the family’s instructions, limits personal phone use, and remains actively engaged. Reading, crafts, games, outdoor activities, and imaginative play can help create a positive experience for the children.
Reliability is especially important. Families request backup care because their usual arrangements have already fallen through. Once you accept an assignment, the family is counting on you to arrive as scheduled.
For St. Louis college students who enjoy working with children, backup care can be a meaningful and flexible second job. TLC Family Care has connected dependable caregivers with local families for more than 40 years. Join our team and turn your child care experience and available hours into rewarding work throughout the St. Louis area.