RALEIGH, N.C.-- After a busy holiday season, babysitters in the area can almost count on ringing in the new year with a little more wealth.

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New Year's Eve is one of the most requested nights for childcare, and that can leave parents scrambling to find sitters.

 

Full time teacher Ebony Barron babysits in her free time for fun and a little extra cash. She said that parents are willing to compete for the best sitters so they can have a night out on New Year's.

 

"One year, one mom paid me more," said Barron.  "Then she said wherever you want dinner, we'll buy your dinner, and whatever you want us to pay you."

 

For Amanda Bordeaux, a Raleigh resident and recent Meredith College graduate, the demand for babysitters makes for a booming business.

 

She is the founder of Sitter Connection, a referral service that bridges the gap between families and about a hundred babysitters in the Triangle and Wilmington.

 

"Usually when they call me, it's kind of a last resort," said Bordeaux. "They've tried to find sitters on their own. They've asked the neighborhood kids."

 

All of Bordeaux's available sitters have been booked for New Year's Eve. She said people start making requests for holiday parties as early as October.

 

"Babysitting is a great way to make money," she said. "I do take pride that my babysitters actually enjoy sitting, but a great benefit is the average pay rate is about $10 to $12 an hour."

 

Raleigh parents Michael and Ann Longrie have used Sitter Connection to find childcare for their 4 year-old son and 7 year-old daughter. They said the cost of finding a sitter they can trust is well worth it.

 

"It's almost like a sigh of relief to know that someone can be your back up if you need it," said Ann Longrie. "It can be really tricky at certain times. In fact, I try to think way out in advance."

 

Ebony Barron said she also has to think ahead to make sure she doesn't double book.

 

"I just have to be organized and keep my planner and make sure I don't schedule and get too busy," she said.