Compare top special needs caregivers

Find care

Find special needs caregivers in Portland, OR that you’ll love

253 special needs caregivers are listed in Portland, OR

The average rate is $20/hr as of March 2024

The average experience for nearby special needs caregivers is 6 years

Special needs caregivers in Portland, OR

Elisa M.'s Photo

Elisa M.


Portland, OR

$30/hr10 yrs exp

Part-Time Companion Care Type Services To Seniors And Adults With Special Needs.

5.0

(1)

Background Check

I worked as a Medical Social Worker for years with children and families with special needs, and prior to that as a Mental Health Therapist with both youth and adults. Sudden hearing loss several years ago interrupted my ability to work in my profession, but I'm still a social worker at heart and have maintained my LCSW license...

Recent review:

5.0
Elisa is a compassionate and knowledgeable caregiver who has made extra effort to connect emotionally with our loved-one needing support. She has been a big help to our family and we feel lucky to have found...

Reviewed by Tina C.

Olinda R.'s Photo

Olinda R.


Portland, OR

$30-35/hr10 yrs exp

Worked As An Assistant

5.0

(2)

Background Check

Worked for TIRR - Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research with brain injury, quadriplegic and stroke patients. Did research for the University of Texas Health and Science Center in the Pediatric area for 8 years. Was a CPS Investigator for 12 years and also worked for Adult Protective Services DADS. Up to date with my...

Recent review:

5.0
She thought of fun things to do with my special needs brother in the community and was a good communicator. Plus she really does have a dependable car for transportation which reduces unexpected surprises.

Reviewed by Sabine P.

Claire S.'s Photo

Claire S.


Portland, OR

$20-30/hr3 yrs exp

5.0

(2)

Background Check

Hi there! I have a BA in Psychology and I believe my education has really helped me understand several physical and mental disabilities really well. I am also a naturally empathetic, compassionate, and patient person. I am vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19. I have family members with autism, mental illness, diabetes, and...
Lori T.'s Photo

Lori T.


Portland, OR

$17-25/hr

Career Nanny

5.0

(1)

Background Check

Hi, my name is Lori, I have been working with children my whole work- life. I was a preschool teacher for over 10 years. I enjoyed coming up with fun learning crafts and helping them with their learning, potty training, dressing. Becoming a mom myself I wanted a flexible schedule. I opened my nanny/babysitting service. I used...

Recent review:

5.0
Amazing personality, really cares about my son. He struggles with the transition of my leaving she does a great job always coming up with new ideas to distract and engage him. Gets his fave foods, etc. Works...

Reviewed by Alisha L.

Lauren A.'s Photo

Lauren A.


Portland, OR

$40/hr8 yrs exp

Compassionate, Kind And Experienced Care-Giver

5.0

(2)

Background Check

Hello, my name is Lauren and I am a CNA & professional care-giver with over 8 years experience working with individuals with a variety of care needs, from infant to elderly. I have worked as a Nanny for a family with 3 young children, as a care-giver/support-worker for 27 clients through an assisted living agency in London, as...

Recent review:

5.0
Lauren was a wonderful sitter. She is calm and easy going and gets along great with all ages of kids. My kids loved playing games with her and hanging out just talking. She is very responsible and dependable...

Reviewed by Zoe P.

Justine Y.'s Photo

Justine Y.


Portland, OR

$20-25/hr1 yrs exp

High School SPED And ECE Experience

5.0

(1)

Background Check

hello! I have experience in preschool-12 education, and high school SPED assistance. being on the spectrum, I value caring for and providing support to youth who are like me! you can count on me to provide compassionate care and emphasis on self expression without limiting your loved one's behavior to any rules (masking). please...
Alexis C.'s Photo

Alexis C.


Portland, OR

$21-25/hr5 yrs exp

.

5.0

(1)

Background Check

My early experience in childcare prepared and enabled me to work not only with the child but their family and medical team in a way that sparked my love for helping all types of families. I have also worked very closely with adults and the elderly with the same or similar conditions and medical needs in order to better provide...

Recent review:

5.0
We were fortunate to have Alex watch our 13 month old child who takes a while to warm up to people and has a fit when we leave the room. Alex handled it like a pro and in no time our little one was laughing...

Reviewed by Eileen O.

Leah G.'s Photo

Leah G.


Portland, OR

$19-24/hr7 yrs exp

Looking For LAUGHS

5.0

(1)

Background Check

My brother has been a medical mystery since days after he was born. Prone to seizures & a low white blood cell count, it was a lot for 13-year-old me to process. Later on he was diagnosed with ASD. I was the primary caregiver for him my entire teen life. My mom was a single mother who worked full time. I grew up in a small town,...

Recent review:

5.0
We were so glad to have Leah's help with our daughter! She did a great job of establishing a rapport with our daughter and our daughter had a great time with her :) Leah did a great job of considering our...

Reviewed by Jeffrey H.

Gabrielle E.'s Photo

Gabrielle E.


Portland, OR

$10-15/hr1 yrs exp

5.0

(1)

Background Check

I have experience with persons with medical disabilities. Growing up I helped my mother with her tube feedings, pills, oxygen tanks, and shots. I also worked at a home for older folks and helped with their care. I volunteered while I was in school with special needs classes and I had a chance to interact with a variety of...
Heather M.'s Photo

Heather M.


Portland, OR

$15-20/hr10 yrs exp

Experience with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges

5.0

(1)

Background Check

I have personal and professional experience working with children who have mild to severe behaior and emotional challenges. I am trained and experienced in diffusing negative behavior and redirecting children to make good choices. I have a good knowledge base on ADHD, ADD, Sensory Integration Disorder, Autism, Aspergers,...

Recent review:

5.0
Heather is truly an amazing caretaker. She is dependable, sensible, compassionate, kind, intelligent, honest, loyal, and giving. She is easy to communicate with. She has amazingly good judgment. She has...

Reviewed by Gail W.

Beverly B.'s Photo

Beverly B.


Portland, OR

$40-50/hr10 yrs exp

Available, Experienced, SPED Educator

3.7

(3)

Background Check

Hello! I am an experienced SPED educator and engaging caregiver! I specialize in the care and education of students with ADHD, autism, or other sensory or learning challenges. I have always had an innate ability to connect with children by meeting them where they are at while I work with them. I utilize dance, art, music,...

Recent review:

5.0
Annie was amazing with my 2 month old. She was able to come by early in the morning and watch him while my husband and I went to a gym class. She was very punctual and we will definitely be hiring her again!

Reviewed by Robin F.

Robin H.'s Photo

Robin H.


Portland, OR

$20-25/hr6 yrs exp

Care Taker / Nanny / Behavioural Tech

5.0

(1)

Background Check

Working with special needs children has been a passion of mine since high school. Having a sister on the spectrum lead to to explore the field and find myself working as a lead behavioural tech in a clinical setting. I provided parent support and ran programs with the children in order to help them gain independence in areas...

Recent review:

5.0
Robin worked for us caring for our 2 children. Our little boy who have PDD (2) and daughter (4). She was compassionate, fun, and reliable.

Reviewed by Terri P.

Bernadette S.'s Photo

Bernadette S.


Portland, OR

$25-41/hr1 yrs exp

Let's Meet!

5.0

(1)

Background Check

Hello! I have a sister w Down's Syndrome and autism, a brother with schizophrenia, and have many other people in my life who are neurodivergent that I love. I have a caretaker-type personality, and I like to think of myself as compassionate, kind, and helpful. I can also be a lot of fun, especially once I acclimate to new...

Recent review:

5.0
Bernadette is the best! I’m a disabled senior that needs transport to doctors’ appointments. She helps me get into and out of the car, and at their offices. She also helps me organize things in my home.

Reviewed by Care member

Christina V.'s Photo

Christina V.


Portland, OR

$35/hr10 yrs exp

Skilled Private Caregiver

5.0

(1)

Background Check

Experience in caring for patients with different ailments. Very dependable and can provide a resume with references.

Recent review:

5.0
Christina cared for my elderly mom with dementia for an extended period of time. She is professional, smart, caring and capable. She understood my mom’s needs, as well as my needs as I was living with my mom,...

Reviewed by Care member

Wendy R.'s Photo

Wendy R.


Portland, OR

$30-35/hr10 yrs exp

Full Time Nanny

4.9

(8)

Background Check

UPDATE: I accepted a fulltime position a year ago, they now are only needing me part time. I'm looking for part time work, I currently work Mon-Fri 6:30-8:30 a.m. and then 3:30-5:30 p.m. I am a 1998 graduate of a local nanny service. I have been a nanny for many types of families, with many ages over the past 26 years. I have...

Recent reviews:

5.0
Wendy is a wonderful nanny. She is caring, reliable, and honest. She cared for our son like he was her own. She never once called in sick or was late for work despite often not feeling well herself. She even...

Reviewed by Care member

Callie P.'s Photo

Callie P.


Portland, OR

$30/hr10 yrs exp

Experienced Nanny Available

5.0

(14)

Background Check

***Available for date night/occasional sitting only; currently working full time ***Rate: $30/hr I have over 10 years of childcare experience in both in-home and daycare settings. In these environments, I have had experience with children from newborn to school-age and everything in between; my experience also includes special...

Recent reviews:

5.0
Our son turned two in January, and Callie has been with us in a full-time capacity for over a year now. We can't recommend Callie enough. Not only is she warm, kind, reliable, thoughtful, and professional, but...

Reviewed by Rebecca K.

Stephanie K.'s Photo

Stephanie K.


Portland, OR

$27-33/hr10 yrs exp

Perfect Nanny!

4.1

(7)

Background Check

Worked many years in social services: I have experience working with children and adults who have disabilities or special needs. I am able to play games, can assist w/meals & homework, transportation & outings. Home w/animals is OK. * Pfizer COVID Vaccinated & boostered. Oregon PSW

Recent reviews:

3.0
Stephanie was very kind, patient with our kids, and seemed like she had a lot of experience. Our older son liked playing with her and was excited to see her on the second day. Unfortunately we tried to hire...

Reviewed by Warren R.

Vlasis V.'s Photo

Vlasis V.


Portland, OR

$30/hr8 yrs exp

Creative & Consistent Helper

5.0

(2)

Background Check

I've had the privilege of working as a "manny" for three years. I highly value the role of positive male figures in the healthy development of youth and take great pride in my work. My approach is a balance of "fun, firm and fair." I've also served as an ABA therapist for children living with Autism, a 1-on-1 aid in special...

Recent reviews:

5.0
"V" was a wonderful addition to our family and we now consider him part of our extended care network. He is a skilled communicator, patient, empathetic and creative. He really invested in getting to know our...

Reviewed by Angela G.

Claire D.'s Photo

Claire D.


Portland, OR

$18-27/hr4 yrs exp

Babysitter/ Swim Instructor

4.5

(4)

Background Check

Hi my name is Claire and I live in Portland oregon currently. I am a certified swim instructor and have been babysitting since the age of 12. I love kids and I find Babysitting to be rewarding and enjoyable. I love to draw with kids, go on walks, play games, and sing and dance to music! I primarily do part time babysitting. I...

Recent reviews:

5.0
Claire did incredibly caring for my son during the 2020 school break and summer. All of the art, writings, and creativity that was shared during this time can be found throughout our home. She met my...

Reviewed by Blake S.

Paige M.'s Photo

Paige M.


Portland, OR

$15-20/hr8 yrs exp

5.0

(1)

Background Check

I have a lot of experience working with kids all ages from newborns-middle school, I have a big family with lots of kids around. I have two nephews and one niece ages 3, 5, and 5 I have spent a lot of time caring for them, I've spent nights taking care of them. I have worked with multiple families making sure school work is done...

Recent review:

5.0
She is very reliable and so patient with all 3 of my kids! Exceptional!

Reviewed by Care member

Showing 1 - 20 of 255

Recent special needs caregiver reviews in Portland, OR

Elisa M.

5.0

Elisa is a compassionate and knowledgeable caregiver who has made extra effort to connect emotionally with our loved-one needing support. She has been a big help to our family and we feel lucky to have found her!

- Tina C.

Olinda R.

5.0

She thought of fun things to do with my special needs brother in the community and was a good communicator. Plus she really does have a dependable car for transportation which reduces unexpected surprises.

- Sabine P.

Lori T.

5.0

Amazing personality, really cares about my son. He struggles with the transition of my leaving she does a great job always coming up with new ideas to distract and engage him. Gets his fave foods, etc. Works with my crazy schedule.

- Alisha L.

Lauren A.

5.0

Lauren was a wonderful sitter. She is calm and easy going and gets along great with all ages of kids. My kids loved playing games with her and hanging out just talking. She is very responsible and dependable and always punctual. She was flexible with our schedule as well. We miss her!!

- Zoe P.

Alexis C.

5.0

We were fortunate to have Alex watch our 13 month old child who takes a while to warm up to people and has a fit when we leave the room. Alex handled it like a pro and in no time our little one was laughing with Alex. Alex's energy with our child was right on what they needed - silly when they were...

- Eileen O.

Additional Special Needs Caregiver Services

Special Needs Caregiver Articles

How should you handle time off in your nanny share?

How should you handle time off in your nanny share?

April 20th, 2018 By this point, you’ve done a ton of work to set up your nanny share. Let’s quickly recap everything you’ve done so far:

  • You’ve weighed the p
... Read more
Learn how to craft a great nanny share contract

Learn how to craft a great nanny share contract

April 20th, 2018 Setting up your nanny share was no easy task. First, you found another family that wasn’t just interested in sharing a nanny, but is also one you like. Then... Read more
Autism resources for parents and caregivers: Where to go for information and support

Autism resources for parents and caregivers: Where to go for information and support

April 16th, 2023 When Keischa Pruden’s now 27-year-old son, Aaron, was first diagnosed with autism  as a young child, information about the disorder was fairly minimal.... Read more
Nanny share vs. daycare: Which one’s right for you?

Nanny share vs. daycare: Which one’s right for you?

May 2nd, 2018 Weighing the pros and cons of the many child care options out there can be stressful. The two most obvious options are daycares or babysitters. But have you... Read more
When you need a babysitting contract and what to include in it

When you need a babysitting contract and what to include in it

September 13th, 2022 Even if your babysitter only watches your children occasionally, getting an agreement in writing can serve as a tool to get you both on the same page, as we... Read more

Ratings for Portland, OR special needs caregivers listed on Care.com

Average Rating4.7 / 5

Special Needs Caregivers in Portland, OR are rated 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 118 reviews of the 253 listed special needs caregivers.