Child Care FAQs

• What is the going rate for child care in Ames, IA?

  The national typical hourly rate in 2021 is $17.50 per hour for nannies and $16.00 for babysitters. When deciding how much to pay for child care, it’s important to set a competitive rate to attract the best caregivers. But there are lots of factors to think about when determining the cost of child care. Use Sittercity’s chart to determine the most appropriate child care rate by hourly wage by location.

• How do I find child care for my kids in Ames, IA?

  Start by posting a job that details your needs for free on Sittercity. Your job will be shared with a community of available child care providers. Interested babysitters and nannies will apply directly to your job and you’ll be notified via email and on the platform. From there, conduct interviews with your favorites. Once you’ve narrowed your search, start vetting individual caregivers by running background checks and checking references before the job officially starts.

• What kind of child care can I find in Ames, IA?

  You can find babysitters, nannies, special needs child care and more for in-home care or for a virtual sitting. Child care providers can help families with managing strict schedules, transportation to activities, homework help, last-minute coverage, date nights, and more.