How much should I pay for child care in {{city}}, {{state}}?

The national typical hourly rate in 2024 is $22.50 per hour for nannies and $21.50 for babysitters. Rates can vary based on the child care provider's experience, certifications, employment status, and travel expenses. When calculating the cost of child care, you should also account for the number of children they'll care for and additional responsibilities like household tasks or homework help. Learn more about how to set competitive in-home child care rates for attracting the best babysitters and nannies.

How do I find child care for my kids in {{city}}, {{state}}?

The best way to find child care near you is to post a job detailing your needs on Sittercity, which will be shared with our community of available babysitters and nannies. We'll notify you when child care providers apply to your job, and from there you can proceed with interviews, background checks, and reference checks so you can find the perfect fit for your family.

What kind of child care providers can I find in {{city}}, {{state}}?

You can find experienced and passionate child care providers near you to provide the best care for your child, either in-home or virtually. Child care providers can help families with managing strict schedules, transportation to activities, homework help, last-minute coverage, date nights, and more. Whether you're looking for full-time, part-time, live-in, or temporary care, you can count on Sittercity for finding passionate and experienced child care providers.

Find experienced child care providers in Downs, IL

Q: How do families hire trustworthy child care providers in {{city}}, {{state}}?

Families find trustworthy child care providers on Sittercity who are passionate about providing safe and enriching care for their children. Many providers report they are First Aid and CPR certified to provide the best care for your family. Babysitters and nannies have the option to complete regular background checks, and you can easily request a recent background check if they don’t have one or it is not recent. Families can also request to see professional references! Our dedicated team also champions safety across our platform every day. Child care providers go through an identity verification process Berbix when registering an account. Some additional safety measures include Family Watchdog screening, babysitter and nanny reviews, and secure messaging.

Q: What’s the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?

Nannies and babysitters share the same primary responsibility of providing safe and enriching care for your child, but there are a few differences between them. Nannies are more commonly associated with regular work, whether full or part-time, offering daily or consistent care to a particular family. There are also several different types of nannies, including au pairs, house managers, doulas, live-in, and overnight nannies. Babysitters, on the other hand, are typically hired for irregular or occasional work, either full or part-time. If you’re looking for last-minute care for date night, or the occasional few hours after school, a babysitter is a great best option. Identifying the type and frequency of child care you’ll need is the best way to decide whether a babysitter or nanny is a better fit for your family.

Q: How does a child care provider interact with my child?

Child care providers on Sittercity love providing enriching experiences for your children, and sharing their passions with them. They're happy to participate in outdoor activities like sports, or indoor activities like music, baking, tutoring help, and art. Wherever your child's interests lie, child care providers on Sittercity can engage them in a nurturing way.

Last-minute, school and tutoring, date nights—find the right babysitters for you.

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Average rate is $21.78/hr

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Find your child care in Downs, IL

Sydney P.

8 years paid experience
9 miles

$18–30/hr

Hi, I’m Sydney, I’m 20 years old and have 8 years experience with kids aged 6 weeks - 12 years. I love baking, cooking, crafting, and being outdoors. I’ve always had a passion for kids as well as helping people when needed. So babysitting was an easy way for me to be able to do that. So whenever you are in need of a babysitter just let me know! I’ve worked at a daycare before, am cpr certified, and have lots of experience. I also have my own transportation.

$18–30/hr

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Ama G.

3 years paid experience
9 miles

$20–35/hr

I am • Caring and reliable babysitter. Patient, trustworthy, and child-focused. • Responsible babysitter who provides a safe and loving environment. • Loving and dependable babysitter. Your child’s safety comes first. • Gentle, patient babysitter experienced with children of all ages. • Reliable babysitter available to care for babies and young children.

$20–35/hr

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Jade B.

6 years paid experience
12 miles

$15–20/hr

Hi, I'm Jade Buchanan and I am 21 years old. I've been watching children since I was 13 and grew up around a daycare center. I'm love working with children and look forward to either nannying or babysitting! I'm also a college student but can work around my schedule!

$15–20/hr

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London P.

3 years paid experience
12 miles

$18–22/hr

Hello, My name is London Peace, and I am a pediatric certified nursing assistant and a pre-nursing student at Illinois State University. I have been babysitting since the age of 17 and enjoy helping children adapt and engage in life, as well as teaching them new things. I am CPR/BLS certified and have experience in potty training and basic care skills. I am also interested in finding new crafts and learning techniques for children. I am very flexible and open to working with an open schedule.

$18–22/hr

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Ivy S.

3 years paid experience
11 miles

$15–18/hr

I have trained in both cpr and first aid. Children have always been a part of my life and I have always enjoyed taking care of them. I love doing all sorts of activities, trying to limit electronics. I am willing to work early mornings- late afternoons.

$15–18/hr

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Alayna W.

5 years paid experience
11 miles

$16–20/hr

Hello! My name is Alayna, and I am 20 years old. I love working with kids, helping them learn, being their friend, and watching them grow! I am planning on going back to school for social work, but am currently working part time and am looking for another part time job! For the past 5 years, I’ve done a mixture of babysitting and nannying off and on - kids ages ranging from 1 1/2 to 10 years old! I spend 9 months working as an assistant teacher in a pre-k classroom and then worked as a Registered behavior technician for a few months. I miss working with kiddos, and hope to find a job where I can again!!

$16–20/hr

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Nataliha O.

5 years paid experience
12 miles

$15–20/hr

Hello my name is Nataliha Oleniczak. I am a student at Heartland College and I play softball. I am from Wisconsin. I love kids and I have 5 years of babysitting experience!! I am CPR certified and went through babysitting classes. I am a very outgoing and fun person to be around and I am very flexible with softball. We get our schedules out a couple weeks before the month starts so I can work around it. Our season starts in the middle of February so definitely a little more busy and on the road. I can cook, clean, help with homework, do anything you ask me to do. I also have a car so I can drop off or pickup if needed, or even do errands!! I have babysitted ages, 5-12. I love taking kids to the park, bike rides, on walks, or even watching tv with them.

$15–20/hr

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Cassandra D.

6 years paid experience
5 miles

$20–25/hr

I love making connections with kids and teaching them. I love getting to watch them grow. I have been told for years that I should specialize in something involving children. I am CNA certified having my CNA has made parents more comfortable due to the fact I am taught signs safety and precautions in serious occasions. I started off babysitting when I was 12 years old mostly family at first and I loved it. When I branched off into other families I loved it even more getting to know a child is a blessing and to have a connection to them is even better.

$20–25/hr

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Stephanie B.

1 year paid experience
12 miles

$17–25/hr

I am currently a student at Illinois State University! I am pursuing a degree in teaching, and have gained a lot of experiencing working with children through that. Not only did I grow up watching my two little sisters, I have tutored and babysat for the 4 years. I also have volunteered and completed over 100 clinical hours in elementary schools! I can do light housekeeping, create fun crafts and activities for the kids, and provide any transportation they may need!

$17–25/hr

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Makenna H.

6 years paid experience
12 miles

$18–25/hr

Hello! I am Makenna! I am 18 years old and I am a freshman at ISU! I am studying Special Education in hopes to teach Pre-k! I love children and being able to be a role model and a friend for them! I have been babysitting since the age of 12 and am always super reliable to my families. I also work over the summer as a camp leader for children with special needs. I have seen all disabilities and have a very big understanding of goals, meeting needs, and de-escalating behaviors! I am certified in Crisis prevention and CPR/first aid!