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 Portage, IN

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.

Get started

I need a child care provider

On a regular schedule On occasion

88 active child care providers near you

Average rate is $20.74/hr

140,000 5-star parent reviews

Trusted by

Find your child care in Portage, IN

Morgan S.

5 years paid experience
5 miles

$12–16/hr

Hello, my name is Morgan. I am currently beginning class for ECE. I love children and take joy in helping them reach their greatest potential. I am CPR certified. I look forward to lending a helping hand as needed. Homework, household duties, drop offs to practice, and craft activities to make our time fun are all things I offer as a babysitter.

$12–16/hr

View Profile

Chris M.

35 years paid experience
8 miles

$16–25/hr

I am a Loving mother to 4 children and grandmother to 9. I love children of all ages. 35 years experience in the nanny field. I have cared for the children of many professionals (doctors ,executives, teachers, business owners ). I have excellent references and letters of recommendation. I am CPR and first Aid Certified. I took early childhood classes in college. I am a very gentle, loving and patient caregiver. I am also a very reliable, punctual person

$16–25/hr

View Profile

Alexi W.

6 years paid experience
10 miles

$20–40/hr

Hello! I’m Alexi and I live in the Chicago Heights area. I am a full time nanny of two boys ages 7 and 4, and a girl that is 20 months. I am seeking for an occasional sitter job on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I have three years of experience with being a nanny and in childcare. I have experience with dogs big and small. My nanny job includes childcare, meal preps, housecleaning, school runs, and bedtime. I’m looking forward to meeting you!

$20–40/hr

View Profile

Savannah S.

6 years paid experience
15 miles

$20–28/hr

Growing up as the oldest of four children I have babysat for many years. I have experience with multiple children ages newborn to teenagers, additionally I have experience with special needs children and children with special dietary restrictions. I enjoy partaking in fun and educational activities with children. Additionally I am certified in adult and pediatric CPR/AED and first aid.

$20–28/hr

View Profile

Jacaria W.

5 years paid experience
10 miles

$16–30/hr

Hello my name is Jacaria, I have been babysitting since I was twelve, so a little over seven years now. I have experience babysitting all ages and backgrounds as well as experience with special needs. I also have experience with dietary restrictions and allergies. I am CPR certified and have experience with multiple children.

$16–30/hr

View Profile

Sherri H.

6 years paid experience
15 miles

$20–25/hr

I've been a nanny for 6 years now. It's the best job I have ever had! I love kids and always wanted to open up my own day care center. That never happened so I'm doing the next best thing! I love playing games, reading books, singing songs and nursery rhymes. I like to play outside at the park or just go on a walk and explore. I hope that you consider me for the most important position in your home. Finding that perfect nanny is a stressful decision for you. I hope to meet with you and your family to see if we are that perfect fit! If you decide to go in a different direction, I wish you the best on your search. Sherri

$20–25/hr

View Profile

Danielle U.

6 years paid experience
15 miles

$16–18/hr

I am Miss Danielle. The kids describe me as “the cool nanny” I’ve always had a passion for taking care of children or working with them. I have done volunteer work while receiving my certifications in Child Development and started working in a day care immediately after. As I grew more experience I started to feel more confident to become a sitter for families who couldn’t afford overpriced child care service. Last year I took on a very big role in 4 children lives. I met them while they were living in a shelter and I instantly wanted to help this family. I started to use resources to help them and their mom secure an establish place to live. They inspired me to continue to follow my path and advocate and be a superb babysitter or nanny! I have a 12 year old daughter as the experience of mommy hood has been the best! I’m still learning and I’m loved by all of my nieces and nephews (8 and counting) winning favorite Aunt 3 years in a row. I am enthused and passionate about taking care of children and growing bonds with the families I work for. I would love to be considered as someone you can trust with your children, teach your children as my own and also provide a safe and healthy environment.

$16–18/hr

View Profile

Mishanda F.

17 years paid experience
14 miles

$15–20/hr

My major is Early Childhood Education. I have over 17 years of experience working with newborns-5years olds. I have also worked as a Program Specialist for Kindercare Learning Corporation.

$15–20/hr

View Profile

Marisa S.

8 years paid experience
6 miles

$10–25/hr

I have been babysitting since I was 12 years old, so roughly 13 years. I have baby sat children from the ages of infant to about 12. I am CPR certified and have taken an EMT course through Indiana University. I have cared for 4 children at once, so I can handle a lot at once. I have many young cousins whom I have looked after for most of my teenage life as well. I have experience with children with autism as well as infant care experience. I love doing activities with the kids I babysit including arts and crafts, outside play, and other hands on activities.

$10–25/hr

View Profile

Casandra C.

5 years paid experience
6 miles

$19–25/hr

Hi! My name is Casandra, I’m the oldest of 8 so I was born to work with children :) - I’ve been a registered behavioral therapist specializing in applied behavioral analysis for one year working with kids ages 2-14 with special needs - I’m cpr certified and I’m trained in crisis intervention - I’m working towards becoming a special education teacher