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 Southport, ME

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

2 active child care providers near you

Average rate is $25.38/hr

140,000 5-star parent reviews

Trusted by

Find your child care in Southport, ME

Laurie W.

20 years paid experience
10 miles

$23–25/hr

I love my profession because children have been my life, from raising my own two and 20 years as a teacher. I'm warm, friendly, organized, fun, and sensitive to various personalities and needs. Fingerprinted, background checked, certified Infant/Child CPR/1st aid, member of nanny organizations, and I have references from several families I have "nannied!" My specialty is birth to 12 mo. but have enjoyed all ages. My hourly rate is $24-25 for 1 child depending on what is needed, $27 for 2 children, $20-25 for single events. Included: simple meal prep for the baby, dishes, tidying toys at day's end, minimal pet care. Nannying is my sole income, so like a daycare, I am paid a weekly salary to hold that timeslot for the duration of the assignment. I am currently available some Fridays and weekends, and in May my schedule will open up more! I typically look for 4 8-hr days but can flex. Please reach out with any questions! I'd love to talk with you!

$23–25/hr

View Profile

Julia C.

7 years paid experience
10 miles

$27–28/hr

Hello! My name is Julia. I am 25 years old and currently live in Bath, Maine. I have extensive experience working with young children in a variety of roles, including as a summer camp supervisor, a long-term social-emotional-learning teacher with Lewiston Public Schools, and, most recently, as a Behavioral Health Professional with Lewiston Public Schools. I am also currently pursuing a Master's degree in School Counseling. In my role as a Behavioral Health Professional, I have gained valuable experience working with children with disabilities and supporting a wide range of behavioral and emotional needs. Because I work during the regular school year, I am seeking a consistent summer childcare position while school is out. Ideally, I am looking for a family that needs childcare on a set schedule from June through August. I am flexible with weekday hours and am available to start on June 24, although I can be flexible with the start date if needed.