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 State College, PA

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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Find your child care in State College, PA

Emma M.

7 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$18–26/hr

I have been watching kids since I was 12! I have two younger sisters that I always took care of growing up! I've taken care of every age and up to 6 kids at a time! I love spending time with children and getting to know them. I love being creative and getting active!

$18–26/hr

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Carly C.

5 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$15–25/hr

I'm a dedicated professional passionate about supporting children and families. I have nannied for years, one of the families I still currently sit for when I'm on breaks. I have two years as a sleepaway camp counselor, experience as a lifeguard, and a year as a day camp counselor for children on the autism spectrum. I volunteered with the Friendship Circle in Pittsburgh for seven years, serving as president for one. I also interned in occupational therapy focusing on children with ASD. I'm pursuing a public relations degree with a minor in human development and family studies at Penn State. I aim to earn a doctorate in pediatric occupational therapy to make a meaningful impact.

$15–25/hr

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Ann B.

7 years paid experience
10 miles

$15–25/hr

I am an outgoing, creative student who has experience in working with kids with disabilities and other kids who don’t have disabilities. My major is in Human Development and Family Studies. I’m a senior at PSU. I also have a background in American Sign Language (fluent).

$15–25/hr

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Gabriella K.

5 years paid experience
5 miles

$15–25/hr

Hi! My name is Gabriella. I worked at a daycare for 5 years. I love children that is why I am studying at Penn State to become a labor and delivery nurse. I have been around babies and kids my whole life. I will be happy to provide my resume.

$15–25/hr

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Luna S.

3 years paid experience
3 miles

$13–25/hr

I have been babysitting since I was 8 years old and started working in childcare when I moved to State College in 2022! I love working with children and my talents mainly lie in caring for infants and toddlers. I recently took a break from childcare, and I am looking to get back into it.

$13–25/hr

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Sydney P.

3 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$23–30/hr

Hi! My name is Sydney, I’m a college student, taking a planned semester off and looking for a full-time daytime nanny position. I have experience caring for triplets, am comfortable with routines and busy schedules, and have reliable transportation for school or activity drop-offs. I do not have my CPR/ First Aid certification yet, but am 100% willing to obtain it as soon as possible! I’m punctual, responsible, and easy to communicate with. Happy to provide references!

$23–30/hr

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Mackenzie M.

4 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$18–30/hr

Hi! My name is Mackenzie and I am currently a senior at Penn State majoring in Communication Sciences and Disoders! I’m hoping to become a pediatric Speech Language Pathologist. I have spend the past few summers working as a preschool/ toddler teacher in a daycare back home and I love working with children. I have my first aid and CPR certification along with childcare certificates.

$18–30/hr

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Emrys L.

3 years paid experience
3 miles

$18–25/hr

I am currently a teacher at a local preschool and have been teaching since 2022. I graduated from Penn State August 2023, with a bachelor’s in Psychology and Early Childhood Education credits. I am working on completing my ECE schooling. I love working with children because there’s nothing better than being able to teach and guide them into a healthy and positive development. I also enjoy teaching them new things about the world that strikes their creativity and imagination. I have all of my clearances such as mandated reporter, NSOR, child abuse, etc.

$18–25/hr

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Abbie W.

8 years paid experience
3 miles

$15–25/hr

Hello! My name is Abbie, and I recently graduated from PSU with my B.S. in Art Education. I have many years of experience working as a babysitter, petsitter, assistant teacher, and lead teacher. I just finished up my semester of student teaching in the Bellefonte Area School District. I also work at the Palmer Museum of Art as a Visitor Services Associate and Tour Guide! I have almost infinite knowledge of any art-making that you may desire, a clean driving record, and I am reliable and punctual. My full resume is available upon request, along with the following documents: - Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151) - Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (Act 34) - FBI Fingerprinting Clearance (updated 2025) - Professional Liability Insurance - CPR and First Aid Certification I would love to have a Zoom call or phone call to meet with you and your family member seeking babysitting or petsitting. My rates begin at $15 an hour based on experience, clearances, and credentials. My availability is 6am-8pm on all weekdays except for Thursdays (I work late at the Palmer until 8pm). I have my own car (2016 Subaru Forester) and a clean record. I have weekend availability as needed. Please reach out if you are interested!

$15–25/hr

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Madeline M.

3 years paid experience
< 1 mile

$10–20/hr

Hello, my name is Madeline! I am a Senior in the College of Engineering here at Penn State. I have been babysitting for a few families here in State College for the last year. I have experience with day-time and night-time care and have worked with children from 1-7 years old. I am also comfortable cooking/cleaning/other house chores. I have a car, am comfortable with any pets and am very easy going. Please reach out with any questions!