Chicago Nanny

Hiring a Chicago Nanny or Babysitter

Networking in Chicago with friends, neighbors, teachers, or using a professional registered nanny agency is a good way to start. It is important to find someone that you like to watch your child. This should be a responsible, competent, trustworthy individual who actually likes being with children. Ensure that they are age-appropriate since some nannies and sitters are not comfortable with babies or very young children. Do a background check, ask for references and be sure to check them out. It would also be helpful if the sitter had some first aid or CPR training. Remember your child’s safety is your first priority.

Chicago Nanny Salary

The going rate in your Chicago neighborhood can vary depending on the sitter’s qualifications, experience, education, and the number of children to be cared for. Salaries for live-in nannies currently range from $10 to $17 an hour or $500 to $600 per week. Be fair – for sitters, pay a decent rate with a minimum number of hours arranged beforehand.

Chicago Nanny & Babysitter Agencies

There are some well-established registered babysitter and nanny agencies in Chicago, and they will provide references and background checks on request. First Class Care Inc. (847-733-2700) is a licensed and bonded agency that specializes in nannies, live-in or live-outs, and temporary sitters. They have partnered with many hotel chains to provide sitters to families visiting from around the world. All their employees are 20 years of age or older, are CPR and first aid training verified, and have passed thorough background checks. Rates run from $15 per hour for up to 2 children and another $2 per hour for each additional child. Northfield Nannies (847-999-4420) has been providing service since 1989 and is a member of the Better Business Bureau. They offer infant care, temporary sitters as well as an hourly sitting service for daytime, evening or weekend jobs. Chicago Child Care (773-661-3147) offers nanny and babysitter services as well as home-helpers and summer girls. Rates run from $10 to $12 per hour for babysitters.

Be sure to leave a contact number where you can be reached, as well as your child’s medical information. If you are going to be unavailable, perhaps a grandparent or good neighbor in Chicago can be notified. Be clear to the babysitter about your expectations. This should be a good experience for your child, something and someone they can look forward to coming again.

Chicago Kids Activities & Things To Do with Kids

Chicago, or the “Windy City”, is a major Great Lakes port and the commercial, financial, industrial and cultural center of the Midwest. With much to see and do, Chicago is a favorite tourist destination for kids of all ages. For shoppers, walk the Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue. Chicago has a multitude of restaurants and pubs that offer diverse eating choices as well as after-hours live music and entertainment. The Art Institute of Chicago is world famous for its 19th century American and French paintings as well as its fine collection of Chinese Art. The Museum of Science and Industry offers live science experience, science theater shows, and a real coal mine exhibit where you can take a narrated ride to the bottom of a mine shaft.

You can tour the site of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, considered one of the most important buildings in the history of American architecture. Navy Pier is Chicago’s lakefront playground with more than 50 acres of parks, shops and restaurants. It offers family-oriented events and entertainment for residents and tourists alike to enjoy the fun of a day on Lake Michigan. Something a little different is the Segway Experience of Chicago, a 2-hour guided tour of the lakefront offering the opportunity to roll past some some of the city’s interesting sites.

Just remember to have both the sitter and the kids bring along a jacket and wear comfy shoes when out and about in Chicago.