Chicago Nanny Services
Smart Sitting takes care of the details, so our trusted local sitters can take care of your children.
From Forest Glen and the Lakefront districts, to Mount Greenwood and beyond, finding high quality childcare in Chicago isn’t easy. We are here to change that.
We understand the unique challenges of balancing life, career, and raising children in Chicago, and we can support your family's unique needs with caring, skilled nannies that fit seamlessly into your family. Smart Sitting makes it simple to find, hire, and work with exceptional nannies that bring the best of Chicago living — from the arts to the parks, enlightened homework help, and more — to your kids’ everyday lives.
Chicago Full-Time Nanny
Search, Connect & Hire in Chicago
We find full-time candidates in Chicago who fit your needs - and your hopes. Smart Sitting nannies are experienced and proactive caregivers ready to handle the day’s duties and build an environment in which your children can truly grow into their best selves. We handle the details, from outlining job descriptions, recruiting candidates and speaking with them to assess their fit with your family, through to helping you hire your ideal nanny and manage the employment relationship.
$249-499 search engagement includes:
Phone consultation with personal Family Specialist and family needs assessment
Crafting job description and benefits to attract ideal talent
Recruitment team conducts personalized search for your position
3 pre-screened candidates handpicked for the position
Personalized and detailed presentation of candidates
Family Specialist arranges interviews and trials
Assistance in crafting work agreement and setting up payroll
$25-35+ nanny's hourly rate includes:
Rate negotiated based on location, experience, and requirements of position
Convenient payroll setup through our partnership with HomePay, if desired
We help you consider transportation reimbursements, health insurance stipend, and PTO as part of preparing a competitive offer
Thorough county, national, and federal background checks run upon successful hire for ultimate reassurance ($150 value)
20% after placement includes:
1:1 Dedicated Family Specialist available for ongoing support
General support also available 365 days per year
Short-term, fill in nannies available
Service premium based on nanny's gross income: 20% per week or of nanny's annual income
$499 search engagement credited back to families opting for 20% placement within 30 days of hire
Continued support for nanny within the Smart Sitting network, including professional development, valuable information, and a strong community
How It Works
Consult
We'll get to know you and help craft the details around the role you're looking to fill. This informs our thorough search for ideal nannies.
Connect
Once we’ve launched the search and narrowed the possibilities to a few top candidates, Smart Sitting gives you personalized presentations of candidates and takes care of the meeting and hiring process.
Support
We’re not done after the hire — we’re here to help manage your childcare into the future, with personal, dedicated support.
Find SmartSitters in Chicago
Our talented childcare professionals make babysitting fun
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Making a Difference
Empowering families with meaningful childcare support
“We had been through our share of babysitters, and then we heard about Smart Sitting. Our current nanny of over six months is through Smart Sitting and I cannot say enough about how incredible she is, and how our children love her tremendously. The peace of mind she gives our household is unlike anything we've experienced. She is hands on, has a million ideas of what to do with the kids, is 100% reliable, and is overall a wonderful person. Such a great influence on our children and we enjoy her presence everyday. I am so grateful we found Smart Sitting, and only wish we had found it sooner. Thank you for the amazing and vital work that you do!”
— Teresa L., Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
Smart Sitting makes your search for trusted nannies in Chicago easy, enjoyable, and successful.
What’s the rate for a nanny in Chicago?
Hourly rates vary based on number of children, schedules, candidate qualifications, and the unique details of each position. In general, due to the pandemic, rates for nannies have significantly increased in the last year and the market is highly competitive. Nanny hourly rates typically start at $25/hour or $1,000/week. Overtime applies after 40 hours. Nannies are also offered PTO, sick days, vacation time and other benefits just like in other professional fields. Nannies are paid legally as W-2 employees.
What kind of long-term childcare can I find in Chicago?
Families in Chicago rely on dependable childcare coverage. Daycares provide good coverage for children in groups but do not offer solutions for sick days, and spots at the more esteemed daycares are often competitive. Some parents opt for au pairs to live in their home, who may work a maximum of 45 hours/week (10 hours/day), covering their room, board, and a stipend. A large number of families employ full-time, long-term nannies with the help of a local nanny agency to ensure full coverage for children at any age.
How do I hire a nanny in Chicago?
Hiring a nanny in Chicago can seem like an overwhelming task. First, you must find candidates. Many families turn to online listing services, which may have a lot of profiles, but where there is little to no vetting on the experience of these caregivers. You must then reach out, hear back from, and interview many candidates, after which it is recommended to speak with references and run background checks. This same applies if you are recommended a nanny from a parent forum, for instance. You will then need to hire them and set up payroll/taxes for your nanny. A reputable, local nanny agency can help you find professional candidates, with the experience and commitment your family is looking for, and help you set up this position for long-term success.
Featured Smart Sitting Resources for Families
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