Find Trusted Child Care Providers Near Me in Ames, IA

We have 144 child care providers in Ames, IA! Compare and hire the best child care to fit your needs.

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Lily B.'s Photo

College Student Looking To Care For Your Littles On A Part-time Basis.

Ames, IA

5.0(1)
from
$16/hr
3 years experience
Grocery shopping
swimming supervision
travel
carpooling
light cleaning
+ 1 more
I'd describe my personality as honest, patient and faithful. I like working with kids because I like making a positive change and impact in your children's lives as well as yours. I love seeing the smiles on their faces and the imagination that is endless. I'm looking for a job that offers flexibility with my college...

Berna W. says "Lily has watched my twins several times and they both (boy/girl) love to spend time with her. They always look forward to seeing her. She is punctual,...

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Rachelle L.'s Photo

Part Time Nanny

Ames, IA

5.0(1)
from
$16/hr
10 years experience·
Hired by 6 families in your area
Swimming supervision
travel
craft assistance
light cleaning
meal prep
Hello my name is Rachelle and I am 41 years old. I have a lot of experience with children of all ages. I am CPR and first aid certified. I have been getting paid for babysitting for 15 years but have been babysitting for a long time before that. I substituted at a child care learning center. I usually worked with kids or so ages...

Ashley L. says "Rachelle has been great with my very busy 3 year old. She's caring, attentive, punctual, dependable and trustworthy! Takes great care of my daughter so I...

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Natalie C.'s Photo

Ames, IA

5.0(1)
from
$12/hr
9 years experience·
Hired by 20 families in your area
Craft assistance
meal prep
swimming supervision
carpooling
grocery shopping
+ 1 more
I've cared for children since middle school because I love helping them grow. As a regular caregiver, I have and do - support infants' development, engage them, diaper them, and help them fall asleep, - ensure toddlers interact with their peers and build their routines, - encourage preschoolers' independence, and -...

Care Member says "Excellent! Very professional! My son had a great time! Her questions before she started really set me at ease about her being alone with my son. Would...

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Nancy B.'s Photo

Both Part-time Nanny/Babysitter

Ames, IA

5.0(1)
from
$25/hr
10 years experience·
Hired by 4 families in your area
Craft assistance
My name is Nancy. I am from Ecuador. My background in Psychology, my experience, as well as my emphatic nature has given me the tools and the abilities needed to provide excellent care. I have been a professional nanny for more than 10 years. I am a mom and I have enjoyed raising my two children. I have been responsible for...

Sheila C. says "My son loves Nancy. She's very engaged, loving and patient. She was very flexible and able to adjust to changing schedules. She worked with my son and...

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Paige W.'s Photo

Child Care

Ames, IA

from
$15/hr
2 years experience
Meal prep
grocery shopping
light cleaning
Nurturing young minds and supporting families is my passion. With a long background of experience caring for children of all ages, I offer a patient and friendly approach to childcare. I am comfortable caring for up to three children. I am currently halfway through College as a student-athlete on the Gymnastics team at Iowa...
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Brianna W.'s Photo

Child Caregiver

Ames, IA

from
$13/hr
5 years experience·
Hired by 1 family in your area
Craft assistance
light cleaning
I have more than 5 years of babysitting experience from ages of 2 years all the way up until 10 years old! I love being active with kids and enjoy interacting and engaging with children using sensory toys or objects! Watching kids light up my world and I look forward to helping out with any care that is needed.
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Eileen M.'s Photo

Creative And Caring Sitter

Ames, IA

from
$10/hr
3 years experience
Craft assistance
meal prep
swimming supervision
carpooling
grocery shopping
+ 1 more
Hey! I am an ISU senior currently studying nutrition. My internship this summer was going to involving educating children and the community about nutrition in Mt. Pleasant but it sadly got canceled due to COVID-19 contact restrictions. I am now looking for a summer nannying job around the Ames area! I have worked for over 3...
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Chloe D.'s Photo

Student At ISU Looking For After School Care Job Or Babysitting.

Ames, IA

from
$15/hr
3 years experience
Meal prep
swimming supervision
carpooling
craft assistance
light cleaning
I have 3 years of experience. I worked at a Waukee daycare during high school and nannied for one summer. I can help with light housekeeping, pet care, and errands. I am from Urbandale but am living in Ames right now. I am a student at Iowa State University. Comfortable driving children to activities and helping make sure they...
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Lola C.'s Photo

Reliable & Caring Childcare Provider

Ames, IA

from
$20/hr
2 years experience
Swimming supervision
grocery shopping
light cleaning
Hi families! My name is Lola, and I have about 2 years of childcare experience, both in a daycare setting and through personal babysitting. I currently work at a daycare where I primarily care for infants and toddlers, so I'm very comfortable with diapering, feeding routines, naps, and keeping little ones engaged and safe. I...
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Isabelle M.'s Photo

Reliable & Caring Part-Time Nanny

Ames, IA

from
$20/hr
3 years experience
Craft assistance
meal prep
swimming supervision
carpooling
grocery shopping
+ 1 more
Hi there! I am an online college student looking for a full-time nannying position starting in January. I have extensive childcare experience, including nannying full-time from June through November, with hands-on experience caring for babies and toddlers, alongside tutoring elementary and middle school students, teaching piano,...
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Abby E.'s Photo

Future Teacher & Caring Sitter

Ames, IA

from
$15/hr
10 years experience
Craft assistance
meal prep
swimming supervision
carpooling
grocery shopping
+ 1 more
Hi! My name is Abby, and I am a student at Iowa State University studying elementary education. I am a responsible, caring, and energetic caregiver with a passion for working with children. I have experience working with kids of all ages through my background in education and childcare, and I love creating a fun, safe, and...
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Lily T.'s Photo

Ames, IA

from
$16/hr
5 years experience
Craft assistance
meal prep
swimming supervision
carpooling
grocery shopping
+ 1 more
Nurturing a child's curiosity and watching them grow is my greatest passion. With five years of experience caring for up to three children, I have developed a patient, calm, and creative approach to childcare. I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on your family's daily life. Whether we are playing...
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Isabel L.'s Photo

Ames, IA

from
$22/hr
7 years experience
Swimming supervision
craft assistance
light cleaning
Nurturing a child's development is my true passion, and I have spent the last seven years dedicated to making a positive impact on young lives. My background includes Early Childhood Education and Early Child Development coursework, which informs my patient, calm, and creative approach to care. I am comfortable managing...
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Tonya M.'s Photo

Ames, IA

from
$15/hr
20 years experience
Meal prep
craft assistance
light cleaning
As a parent myself, I know how important it is to find safe, reliable caregivers you can trust. I hope to provide that for you. I have worked with kids of all ages - infants through teenagers. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services. I have worked in child care centers, provided in-home child...
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Taylor V.'s Photo

Ames, IA

from
$12/hr
3 years experience
Light cleaning
meal prep
carpooling
craft assistance
grocery shopping
Hi! My name is Taylor, and I'm currently studying Psychology. I love being around kids and getting to know their personalities. I would describe myself as caring, patient, responsible, outgoing, and definitely someone who loves to have fun! I enjoy keeping kids entertained through outdoor activities, games, crafts, and just...
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Child care centers in Ames, IA

Child care
Preschool
Day Care
Everbrook Academy Powered by Danfoss is a trusted daycare and preschool in Ames, IA, offering child care programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children, including summer camp. We provide full-time and part-time enrollment, as well as before- and after-school care, to support your family's schedule. Our...
See info
International
Academic
Cooperative
Developmental (play-based)
Preschool
+ 1 more
Providing quality Preschool and Childcare since 1986 in Ames, IA. Creative Curriculum based classrooms starting at age 6 weeks through 12 years. We also offer an Ames School District 4 year old Preschool program through the SWVPP and provide all day care.
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Foundations Learning Center's Photo

Foundations Learning Center

56829 US-30 AMES, IA

State license verified

Developmental (play-based)
Faith based
Child care
Preschool
Day Care
Our dream is see families in our community flourish spiritually, emotionally, and physically - specifically by coming alongside children and families in the area of early education and development.
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Robinson Carousel Day Care Pre

1326 Lincoln Way Ames, IA

1.0(1)
Preschool
Child care
See info

Northwood Preschool Center

3012 Duff Ave Ames, IA

Preschool
Child care
Located in Ames, Iowa, Northwood Preschool Center prioritizes children's well-being. It aims to provide children with a child-centered learning environment. The Center offers accredited academic programs for children. It is operational every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8:25 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. and every Wednesday, 8:25...
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Showing 1 - 20 of 143

  • 143 child care providers are listed on Care.com

  • The average posted rate is $16.00/hr as of November 2026

  • The average star rating for rated child care providers is 5.0

Recent child care reviews from local parents in Ames, IA

Child Care Providers in Ames, IA are rated 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 24 reviews of the 144 listed child care providers

Lily B.

Lily has watched my twins several times and they both (boy/girl) love to spend time with her. They always look forward to seeing her. She is...

- Berna W.

Rachelle L.

Rachelle has been great with my very busy 3 year old. She's caring, attentive, punctual, dependable and trustworthy! Takes great care of my...

- Ashley L.

Natalie C.

Excellent! Very professional! My son had a great time! Her questions before she started really set me at ease about her being alone with my...

- Care member

Common questions about child care in Ames, IA

Child care costs in Ames, IA can vary widely based on the type of care your family needs, your child’s age, and the schedule you’re looking for. Hourly rates often differ for nannies, babysitters, and other child care providers, with higher costs typically associated with infant care, multiple children, or full-time support. Many families start by estimating their budget with the Care.com child care cost calculator and then explore how rates compare across care types by reviewing average child care costs to better understand what to expect.
Families in Ames, IA can choose from several child care options based on their schedule, budget, and the level of consistency they need. Many families work with nannies who provide regular, in-home care and support daily routines, while others rely on babysitters for part-time, after-school, or occasional care. Some households may also consider live-in nannies, which can be a good fit for families who need extended coverage or more flexible hours. Additional options may include caregivers who help with school pick-ups, homework, meals, or bedtime routines. Understanding the full range of possibilities can make it easier to find the right fit, and a complete list of child care options can help families compare care types and responsibilities.
Finding reliable child care in Ames, IA often starts with clearly defining your family’s needs, such as schedule, budget, and the type of care that works best for your children. Many families compare caregiver experience, availability, and reviews from other parents before scheduling interviews or trial days. It can also help to divide the search and evaluation process between caregivers or partners, especially when juggling busy schedules, and some families take a more organized approach to finding child care together. Taking time to ask thoughtful questions, check references, and discuss expectations upfront can help ensure a dependable and long-term care match.
When choosing a child care provider in Ames, IA, it’s important to look for experience with your child’s age group, a caregiving style that aligns with your family’s values, and clear communication habits. Many families also consider reliability, flexibility with schedules, and how comfortable the provider is handling daily routines like meals, naps, and activities. Reviewing references, reading feedback from other families, and having open conversations about expectations can help you assess trust and fit. A provider who is attentive, consistent, and responsive can make a meaningful difference in your child’s day-to-day care.
When interviewing a child care provider in Ames, IA, focus on questions that help you understand how they would care for your child in real-life situations. Many families ask about experience with specific age groups, how a provider handles discipline, routines, and unexpected challenges, and what a typical day of care looks like. It’s also helpful to discuss communication preferences, reliability, and comfort with responsibilities like meals or transportation. Asking thoughtful babysitter interview questions and following proven tips for interviewing nannies can help you feel more confident as you compare candidates and move toward a hiring decision.

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