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Find Trusted Child Care Providers Near Me in Columbia, SC

We have 643 child care providers in Columbia, SC! Compare and hire the best child care to fit your needs.

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Samantha S.'s Photo

Samantha S.

Child care

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$15/hr
3 years experience·
Hired by 7 families in your area
Carpooling
light cleaning
I have 3 year of experience and can help with Crafts, homework, and Carpooling. I have taken care of children at my local church as well as my younger relatives. I have my own transportation, is a non-smoker and is perfectly comfortable working with family pets.

Gabrielle P. says "Samantha is a wonderful young lady. She was responsive, dependable and on time. This was my first time leaving my toddler in the care of a sitter and...

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Ma Cecilia R.'s Photo

Ma Cecilia R.

Child Care Provider

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$25/hr
10 years experience·
Hired by 3 families in your area
Light cleaning
meal prep
2 decades of experience in child care. I truly enjoyed working for newborns, infants, toddlers and kids up to age 12 giving them the best of care. My responsibilities included preparing healthy snacks/meals, school drop-offs/pick-ups, doing activities with them (art class, gym class, music class, etc.), reading books, going to...

Riddhi B. says "Maricel has worked with our family for 3.5 years with our two young children. She is absolutely wonderful. She is reliable, punctual, and responsible....

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Isabel G.'s Photo

Isabel G.

Reliable And Caring

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$15/hr
5 years experience·
Hired by 2 families in your area
Carpooling
swimming supervision
craft assistance
grocery shopping
Hello, my name is Isabel . I have 4 years of experience working as a Sunday school teacher for 5-12-year-olds, and previous nanny experience. I've also volunteered as a camp counselor for 5-year-olds, and currently tutor kids from elementary to high school. I can help take care of your children, drive them where they need/want...

Gabrielle G. says "Izzy is an amazing young woman! She spent the summer babysitting my boys. She was able to successfully bring my introverted and precocious...

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Esther H.'s Photo

Esther H.

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$25/hr
10 years experience·
Hired by 9 families in your area
Craft assistance
swimming supervision
travel
light cleaning
meal prep
Looking for an evening, overnight or weekend position starting August-2026. I'll be a dietetic intern during the day, Monday-Thursday. I'll have day time availability Friday-Sunday. Training: CPR, First Aid, reducing the risks of SUID and SIDS, management of limits, and tantrums in toddlers, play therapy. I'm bilingual in...

Care Member says "Esther is the hugest blessing to our family. As a first time mom, I was so scared about finding someone who I could trust with my baby. Esther did...

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Kristine A.'s Photo

Kristine A.

Nanny/Tutor/Babysitter In Columbia

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$20/hr
10 years experience·
Hired by 10 families in your area
Carpooling
travel
craft assistance
swimming supervision
Hello! My name is Kristine and I have been elementary school teacher for 5 years. I recently moved to the Columbia area from Virginia and am interested in babysitting, nannying, or tutoring during the evenings or weekends. Whether or not you have a one time child care need or are looking for a regular tutor, I'd love to learn...

Care Member says "Kristine is amazing with our toddler and infant! She engage both with educational play activities and encourages my toddler to use her imagination, be...

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Camille R.'s Photo

Camille R.

Part-Time Caregiver Available

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$20/hr
10 years experience
Swimming supervision
travel
I have cared for children ages 4-13 while babysitting as well as working as an environmental educator teaching kids ages 3-18. I am a very responsible, friendly person and enjoy getting experience caring for children. I love being outside and having a fun time with the kids. I have done various tasks which included playing with...

Nicole O. says "Camille filled in for our normal babysitter a couple of times and she was great. She took the kids outside to play and played dress up with them. They...

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Morgan P.'s Photo

Morgan P.

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$15/hr
8 years experience
Carpooling
swimming supervision
travel
craft assistance
light cleaning
Hi! My name is Morgan, and I'm looking for a nanny position starting in January. I'm a junior Early Childhood Education major at the University of South Carolina with 12 years of babysitting experience and time as both a part-time and full-time nanny. Certifications: CPR, First Aid, Lifeguarding, Babysitting, Playground Safety...

Care Member says "Morgan watches my boys on date nights. She does crafts and plays games with them and they love her! She is also great at getting them to go to bed....

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Annie S.'s Photo

Annie S.

Fun, Attentive, And Responsible Babysitter

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$16/hr
5 years experience·
Hired by 1 families in your area
Carpooling
meal prep
swimming supervision
grocery shopping
craft assistance
+ 1 more
Hi there!! I am currently a senior in college and I would be more than happy to help you out with your child/children. I do have an internship right now but I am able to have another job part time so I'm looking to babysit! I am experienced with all age groups, even infants! I genuinely enjoy being around babies and children and...

Emily C. says "Annie watched my 4-month old during the day for 5 weeks this summer. Annie was so caring and patient with the baby."

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Mary J.'s Photo

Mary J.

Full-Time Nanny

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$18/hr
10 years experience·
Hired by 1 families in your area
Light cleaning
craft assistance
grocery shopping
I've been working in childcare since 2012. I enjoy working with children, because I have a passion for children and I enjoy watching them develop and grow. I also have my Early Childhood Development Certificate. I became a caregiver, because I love children and I love helping them grow and learn. I love how much love comes with...

Tommy J. says "Mary J is currently keeping our 5 yo boy and 7 yo girl through the 2020-2021 school year. Our children love her. I have also appreciated how she...

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Grace B.'s Photo

Grace B.

Sitter And Craft Lover

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$16/hr
4 years experience·
Hired by 7 families in your area
Carpooling
meal prep
swimming supervision
craft assistance
light cleaning
I'm the oldest daughter of 5 girls, meaning I've been a built-in babysitter since I can remember! I'm comfortable with children of all ages, & can help with keeping the house clean, light meal prep, or school work.

Michelle L. says "Grace was awesome with our daughter. She is two and a half and going through some very typical behavior challenges for her age. She immediately liked...

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Callie H.'s Photo

Callie H.

I'm A Graduating High School Senior. I'm Going To USC Upstate In The Fall To Major In Education. I Have Always Enjoyed Babysitting!

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$10/hr
6 years experience·
Hired by 1 families in your area
Carpooling
meal prep
swimming supervision
grocery shopping
craft assistance
+ 1 more
I am a sophomore in college. I do have experience pick-up kids during the school year. I have stayed overnight with kids and I babysit regularly. I do have my own car. I look forward to meeting your family!

Allison C. says "I will definitely use Callie as a sitter for my boys!"

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Laney G.'s Photo

Laney G.

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$20/hr
5 years experience·
Hired by 2 families in your area
Carpooling
swimming supervision
travel
craft assistance
grocery shopping
Hi! My name is Laney Cate and I am 21 years old. I live in both Charleston, SC and Columbia, SC. I am an Elementary Education major at Columbia College with 5 years of experience. I enjoy working with children. I am willing to help with errands, travel, carpool etc.

Brooke B. says "Laney was easy to communicate with,personable & sweet. She was wonderful with our highly sensitive 4 year old and knew just how to help him regulate his...

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Maria L.'s Photo

Maria L.

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$16/hr
3 years experience·
Hired by 1 families in your area
Carpooling
meal prep
swimming supervision
grocery shopping
craft assistance
+ 1 more
Hello! My name is Maria , and I am a student-athlete at the University of South Carolina. I am an enthusiastic, friendly, and hardworking person looking forward to the jobs ahead. My prior childcare experience includes 3 years of formally babysitting various families, with ages ranging from 1 year - 10 years old. I have worked...

Kirstie B. says "Maria was the absolute BEST nanny we've ever had! She watched our 3 month old and 19 month old sons for the summer, and was so good with them both. She...

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Margarita S.'s Photo

Margarita S.

Full Time/part Time Nanny

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$25/hr
6 years experience·
Hired by 4 families in your area
Travel
light cleaning
meal prep
As a nanny, I have years of experience caring for children of most ages. In my previous role as daytime nanny to a busy family of two children, I learned how difficult it can be to manage the varying needs of children in diverse stages of development. I honed the ability to care for each child individually, while paying close...

Nicole T. says "Margarita it very professional, kind and loving. She has been caring for my daughter for four months now and my baby absolutely loves her. "

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Stacey O.'s Photo

Stacey O.

Columbia, SC

5.0(1)
from
$20/hr
8 years experience·
Hired by 4 families in your area
Carpooling
swimming supervision
travel
light cleaning
grocery shopping
+ 1 more
I like working with kids because kids bring joy, curiosity. Milestones, challenges foster growth. Making a positive impact is profoundly fulfilling. Genuine connections make working with kids gratifying. Started with mom's daycare at five. Grew to love childcare. Babysitting since 15. CPR certified at 18 for child safety....

Care Member says "I’m a first time mom who is new in my area due to recently moving and Stacey not only made me feel comfortable but she gave me so much peace of mind....

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Child care centers in Columbia, SC

NANA'S LITTLE ELEPHANT CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER PHASE 1's Photo

NANA'S LITTLE ELEPHANT CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER PHASE 1

7303 Fire Lane Rd COLUMBIA, SC

5.0(3)

State license verified

Developmental (play-based)
Academic
Outdoor/nature
Child care
Where the kids are Loved, learning, and moving everyday!

Crystal M. says "They're well organized and very clean. It's a great place to take your kid."

See info
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool (Columbia)'s Photo

Chesterbrook Academy Preschool (Columbia)

1050 WILDWOOD CENTRE DR COLUMBIA, SC

5.0(1)

State license verified

Academic
Child care
Preschool
Day Care
Join us for our Fall Open House events on October 7, 9-11 AM | October 8, 4:30-6 PM | Saturday, October 10, 10 AM-1 PM. Celebrate the season with us and discover how our school encourages curiosity, collaboration, and a love of learning. For 40 years, Chesterbrook Academy preschools have provided exceptional early childhood...

Christine K. says "We’ve been part of the Chesterbrook Academy family for five years, and we couldn’t be happier. Our children are cared for, supported, and genuinely...

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7502 - La Petite Academy of NE Columbia's Photo

7502 - La Petite Academy of NE Columbia

2041 CLEMSON RD COLUMBIA, SC

5.0(1)

State license verified

Child care
At La Petite Academy of NE Columbia, your child will learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. We we provide quality daycare, preschool programs, and summer camp in Columbia, SC. Our experienced teachers support confidence, social skills, and school readiness through engaging, hands-on learning. We provide full-time,...

Carla C. says "My family and I love La Petite. The Director really cares about our children and making sure she is supporting the teachers in the classroom. She greets us...

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7501 - La Petite Academy on Garners Ferry Rd's Photo

7501 - La Petite Academy on Garners Ferry Rd

7460 GARNERS FERRY RD COLUMBIA, SC

5.0(1)

State license verified

Child care
At La Petite Academy on Garners Ferry Rd, your child will learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. We we provide quality daycare, preschool programs, and summer camp in Columbia, SC. Our experienced teachers support confidence, social skills, and school readiness through engaging, hands-on learning. We provide full-time,...

Carla C. says "My family and I love La Petite. The Director really cares about our children and making sure she is supporting the teachers in the classroom. She greets us...

See info
Mary's Daycare's Photo

Mary's Daycare

1744 DECKER BLVD COLUMBIA, SC

5.0(2)

State license verified

Academic
Developmental (play-based)
Faith based
Cooperative
Outdoor/nature
+ 1 more
Mary's Daycare is a small, family owned daycare in Columbia, SC. We offer both full-time and part-time care with affordable weekly rates. Our facility offers smaller classroom sizes so your child can get plenty of one-on -one care. We ensure that each child feels safe and develops a love for learning, that will prepare them for...

Care Member says "I love the loving care and organization that the staff provide for my child and others that are in care at Mary’s Day Care! "

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Showing 1 - 20 of 643

  • 643 child care providers are listed on Care.com

  • The average posted rate is $17.00/hr as of October 2026

  • The average star rating for rated child care providers is 4.8

Recent child care reviews from local parents in Columbia, SC

Child Care Providers in Columbia, SC are rated 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 97 reviews of the 643 listed child care providers

Samantha S.

Samantha is a wonderful young lady. She was responsive, dependable and on time. This was my first time leaving my toddler in the care of a...

- Gabrielle P.

Ma Cecilia R.

Maricel has worked with our family for 3.5 years with our two young children. She is absolutely wonderful. She is reliable, punctual, and...

- Riddhi B.

Isabel G.

Izzy is an amazing young woman! She spent the summer babysitting my boys. She was able to successfully bring my introverted and precocious...

- Gabrielle G.

Common questions about child care in Columbia, SC

Child care costs in Columbia, SC 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 Columbia, SC 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 Columbia, SC 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 Columbia, SC, 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 Columbia, SC, 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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