Find Nannies in Santa Cruz, CA

The average hourly rate for nannies on Care.com in Santa Cruz, CA is around $26.96 as of January, 2026. Actual costs can vary based on your location, the nanny’s experience, and the number of children who need care. Families who need specialized help, such as infant care, overnight support, or light housekeeping, may pay higher rates. For a detailed breakdown of average nanny pay and what factors affect pricing, visit our guide to nanny costs or explore the Care.com Cost Calculator for more information on the cost of nannies in Santa Cruz, CA.

There are a few good ways to find a trusted nanny in Santa Cruz, CA. Many families start by asking friends, relatives, or neighbors for recommendations. You can also post in local parenting groups or community boards to find caregivers who come with personal referrals. Online platforms like Care.com make it easy to connect with qualified nannies near you. There are currently 96 nannies in Santa Cruz, CA on Care.com. You can filter by experience, hourly rate, and availability, then review profiles and read feedback from other local families. For more tips and ideas on finding the right fit, see our guide on how to find a nanny.

Families in Santa Cruz, can find many different types of nanny services to match their schedules and needs. Options include full-time and part-time nannies, live-in nannies, bilingual nannies, and those with experience caring for infants, toddlers, or multiple children. Some families hire night nannies to help with overnight routines, while others look for caregivers who can assist with homework, school pickups, or after-school care. Many nannies also provide light household help, like meal prep or tidying up after the kids, offering families extra support day to day.

When interviewing a nanny in Santa Cruz, it’s helpful to ask questions that give you a sense of their experience, approach to childcare, and daily routines. You might ask about their past roles, preferred age groups, comfort with activities like meal prep or transportation, and how they handle discipline or emergencies. It’s also a good idea to discuss scheduling, communication style, and expectations around household duties. Parents often prepare a a nanny interview checklist to make sure important topics like scheduling, communication, and responsibilities are covered.

When choosing a nanny in Santa Cruz, CA, consider both experience and personality fit. Look for someone with strong references, a proven track record in childcare, and certifications like CPR or first aid. It’s also important to find a nanny who communicates clearly and aligns with your family’s values, routines, and expectations. Many families on Care.com take additional steps such as setting up trial days, and discussing responsibilities in detail to make sure they find a reliable and trustworthy match.

Yes, many nannies in Santa Cruz, CA offer flexible schedules to fit different family routines. You can find part-time nannies who provide care a few days a week, after-school help, or morning coverage. Families who need extra support can also find weekend nannies for occasional or regular care on Saturdays and Sundays. Care.com makes it easy to filter by availability, schedule, and experience so you can find a nanny whose hours align with your needs.