Looking for childcare/nanny near South Bend, IN

[diana_of_the_dunes]

DH and I currently work opposite shifts and have only needed childcare for a few hours a day.  My best friend's parents have helped us out a few days per week, and my mom and ILs have taken care of the rest.  I am looking at a change to day shift at work, which leaves us needing childcare from about 9 am til 4 pm, 2-3 rotating days per week.  DH works 4 on, 2 off, so his days off change weekly.  I will have weekends and holidays off.

I'm looking for someone who is AP-friendly (of course!), TV-free, and willing to work with our somewhat strange schedule.  I'm willing to take my son to someone's home.

I don't even know where to start looking.  I've spoken with my doula, and she is making inquiries on my behalf.  I'm not sure if I'm looking for suggestions or soliciting offers, but anything will help!

Thanks!

[~Christina~]

Maybe check with the Holistic Moms group in town? I'm in South Bend as well, and actually do babysit in my home, but we watch TV so that probably wouldn't be a good fit :) Also, have you thought about checking with the colleges in town to see if they have lists of students looking for nanny/babysitting employment? Our best sitter is a student at Saint Mary's.

[diana_of_the_dunes]

Thanks for the reply  :)

How do I contact the Holistic Moms group?  I've been on 2nd shift since before DS was born, so I've never been able to attend any meetings or get-togethers geared towards AP moms. 

I didn't think of checking with the colleges.  I'll get on that as well.

[chefjulie]

You can read more about the South Bend chapter on their website - http://home.homewebs.com/hmnsbendin/

They're also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Holistic-Moms-Network-South-Bend-IN/189696494712 and there's a post saying that they've got a playdate planned for tomorrow (2/2)

Wednesday morning playgroup
10am-12pm February 2--South Bend Chocolate Café play area

Hope this helps! :)

[nkintzel]

we found our nanny using care.com. We are in LaPorte, but there are lots of people on there that are great! The colleges is a good idea, too!

[diana_of_the_dunes]

I'm amazed at how many people from South Bend are on Care.com.  I expected to find just a few listings, not 13 pages!

[nkintzel]

Yeah, we were happy to find so many people around us. We found a really great nanny and it helped to have care.com do the background checking and all of that good stuff for us.