Looking for AP-/GD- childcare situation in Chicago (north side)

[t2009]

Hi Chicago Mamas,

We're moving into our new place in the North Center/Lincoln Square area tomorrow (!) and need to look for childcare right away. I'll be working full time & my DH got an unexpected job offer at the last minute. DH will only be working part-time & we need care for about 10-15 hours a week (concentrated over two days). We have family to help us out initially, but would like to set something up for the school year (or even just the semester).

Anyone have an idea of where to start looking for a childcare solution that will compliment our AP/GD parenting style?

Our son is 2, almost 2 1/2. We've done a nanny share in the past & would be open to something like that again (especially if there's a family that has already found a great nanny!). Or, maybe someone has a sitter/nanny who would like more hours & is available during the mornings (i.e. before picking up school-aged kids). Also open to a small daycare setting. Or (probably our preferred) if there is a SAHP who's more or less AP & practices gentle discipline & has a child in the same age range & wants to pick up some extra cash (phew!) that might be a nice solution -- We'd be open to even at some point swapping a few date nights or studio/work time here & there, too.

Anyway, we have yet to meet any local families & have no idea how to start this search. Any advice welcome. And if you'd personally be interested in taking care of energetic but kind little boy (or know someone who would be) please PM me!

Thanks!

[DTmama1]

Just wanted to say hello. I live about 2 miles north of Lincoln Square and am a nanny actually. Unfortunately my schedule is pretty booked up during the week. I only have 1-2 afternoons free since I have 3 families I provide care for, so my availability is mostly evenings/weekends at this point.. I use sittercity.com quite a bit and have heard good things from the parents about it. There are a number of moms groups on meetup.com, though the only one I'm very involved with is Geek Parents Network. One of the families I nanny for also loves http://www.npnparents.org/, but I haven't checked it out since it is a paid site.