Collaborative & Energetic Weekend Nanny for Family in Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL

City: Chicago (Lincoln Park)

State: IL

Compensation: $35–$40 per hour | 27 guaranteed hours per weekend (with flexibility for the right fit)

Start Date: ASAP for the right fit

Children: One girl (3.5 years) and one boy (13 months)

Benefits: Paid major federal holidays, three paid sick days, one week (5 days) of paid vacation (nanny chooses two days), open to a healthcare stipend if needed, and guaranteed hours

Schedule:

• Friday: 1:30pm–6:30pm

• Saturday: 7:30am–6:30pm

• Sunday: 7:30am–6:30pm

The family can offer light flexibility with both the schedule and guaranteed hours for the right candidate.

Description

About the Family

A warm, welcoming, and down-to-earth family in Lincoln Park, Chicago is seeking a collaborative, adaptable, and engaging weekend nanny to help care for their two young children—a curious and imaginative 3.5-year-old daughter and an active, happy 13-month-old son. The family values connection, flexibility, and creating a joyful home environment where each child feels supported, encouraged, and understood.

The oldest child attends preschool Monday through Friday, while weekends are centered around family time, outings, and ensuring each child receives dedicated one-on-one attention. This role is intentionally collaborative, with the nanny working closely alongside the parents throughout the weekend to ensure each child receives individualized care and attention. The family is looking for someone who naturally integrates into the home, enjoys working as part of a team, and brings a positive, calming presence to their daily routines.

Dad primarily works from an office and travels frequently for work, while Mom works from a dedicated home office and also travels periodically. They value open communication, teamwork, and a nanny who is confident stepping in where needed while remaining flexible as the family's needs evolve throughout the day. They are hoping to find a long-term caregiver who will become a trusted and valued extension of their family.

About the Role

This position focuses on providing attentive, developmentally appropriate care while supporting the family's collaborative approach to caregiving. Responsibilities include engaging the children in enriching play, planning outdoor adventures and age-appropriate activities, preparing meals and snacks, supporting naps and daily routines, and fostering each child's developmental milestones through responsive, relationship-based care.

A significant aspect of this position involves working alongside the parents throughout much of the weekend. The ideal candidate is someone who can seamlessly blend into the family's environment—knowing when to confidently take initiative, when to collaborate, and how to provide meaningful support while respecting the family's routines and parenting style. The ability to read the room, communicate openly, and contribute to a positive household dynamic is essential.

Additional responsibilities include light meal preparation, folding and putting away the family's laundry, loading and unloading the dishwasher, kitchen tidying, and maintaining general organization throughout the home. The family appreciates a nanny who is proactive, organized, and happy to jump in wherever support is needed to help the household run smoothly.

The ideal candidate is warm, energetic, and genuinely enjoys spending time with toddlers. They have a strong understanding of early childhood development and naturally prioritize connection over correction while setting thoughtful, age-appropriate boundaries. They are adaptable, collaborative, and comfortable working alongside parents on a daily basis, bringing flexibility, positivity, and a good sense of humor to the home. The family would love to find someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, embraces adventure, and can easily adjust to the changing needs of each day. This is an excellent opportunity for a nanny who thrives in a collaborative caregiving environment and is seeking a meaningful, long-term relationship with a kind and appreciative family.

Requirements

• Prior professional nanny experience

• Experience caring for toddlers

• Strong understanding of early childhood development

• Warm, nurturing, and emotionally intelligent disposition

• Adaptable, flexible, and collaborative

• Comfortable working closely alongside parents throughout the day

• Positive attitude with a playful, engaging sense of humor

• Enjoys outdoor activities and active play

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Proactive, dependable, and highly responsible

• Safe and reliable driver

• Excellent professional references

• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

• Comfortable assisting with light household tasks

• Ability to seamlessly integrate into a collaborative family environment

Pets: No pets

Transportation: Family vehicle available for work-related driving; parking available if the nanny chooses to drive their own vehicle to work

Travel: Occasional domestic and international travel would be preferred but is not a hard requirement