L.,
I have a 2.5 year old and a 6 month old. I am a teacher who is technically on leave, but decided to still teach my AP Spanish class, so for half the year (we're on block scheduling), I needed a part-time nanny - 9AM - noon, every other quarter. I originally contacted Loving Care, LTD to find a nanny, but while waiting for them, a friend of a friend became available. She is 29, holds a college degree (in English) and was looking for part time work. Because she is older, reliable, and somebody I (tangentially) know, I am paying her $15/hour. Loving Care had estimated that I would pay $11-14/hour. I don't ask her to do any housework other than clean up after the projects they do or games they play. She makes a light lunch for my elder daughter and herself which they are eating when I come home, so I do the clean-up from that.
I am thrilled to have a nanny rather than send the kids to daycare. It is so great to be able to leave my house and not have to get the kids ready to drop off someplace else. The only drawback (and this depends on your personality type) is that I feel like I need to have the house really clean every morning before she gets here, and that requires a little more discipline at night than I am used to having. :)
Good luck with the nanny search and with the consulting.
K.