[LRA]

I have been asked by a friend to watch her two children, ages 1yr and 3. She said to let her know how much I want to charge her. I have never paid for child care and I have no idea what it costs. I don't want to get rich off of her but I don't want to cheat myself either. Can you ladies give me any advice on what is a good price?

Tish

[starryeyes]

Can you tell us the state or general area you live in? It varies greatly according to area.

[LRA]

Sorry, told ya I had no clue!!! I am in Florida, West-Central. Thanks for helping me!

[spidermanteache]

I'm in Kansas City so I think here in the midwest childcare is a little less expensive than on the coasts, but we paid $160.00 per week when Parker was in a home daycare. She fed him breakfast and lunch and 2 snacks. She also provided diapers. We never dealt with formula as he came home at 19 months, but she also provided formula for those who needed it. I hope that helps.

[WVUMom418]

I live in Maryland, I have a 2 year old (not potty trained) and a 3 1/2 year old. I pay $320 a week for the two, I provide diapers and pack them lunches. Daycare provides morning and afternoon snacks.

[starryeyes]

It would cost about $250/week here in Ohio also (in our child care center), but homes normally charge a little less. One idea may be to call a local day care center for comparison and see what they would charge, and what they provide. I am sure your friend will be thrilled to have them at your home. I would charge slightly less than a day care center and you still will make some money and provide a good service.

One thing I recommend you do is work out pretty soon, before you set a rate, is whether you will claim it on your taxes (I recommend this; I think it is the only legal way to do it, keeps everything above board, and then she can also deduct it). Providers that don't want clients to claim the amount paid usually have to give a pretty big break to the clients financially. I personally think it's better just to do it the "right" way and report the income, but make sure you account for this in your asking price!

[Guatmom2006]

The daycare I have looked into already (Suburban Atlanta, GA) is $120/week. Parent provides formula, diapers, lunch, snacks.

They all charge too much if you ask me. Highway robbery!

[dspakowsky]

In NC daycare is about $130 a week for one child, and about $190 for two children.

[csw]

Hi
Our local YWCA charges $260 a week for one child..they provide breakfast and lunch, snack etc..
I thought it was kind of high..(our daughter is still not in daycare since I work weekends only)..
A going rate for a nanny around here is $400 a week..and that is not live in..
We are in the NE..

I would say to call home daycare's around your area and see what they charge..of course if they are licensed I would assume they charge more than unlicensed?

[KKR213]

Wow, I need to move to another state. I am in Massachusetts and my son is at a center 4 days a week and I pay $323 and supply the diapers and food. They supply snacks and milk.

[DD Amasa]

Daycare centers in Connecticut charge $250-$400 a week but that's with a host of indoor and outdoor activities for toddlers and older children, many have several certified teachers and all have workers trained in first aid.

Women who provide child care in their homes for a child or two are charging around $120-$150 a week.

[poppy]

I stay home with my kiddos so I don't know current rates BUT.... my mom is retired from home daycare now and she used to charge....... $50 a week when I was growing up (70s and 80s). WOW! have prices gone up! I'm sure glad I get to stay home with my 4 kiddos, soon to be six.

Maybe I should watch babies at my house....

[Justhavfaith]

$150-$200 per child per week here in North Mississippi. They provide 2 snacks and lunch.

[mama8]

Also remember to find out what the rules are where you live - you may need to have a license....if a child were to get hurt in your home, you could run into a lot of issues if you are operating an unlicensed day care. It may seem like a lot of work - but it is really not that hard and the rules are there to protect everyone involved.

As for price - most people are doing this as a living or supplementing a spouse's income - it is an extremely difficult job for which the pay is paltry at best. Parents are trusting you to care for and raise their child while they are not with them - in my opinion, you can't put a price tag on this!

Although I know it is a huge expense - good day care providers earn every penny and deserve much more than most of us can afford to pay.

Find out what the going rate is in your area by calling a few centers, also check your local newspaper for other provider's rates then charge a fee that is inline with the others - you are not running a charity and if you do this right it will be a wonderful situation for both you and these children.

Good luck!

[cmfayz]

We're in Metro-Detroit. We used to have Matthew at a home daycare and paid $145 for the week, which was really cheap. Now he has a babysitter, he goes to her house, but Matthew is the only child she cares for (other than her own daughter). I pay her $50 per day. We haven't discussed what I'll pay when we have two, but I'm thinking around $80 per day.