How much would you pay for in home child care?

Question

I am a stay at home mom looking to add income to our home and I am also an experienced child care provider as well as almost graduated with my degree in early childhood education. I am currently watching a 14 month old at home all night while her mother works but am interested in keeping children all day but am unsure of what to charge. i live in a fairly small area and I am wondering what would you pay for a highly educated loving stay at home mom to take care of your child?

Answer 1

Every homecare provider is different and charges different amounts..  If you plan on doing preschool activities then charge a little more.  I would say the average for a child under 2 years is 170 a week and for children 2-4 140 a week.  For children who are in school and will only be in daycare for half a day about 80 a week.  Daycare centers almost always charge WAY more than homecare providers.  I personally wouldn't have a problem with paying the prices I mentioned above.

Answer 2

I work as a Nanny I get paid 12 an hour. You have to think about what you'll be giving the kids. Cause you have to feed the, and have toys and such to keep them entertained

Answer 3

I don't know where you live or what the appropriate rate is there, but in order to get licensed you'll have to see your local Department of Human Services. They'll be able to give you an idea of what most in the area cost. You could always call other in home daycares in your area, and inquire about their prices, you don't have to tell them you're wondering because you are starting your own, just ask, "how much would it be to send a child of x age to your daycare?"

You also need to know that it isn't going to open up a huge amount of revenue for you at first. You may not have clients right at first, and the number you are allowed to watch (being only one person) is going to be regulated by DHS. So, the first few months while buying supplies, and recovering your money from buying material, food, initial items (napping cots, tables etc) you'll be recovering those costs instead of putting money in your pocket. Where I live there are home daycares everywhere, I honestly do no know how much they charge, because for me it is more economical to stay home with my two kids rather than pay for daycare, gas, eating out, and other little expenses involved in working. I do know this though, younger kids (those who are not potty trained) are more expensive to send to any type of a daycare, even if the parent supplies the diapers, One other thing about a home daycare is, since it will just be you, you will probably be limited to having only 6-8 kids (some states only 4 and that includes your daughter), so you may not want to offer too wide of an age range. It's going to be hard, and expensive, to offer activities for all age ranges, I would stick close to the age your daughter is, because it is going to be hard to attend to the immediate needs of infants, controll toddlers, and give kids who are preschool, or school aged something entertaining to do.  It's easier if they are all around the same age (1-2 or 3-5)

That really didn't answer your question, so I'd say that for my infant I'd pay about $25/day, and my toddler (unpotty trained) the same, (potty trained) 20/day. But that is what is close to standard for a REGULAR daycare where I am.  However, from your standpoint, I'd have people sign an agreement where they pay for the whole week, have so many weeks (1-2) notice they have to give you if they decide to leave. This wil help you with the financial part of it. If you charge by the day when they kids show up, or by the hour,  one of 2 things may happen, you could get taken advantage of, or you'll never really have income to count on. I wish you well in your adventure, you are much braver than I!

Answer 4

My Grandma is a licensed daycare provider who watches kids around the clock from the comfort of her own home. I'm not sure how much she charges but I believe her wage is set by the Department of Child and Family Services.

Are you going to provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for the kids each day? How about snacks? This will all come out of your pocket, as well as any materials you buy for crafts, DVD's, toys, etc. Another thought, where will the kids sleep? My Grandma purchased fold out chair beds from Wal*Mart and the kids make their own beds themselves and take a 1-2 hour nap each day. Once again, this is out of your pocket, so don't give your service away but don't rob your clients, either.

You may want to make a list of all of the expenses you will have, then ask other daycare providers what they charge and set your hourly fee from there. I'm sure the wages differ from state to state, as the cost of living is different all across the USA. What seems reasonable in Ohio where I live may seem totally unreasonable for you.

Good luck.