How much to charge for childcare???

[4myfinn]

My neighbor has an infant about 2 months old.  She is returning to work soon and asked my husband if I would be interested in watching her (I stay at home with my toddler).  I'm not entirely sure if I'm going to do it yet and need to talk to my neighbor about it.  My question for all of you is, what would I even charge her?  I have absolutely no idea what childcare costs.  My neighbor's work schedule is M-F, I think 8-5 or possibly 9-5.  

Thanks for the help!

 

[beebalmmama]

You really need to get a sense for what childcare costs in YOUR area are. Childcare rates vary widely.

What I did was call a few childcare centers and in home daycares (either found on CL or through the local referral number). This gave me a better idea of what the going rate was.

I currently keep one child part time and ended up going somewhere between the centers (really costly here) and the in home daycares. I figured into the cost of providing a low ratio and flexibility (in my case the family has a biweekly revolving schedule) was worth more than what some in home's charged. I also offer more flexibility with "vacation" where I don't charge and extras like washing their cloth dipes.

[4myfinn]

Wow, thanks!  :)  I'll make some phone calls.

 

[JudiAU]

The expense is really based on the local market. Less than a full time nanny but more than daycare I would assume. Nannies in my area (working legally, licensed drivers, who can drive your child in their car) make around $15-20/hr.

[Hey Mama!]

In my area, it would be $100 per week.  I know that's really low but that's the average rate for full time care in someone's home. I'm watching 2 boys 32ish hours per week this summer and I'm charging their mom $100 per week.  The current sitter (who cannot watch them in the summer) only charged them $80 per week but I added the $20 to cover meals (breakfast, lunch, and snack.)