Contact your local child care resource and referral association, you probably can link off of your State licensing website. They will be able to give you a median price for your area as well as many resources to tap into.

I am in the middle of one of the wealthiest counties in Michigan with all big three automotive companies based here and in 2004 charged $160, raise to $175 in 2008 just before the bottom fell out. Last year I lowered my rates back to $160 and still can't find kids.

Two weeks ago one of three centers within 1 mile of me closed. Three years ago there were 17 home family day cares in my zipcode now there are 9. The unlicensed SAHM's are charging 1/2 of what is charged in homes and 1/3 of what is charged in centers. If you want to be competitive you might check craigslists going rates.

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