I had a similar experience. Some people see you as competition- no matter how long their wait lists are, and aren't willing to help.

I searched craigslist, which I knew would be low, to get an idea of how much cheap care is. Then I contacted a friend that's closer to our nicest city and she gladly gave me prices, since I wasn't her competition. I used that as the high end price.

Dh had a friend in town that had a child that attended a home daycare. That friend told us what he was paying, and I just put my rates a little higher.

If you don't know anyone, maybe try contacting providers in other areas that will be higher/lower due to cost of living.

I found once I was in the game a little longer, and made some provider friends, they didn't mind sharing the info. I found a few friends through CPR/ first Aid locally. Hth!

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