I am opening my daycare soon and I'm not sure what to charge? I moved to a higher paying area, but I remember what it was like to pay for daycare. I think it may be best to charge what the providers around me are charging? They charge $175 for infants (goes up to 250)
$150 for toddlers
$100 for before and after school care.

Should I think about a part time rate or drop in? I've read on here some providers charge one flat fee? Could someone explain that more?? Also, I'm not currently charging for registration/ supplies.... Should I?




Thank you!

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I think the single most important factor in determining rates is if it is worth it to you. I wouldn't go any lower than the average in your area. If you feel your service is providing something other providers cannot, then go higher.

If you are willing to try drop in, set a rate that is a bit higher than the daily rate for your parttime kids. If you are willing to do parttime, their daily rate should be a bit higher than the fulltime kids. I don't mind having a lighter day a couple times per week, other providers want a consistent group M-F.

Some providers charge per spot. I.E. They can have 6 kids in care. 1 child = 1 spot regardless of hours, or number of days. Others have a higher fee for those with earlier drop off times/pick up times.

I don't charge for supplies/registration - it's a built in fee. But I haven't been burnt yet! If there is something you buy for each new kid, maybe include that(ie new water bottle for each enrollee).

Hope that helps!

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I charge the same rate from ages 2-5. Those are the only ages I serve as well. I offer part-time and full-time rates, with the part-time rate being a higher cost per day than the full-time.
I charge extra for care between 5:00PM-6:00PM.

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I tiered my rates hourly which I DONT like and will switch to daily soon

Newborn-2 years old
Full-time max 50 hours per week: $250
Part Time max 30 hours per week: $225
Drop In full day: $90

2 years old and up
Full-time max 50 hours per week: $200
Part Time max 30 hours per week: $180
Drop In full day: $70

I am in the mid to low end for daycare in my area. I live in an up and coming area so if you go west then it drops drastically but if you go east it shoots up like crazy.

I am planning on changing to M-F , 3 days, 2days. Additional hours are additional fees. I have currently a 10 hour max per day but one family will use close to 12. Both parents work LONG hours but they pay full time when it would technically be part time.

Also I am planning on raising my rates for new enrollee's but keeping it as is for currently enrolled families.

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How come you don't like it the way you have it now? I've had several people ask what my hours are but I told them I have contracted hours. Kids aren't alowed(by lay) to be on care here for more than 10hrs a day.

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I'm jealous that you can charge those rates! I'm opening my daycare in 2 weeks and have been doing research on rates in our area. For a full scale daycare center, rates for a toddler are between $250-$350. The home daycare centers I've checked out on CL charge $150 MAX! Some as low as $65 a week! I posted my CL ad, which I've gotten some great feedback on from another home daycare provider and got a lot of interest in the first 3-4 days and as soon as I give my rates, $125 a week for full-time, I haven't gotten a single return email. I'm offering meals, snacks, a full curriculum and 6a-6p hrs. I have a medical background, a 20 month old daughter and 10 year old son, I'm well spoken and concise with my emails. It won't be worth it for me if I charge much less but this is what I want to do and I'm not sure how to get this ball rolling. Just one interview would make my day! Excuse me while I go cry myself to sleep.

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I charge according to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program.

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