How Much Should You Pay to Child Care Providers?
The average annual cost of infant care in 2009 ranged from $3,803 in Alabama to $13,480 in Massachusetts, according to "Regional Variation in Child Care Prices: A Cross-state Analysis." How much you should pay a provider for quality child care is directly related to where you live, but child care costs depend on other factors as well, including the type of child care facility you prefer and the current demand for child care in your target area.
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The Provider's Expense
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Consider the child care provider's position. At a minimum, child care providers must be licensed, trained, pass a background check and receive medical clearance to care for small children. Many providers incur additional routine expenses in the form of supplies, equipment, toys, employees, food, facility payments and upkeep, home depreciation and insurance. Fees for providing child care need to be sufficient to cover expenses and provide a reasonable income.
Nannies
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If you want someone to come to your home and care for your child, you can expect to pay more than if you placed the child in a family child care home or a center. If you hire a trained nanny, the rates for one child vary from $1,516 to $4,333 monthly in 2010, according to the International Nanny Association, depending on your location and the specifics of the arrangement. A live-in nanny may cost less, if comfortably accommodated, but even then, the rates range from $1,083 to $1,733 monthly for nannies just starting out. If you employ a nanny to care for your child, federal law requires that you also pay the employer's part of her Social Security tax, and most states mandate that you pay state unemployment taxes, according to the International Nanny Association.
Group Care Providers
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Child care centers generally charge less than providers who come to you, with an average cost in 2009 of $1,325 monthly for infant care and $973 for preschoolers, according to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. Securing a place for your child in a center, which depending on the size and scope of the facility may have room for more than 100 children, may prove easier than in a family child care home. Family homes typically charge less than centers, with an average monthly fee of $860 for infants and $817 for preschoolers in 2009. Center and family home environments offer similar benefits for your child, and the level of the provider's experience and quality of the program play a significant role in determining a fair rate to pay.
Compare Child Care Fees
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Although fees are set by the provider, you can take an active role in finding a reasonably priced child care option by asking your state's child care licensing agency for a list of providers in your area. The National Child Care Information Center provides a state database of licensing agencies to help you find the contact person for your area. Visit each facility or home you are considering and make a note of both the fees charged by the provider, the provider's demeanor with children, the quality of care provided, and whenever possible, feedback from current clients. If you're interested in a nanny, the International Nanny Association provides a database of nanny services by state. Contact a local agency for rates specific to your area.
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