Childcare is an expensive, major household expense. It is also an important investment worthy of careful consideration. Family (or home) daycare is a reliable and affordable childcare choice for many families.
What is Family Daycare?
Family daycare, or home daycare, is childcare provided by individual caregivers in their own homes. Usually taking in small groups of children, family daycare is licensed by local authorities. Family daycare providers provide care for groups of 6 or 8 children in smaller daycares and up to 14 children for larger daycares.
Family daycare is usually less expensive than daycare centers, preschools and in-home childcare options like nannies and au pairs. If parents choose to put their child in family daycare, they can expect to pay on average $300 to $800 per month per child. The cost of family daycare can be higher or lower depending on a combination of factors.
Factors that Influence Home Daycare Costs
Age and Number of Children Enrolled
The younger the child, the more families can expect to pay. According to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA), family daycare prices differ with age. Full-time care for an infant family daycare can range from $3,900 to $9,630 per year while the same care for 4 year-old full time may cost from $3,380 to $9,146. If families enroll more than one child in family daycare, their childcare expenses will increase.
Quality of the Family Daycare
As parents search for family daycare they will find that some are not licensed and will therefore be cheaper. This is because the family daycare may not have spent the money necessary to comply with state standards. Parents should be wary of unlicensed daycare as it could compromise their child’s well-being and safety. Family daycares that are licensed and accredited are more expensive.
Geographic Location
Home daycare center costs will vary depending upon its location in the United States since daycare costs are reflected in the cost of living. Family daycare in states where the cost living is high like New York, California, Wisconsin, Washington, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Oregon, and Illinois will cost considerably more while those in rural areas are usually the cheapest.
Part-time vs. Full-time Care
Part-time care or care only during the summer months significantly reduces costs. Conversely, full-time care and year-round care raises the price tag for family daycare.
As a rule of thumb, if parent find that a family daycare costs considerably less than others they have previously evaluated, they should take heed. Many times the family daycare had to cut corners somewhere and as result children may end up suffering the consequences. Parent should listen to their inner voice. If one or more parents don’t feel comfortable, chances are the child will not feel safe or at ease also. Parents should spend as much on childcare as they can afford. After all, families are paying someone to protected, feed, educate, entertain, and socialize their children. It is well worth the investment.
