Is $3/Hr Too Much to Ask for FT Childcare in This Economy?

Updated on November 23, 2010
C.S. asks from Clearwater, FL
54 answers

This week I met with three mothers in regards to caring for their child full-time. If your not licensed in my county legally your only aloud to care for children from one family full-time. My question is...is $3 an hour too much to ask for these days? One mother offered to pay much more an hour for just part-time. The other two moms had very young infants and wanted me to bring the cost down. In one case she works 50 hrs a week...some days/some nights...but only wanted to pay $125. I was asking $30/day since it was for 10 hrs instead of 8. The other mom wanted to pay $100 for 40 hrs/wk...1st shift one week/second shift the next. I feel that I tried my best to work with them, but I didn't feel the same in return. I am eduacted, safe, reliable, and offering a loving, affordable (in my opinion) option for parents who cannot afford a nanny. I am shocked. I thought that most parents would LOVE to find a mother willling to care for just their child for $3/hr. Am I wrong?

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So What Happened?

I thanks everyone for their responses! I truly feel in my heart that I have so much to offer a family. I don't wish to become licensed and care for a handful of children. I oly wanted to provide another child or two from the same family one-on-one attention in a cozy, home-like environment while I care and homeschool my two children. If it is God's plan he will make it happen. I am learning how to not push things or try too hard to make them fit. By no means is $125 a wk too much for 8-9 hrs/day of childcare for a family with 2 incomes to pay. My husband teaches and we make ends meet on only his income. I think that too often people today put other things n front of their own children...expensive cars, cell phone bills, nice house/things. We dn't need all of those things. Our children DO need a safe, saring environment to grow and learn in though. I put my whole heart into all I do...and if a mother does not appreciate that...thats okay. I am sure there will be one who wil!

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D.F.

answers from St. Louis on

$3. an hr for part time is totally fair that is considered 4 hrs a day or less any thing over 4 hrs is full time $20 to $30 a day. After 8 hrs there should be an additional charge.

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G.M.

answers from Miami on

In Miami, the usual rate for 1 child is $10/hr. I pay $15/hr for 2 kids for afterschool care in my home. It depends on years of experience, type of experience (special needs or not), & level of education. No one here pays $3/ hr except maybe for mothers helpers.

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

Good grief! You're being taken advantage of! That's not even minimum wage! You have to go with what your area deems the norm, but anything under $10 an hour for full-time childcare is a steal. Perhaps you should list yourself on sittercity.com and care.com. I can't believe someone would expect to have personal, nanny type care for a 100 or 125 a week! If you absolutely can't find $10 an hour, I wouldn't go below $8!

5 moms found this helpful

C.T.

answers from Detroit on

you always charge more for infants, because they require more care! when i first started taking my son to daycare the older he got the less it cost me! i was paying almost 250 a week for my son. don't really know how much that would equal per hour but i know it was more then 3 dollars. your time is just as valuable as theirs. i hope you come up with something! good luck!

4 moms found this helpful

M.H.

answers from Raleigh on

Wow! I wish I could find someone for that price here! I would have to pay $200 a week for something decent in my area (Raleigh, NC). I don't think $3 an hour is too much at all, in fact, I think you are being taken advantage of. However, I don't know the going rates in the Clearwater area. My suggestion is to call some local day cares and find out what they would be charging for the same days/hours. You may be surprised!

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R.S.

answers from Mansfield on

I agree that rates are going to vary by location so it might be perfect for your area. I am a sahm who babysits ft in my home. I charge $2 per hr. It's a little on the low side for my area here in Ohio. I also provide 90% of all food/drinks for the children too. Some days I feel like a charity (lol) but in today's economy on the other end of it some families have one spouse basically paying just for childcare and a little extra left over.
Stay firm on your price, you need to make an income too!

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J.M.

answers from Boston on

Woah. I almost just fell out of my chair, here. Obviously rates are different in different places, but when we were looking for a nanny for our daughter, we couldn't find anyone that would take less than $12/hour, and many we're expecting $15-18. Our childcare center ends up costing us around $8/hour, and that's mid range. So no, I don't think that you're being unreasonable.

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L.D.

answers from Las Vegas on

You need to do some research on what the going rate is in your community. I've seen all types of parents. There's the parents who don't want to pay for medical insurance for their kids and want to skimp on childcare costs but will go out and by a new Lexus fully-loaded SUV at a drop of a hat. Those are also the ones who conveniently never have their checkbook around when it Friday and time to pay you. And then there's the parents who are practical about the costs that it takes to raise a child and are willing to pay the going rate or maybe just a little bit more if the sitter is just right. You want that type of parent. Trust me on this one, you don't want a parent who is so resistant to giving up their money (when they have it) for childcare. My advise to you is to find out the going rate for an unlicensed sitter in your area and charge that amount.

Hope this helps.

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R.B.

answers from New York on

I wish I could find someone for $3 per hour. I would get a job tomorrow! I stay at home because the cost of child care made it worthless to go to work. Stay firm.

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S.B.

answers from Wichita on

I pay 172.50/week for full time, and am looking at somewhere that will charge 142/week. 125 for 50 hours, days and nights? That is entirely too low.

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M.V.

answers from New York on

No, $3/hour is not too much to ask - it's way too little! Absolutely ridiculous. Set a reasonable fee that you are comfortable charging, and stick with it. In my area, charging a minimum of $10 per hour would not be unreasonable. Of course, this is NY so everything costs more, and I understand there are regional variations in what people pay for child care. However, you are providing a safe and loving atmosphere in your home, and therefore you need to be adequately compensated for your efforts. I'm pretty sure I've paid my neighbor's kids more than that per hour to take care of my pets. These people shouldn't be bargaining with you, they should be thanking you for providing such an important service at such a low rate!

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J.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

no not at all! i would stay firm in your price. i took care of twins for 10 an hour. your pricing is low to me. just express that you need to stay firm with your pricing and if they dont care for the $3/hour option they are more then welcome to pay a nanny or day care facility.

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M.G.

answers from Dallas on

Forget these frugal moms!!! Sign up with sittercity.com or care.com and you will be able to find a better job. However, I assume you want to care for another child in your home. You can state that on sittercity.com and care.com - that you are looking to care for someone in your home. Keep looking. These women are being ridiculous!

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B.C.

answers from Joplin on

I think it depends on the location and what the mom makes per hour. For me, if I had to pay $3 an hour for child care I would only be making $5 an hour take home pay ( after taxes) just to put it into perspective. I have watched kids in the past and I have charged either a flat rate of say $80 a week for full time or $2 an hour for drop in /part time. When I watched an infant, I charged $100 a week. Maybe if you were licensed, most of the other moms say its fair, so that is why I say it has to do about location.

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J.G.

answers from San Antonio on

$3 an hour is a steal. This is their child they're trying to bargain with. ANYONE will haggle just to see if they can get the cost down, but quite honestly I think you might be under-charging them.

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S.B.

answers from Topeka on

I agree that childcare providers deserve alot more than $3 an hour. But most Moms would not be willing to pay that.... I'd say a weekly rate of no more than $125, and to me that is still alot. This is, after all, a home daycare... not a day care facility. But that is the reason I don't work. I would only be paying daycare to get out of the house to do labor for someone else. haha

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V.N.

answers from Chicago on

They are taking advantage of you. I think you deserve more than 3.00/hour.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Okay... usually the most LOWEST price per hour, is $10 per hour.

Next... make sure, if they are going to claim you on their taxes or not?
You have to make sure.
AND, if you then have to claim it in your taxes.... ?

AND, in your county, you are only allowed to care for kids from one family, full-time. If you are NOT licensed. Are you licensed???
You best not put yourself in an awkward position.... with child care.

IF you are going to watch the kids of all these different Moms... then you BETTER be licensed... or you will get in BIG trouble....

NEXT: YOU are the one... that determines your RULES. And what amount, and what shifts and what hours and if they have to pay extra if they are late in picking up their child or cancel out on you at the last minute.... and just don't show up.

The easiest to me, is to charge a FLAT rate, MONTHLY.... whether or not they show up. THAT is what child-care providers do.
That is what I did.
They pay... no matter what. BECAUSE, you have to, keep their slot open and it is "reserved" for their kid(s), whether or not they show up. It is your time.... and money.

DO NOT LET THEM... take advantage of you. YOU are the one... who determines your rules/policies/rates.

THEY are trying... to manipulate you... for their benefit.
And... they are really trying... to get their way.

You should just state your rules/policies... have it IN writing... AND have them sign it. If you don't do that.... THEY can, at ANY time.... not keep to your payment/rules/policies and take advantage of you.
YOU HAVE TO have things in writing... and have them SIGN it. Make a "contract" as such.
AND you need to determine, if you will be paid in cash... or check.... ????

AND if being paid hourly... you have to have a succinct method... of tracking their drop-off and pick-up times.... so you know how much you are to be paid.

AND you have to determine, IF you are providing the food for the kids, or if the parents are responsible for that... and all their kids Snacks, too. AND diapers???? DAILY.

If it were me... I would not watch their kids.
I would NOT trust them.

all the best,
Susan

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J.P.

answers from Chicago on

Wow, that's cheap! I paid $60 per day for an 8 hour day at a sitters house (not licensed). They should be grateful to get childcare for that rate!

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B.S.

answers from Houston on

I personally think they are trying to take advantage of you. Hold off until you find the right family. If they are going to try to talk you down then pretty soon they will want you to watch their kids longer for no extra charge too. My son is in Mother's day out 2 days a week with a church. This is suppose to be non-profit and I pay about $5.77 per hour with them.

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M.R.

answers from Phoenix on

I can understand a weekly flat rate at a slightly reduced rate...but $100 a week or $3 / hr - that's what I paid over 20 years ago for full time day care in TX. I'm would imagine that the cost of living in your area is still a little less than other metropolitan areas, but don't sell yourself short, or you will regret it as the days go on and on. As long as you have done your homework and know what local daycare centers or nannies are charging, then be confident with your rate. The right mom (s) will come around and you'll all benefit.

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A.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

$3 is VERY VERY cheap! When I babysat 15 YEARS ago (in new york city) I was paid between $6-$10 an hour (depending is it was day or evening).

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L.U.

answers from Seattle on

OMG, you are only charging $3 an hour and they BALKED?! WOMAN, find a different family! You are not charging NEARLY enough to be able to get by!
When I was nannying for one family I charged $9 an hour and even THAT felt like I was getting taken advantage of sometimes.
You do what you need to do to get by, but realise that out here in Seattle that amount would be laughed at and quickly scooped up.

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J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

That is very, very reasonable and extremely affordable!!!!! You are totally right. The only way they'd find someone cheaper is to find a family member. Stick with your price. You're cheap. =)

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

They are wrong and underpaying. you are wrong and under charging. I pay my sitter $30/day for 6 hours each day. My sis in law gets $50per week: The girl is dropped off at her house at 7am. she feeds her breakfast and drives her to school at 7:45am. Thats it. no after care. Most places I see like in the penny saver are $5/hour M-F 8a-4p, $6 M-F 4p-10p or 6a-8a, and $8 M-F 10p-6a and weekends. ANYTHING food, driving, pick up/drop off is extra.

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J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

You need to find out what the local day cares are charging.

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J.R.

answers from San Diego on

The question really isn't whether it's too much to ask, it's what is the going rate where you live and whether it's worth it to you to do it for that rate. If other people are offering day care at that rate, you have to decide whether you are willing to risk losing business in order to get a higher rate. I would advise not taking a lower per hour wage than you are comfortable with, though. In my experience, that always ends badly.

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M.S.

answers from San Francisco on

The going rate for home daycare is 35-45 per day. If they aren't willing to work with that, find another family who will. They are taking advantage if they want to just give 100 for 40hrs per week??? You can always gently remind them that you are taking care of their most precious assets-their children. Also, what is their time worth??? I am sure that they would object loudly to 3 dollars and hour. You are giving them a heck of a deal-- find someone who will be greatful. take care, Molly

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K.B.

answers from St. Louis on

Okay so I want to preface by saying that really, I think your prices are totally reasonable and if we lived in the same area, I would come and talk to you for childcare services. Those families are expecting to much for you to charge less then $3/hr for what will equate to more then 40/hrs per week with you (once you consider drive time and lunch hours, etc).

But, I think some of your responders might not understand the difference between full time childcare and a babysitter. If you ask anymore then $3-4 dollars an hour, being unlicensed and in home, you would be asking for to much in MO at least. It is dependent on your area rates, but I doubt you will find much higher then $5/hour, except maybe in a center (although most of the centers in my area don't go higher then $6/hour. I think if they are paying full time childcare at $10/hr then they are actually getting ripped off by their provider. Just saying. And don't compare your rates to private school and montessori school providers as people usually opt for those when they are an option, which they are not for a MAJORITY of people.

D.D.

answers from Portland on

I think that is WAY reasonable!!!! I love in the Chicago area. Daycare is SOOO expensive out here. I am not sure how it is there. I was paying a sitter $35 a day ~ 10 hours. Alot of daycares in my area are like $225-$250 a week for one child! Those women are nuts. They should be happy you are charging what you are!

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S.S.

answers from Miami on

At $3.00 an hour people are taking advantage. That might be what someone paid in 1980 but come on.......there are others out there who will treat you right. Believe me, if they want to pay you that, then how will they ever respect you in regards to advice, things they need to bring from home, sick days, and ll the other things that come up daily? Higher your price and get better quality people. Let them go find great Grandma to do it for free.

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A.C.

answers from Columbus on

I don't mean to belittle Julie B.'s response, but at least in Ohio, $3/hour for home daycare is the norm (some, with more accreditations (sp), etc. are more like $3.5 or $4 per hour. In Ohio, a home daycare can watch 6 children and not have to have special licensing. So, if you're charging $120 per week per child (full time) and take in 3 or 4 kids, it adds up. I don't think you can make much money just looking after 1 child as a "daycare". I do think you need to educate your customers about the costs, though. And most of the home daycares we have interviewed require that the parents provide all diapers, diaper wipes, a change of clothes and an extra jacket be at the daycare, and some (for the preschool/toddler age) have a small weekly or monthly "craft" fee of a couple of dollars so the kids can do different projects. Most daycares in our area provide breakfast, a snack and lunch for those needing the service during first shift.

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C.G.

answers from Dallas on

that is very, very reasonable! don't lower your price just be patient and wait for the right family. It's crazy how little they want to pay nowadays for daycare, I would be thrilled to find someone like you close to us.

E.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

In our area (Twin Cities), you can find licensed in-home care (which includes meals) for a toddler/pre-schooler for as low as $3-$4/hour. A child care center would charge something closer to $5.50-$7.00/hour. When it comes to infants (under 2 and using diapers) those costs just go up.

Your $3/hour per child sounds reasonable. $100-$125 just doesn't cover you putting in a 40-50 hour work week. They are probably trying to negotiate down because who wouldn't? And perhaps because they think they should get a "deal" because you are unlicensed?

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J.B.

answers from Denver on

I do in-home daycare and I charge $45 a day. It breaks down to roughly $5ph on a long day. My mom didn't flinch at all at the price. Make sure the kid you take on meshes with your household, and that you and the mom have an understanding about her claiming you on taxes (for childcare tax credit), and about sick kids, and whatever you need to chat about.

These other moms are trying take advantage of you. If they put their kids in formal daycare it would be a 5:1 ratio and cost an average of 1500 per month. You are offering a GOLDEN opportunity. Just keep that in mind.

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T.R.

answers from Tampa on

No, you are not wrong - $3 an hour is a HUGE bargain. I have a 12 year old and when I need a sitter, who is a girl in high school, I pay her $5 to sit while I work and $7 an hour to sit if my husband and I go out.

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T.B.

answers from Miami on

Wow, $3/hour is cheap. I have baby sat and charged $5/hour, no questions asked. I guess it depends on the person and the age of the child perhaps? I baby sat for a baby from the time he was 2 months old until he was 1 year of age and $5 an hour was fair, in my opinion.

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K.R.

answers from San Diego on

They are probably looking at you as the cheaper alternative to regular day care prices. [I don't do daycare myself, but that's what I do with other professional services... find a good non-professional who will do it cheaper.] I think you are undercutting yourself, but just be sure to consider things like your costs for carseats, strollers, food, diapers, and other equip.... unless those are all going to be provided for you.

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B.F.

answers from Atlanta on

My niece pays $200 a week for a 1 yr old at a day care. I think $125 a week is reasonable. I have 3 boys ages 10,8 & 7 I pay my sitter $8.00 an hr for all three, period. I was on sitter city many sitters $15 an hr for 3 kids, so I feel lucky. I don't got out much but still. You aren't asking too much i sub at a prek for 7 kids I get $5 an hour at the prek (5 hrs) so $30 a day when I sub. Your price sounds fair to me.

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M.B.

answers from Orlando on

We pay our baby sitter a flat rate of $30/per day. That being said, she may be with us for 3 hours in one day or 10 hours in one day, because my husband works at night and my schedule varies day by day (i work in the morning and she's only needed for 3 hours, we both work late into the night and she's needed much longer).
I think you should take into consideration what they are providing for you on the job when you are negotiating at rate. Are they feeding you 2-3 times a day? How long are you actually with the child durning the time that you are at their house? If my sitter is needed at 3pm she stays from 1-6 hours, she is with my daughter the whole time if she comes over later or has to stay very late, half of the time she is at my home is after my daughter goes to bed and she is free to do whatever (movies, TV, video games, computer, read, etc)
A mother friend of mine has a daycare center that has a max amount of time (30 hours) that the child can be in their care and they charge $90 per week.
One reason you may be running into this issue is because so many people are making so little per hour themselves - if they are making say $7.50/hour then the $3/hour your asking is half of their paycheck after taxes (maybe more) and thats how they will be looking at it.
Also they may be wanting to deduct from your requested rate because they will be dropping off and picking up their child from your home rather than you coming to theirs (i assume) - i don't know - just a thought...
$3/hour does not sound completely out of the question to me, but perhaps your should do some research into daycare centers in your area to be able to physically show the mothers you meet with the other mainstream options compared to you and your affordability.

Good luck & God bless :o)

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R.J.

answers from Tallahassee on

I am a stay-home mom and rarely need child care, but when I have needed it, I have paid $8-10 per hour for the care of my daughter in my home. I needed child care over-night on one occasion and paid the care giver $100, 5pm on Saturday till 9am on Sunday, which is basically $6.25 per hour if you do the math. We know this 18 year old girl from church and trust her with our daughter. We also gave her the $100 bill when she arrived, which we also felt makes a difference in the care giving and cleaning up after herself! My husband and I looked at it this way: our daughter is in someone's care while we are out, no amount of money is worth the very best care in my opinion. I have heard so many horror stories of terrible child care and never want to be in that same situation. I feel if you are paying a good amount (what you feel your child/ren is/are worth) for child care, then you are fine and should feel good about your decision. It appalls me that someone feels their "in home" child care is only worth $3 per hour. My daughter is worth way more than $3 an hour, that is a joke. BEWARE.... you will get what you pay for and you should be cautious if someone will settle for only $3 per hour! THIS REMARK IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH CHILD CARE AT A CHILD CARE FACILITY, OR DAYCARE, WHERE RATES ARE PRE-DETERMINED AND SET.

Also, I have a friend in Ft. Lauderdale who is a fireman and needs child care for his 14 year old son, who he will not leave home alone over night. He uses this care giver 2-4 nights per week from 6pm to 7/8am and he pays $60 per night. The majority of the time is spent sleeping and she is basically friendship, dinner and helps with homework. This works for all of them and he is blessed to have found her. She has her own room and bed as well. She has it made!

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C.R.

answers from Ocala on

I think you should stick to your guns. What your asking an hr. is a huge discount compared to anyone else these moms are going to find, I assure you. They are going to hesitate in an effort to make you come down on your price. If they see that you are unsure of the price yourself, they're going to take advantage of that. If you are willing to negotiate I would definatly start w/ a much higher price than you are willing to do it for then let them talk you down. That way you are still getting what you want (maybe even more) & the moms feel like you are giving them a good deal & you were willing to compromise. Just a thought, hope it helps.

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I'd check with the going rate in your area. My 16 yr old is paid $10-$15 an hour just for babysitting a few hours on weekends.

NO WAY would she (or I) consider babysitting and taking that responsibility at $3/hr.

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3.B.

answers from Cleveland on

NOOOOOO!!!!!
My friend pays $210 a week for one child in daycare, when her second comes she will have to pay double that. And that is 4 whole days (8) hrs and one half.
I babysat a few years back and charge $150 for 2 kids, I only had one all day but drove to preschool and back 3 days a week. The mom ended up taking total advantage and staying gone later, and never paid me more. So I ended up making around 3 an hour, and I was even going to her home!
I know this is a tough economy, but are you supposed to work basically for free? Stick to your guns, you'll find someone!

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M.S.

answers from Chicago on

I am a stay at home mom and am doing the same thing as you. I watch children in my home. I charge $5 per hour full time and $6 per hour part time. I usually tell people what I charge right away. It is wasted time for both of us if they are not willing to pay my rate. Just remember to stay firm on your rate. It is your buisness to decide what to charge!

J.E.

answers from Erie on

I know this question has already been resolved, but wanted to give my 2 cents. :)

I think that $3/hr is very reasonable. I watch a little boy in my home 3 days a week and charge $20/day. He is usually with us for about 6.5-7 hrs each of those days. Which basically totals roughly $3/hr. His mom is very happy with our arrangement and said that it was the most reasonable price she has come accross. I think that those mamas were just looking for a bargain...and I dont understand why they would try to bargain with the care of their children! $3/hr is a great price for childcare...stick with it and good luck! :)

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R.S.

answers from Miami on

$3 an hour is cheap. Do what 's best for you. They will not find anything cheaper unless a relative is going to watch them for free.

M.M.

answers from Chicago on

OK this definitley varies by where you live, but in case you're interested...
I live in Chicago, and pay $650/week for full time childcare. I have a WONDERFUL nanny for my two kids and she's worth every penny.

That's pretty standard around here, so no, you are NOT asking too much! Ha! Wanna move to Chicago?

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M.C.

answers from Boston on

I understand you already have many answers to this question but I wanted to tell you my situation. I am home with my 1 year old now and watch my friends daughter M-W-F 8:30-6 and T-Th 11:30-6. It boils down to that I get about $4.50 an hour when all is said and done. I think $3 is a bargain, when I was looking at home daycares for my daughter it was close to $150/wk for full time. 7-5:30. Good luck!

S.M.

answers from Phoenix on

I'm with you! Know your worth and keep meeting with families until you find the right fit.

D.V.

answers from San Francisco on

I didn't read any of your answers BUT BARGIN! OMG I cannot believe people really try to pay someone less for such an important JOB! My Son is THE MOST important thing to me, and I feel like if I’m trying to bargin on care for him, its bargaining on the type and quality of care he will receive.

I live in the Bay Area, California so I’m not sure how the prices differ. But I just enrolled my son in a In Home Day Care in my city that i live in. She is charging me $45 a day he will be there 10 hrs a day on the average so $4.50 an hour and he will be there 3 full days. Most places I prices all in home day cares were $30 to $60 a day. If I could find someone who had just another or 2 other kids and would offer what your offering I’d jump on it. I wanted him to be in a smaller place with love and home feeling. The lady I’m sending him to has 10 other kids, and a helper. She is the best I found in my area and i immediately felt comfortable with her. 20+ of experiences, and i went to school with her successful daughter way back when!

I don't want to sound mean or rude, but it shouldn't matter on what peoples situations are. I mean really, this is your income, your business and people should respect that. If you make exceptions or changes in price people wont take you seriously. Just be confident in the choice you make because your the one with the kids all day and that’s what matters.

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J.C.

answers from Chicago on

Wow!! We paid $410 a week when our youngest was an infant, and now that he's almost two we still pay $370/ week. We are in downtown Chicago, so I know that's part of the difference, but $3 an hour is definitely a reasonable price to pay to know that your children are in good hands. I am amazed at how cheap people are. I completely understand that some people cannot afford to pay for childcare, but most of the cheapness comes from the moms and dads who can afford to pay it.

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G.B.

answers from Tulsa on

You must understand most child care centers expect kids to be in their care for 9 1/2 hours - 10 1/2 hours a day. With travel time to and from work plus an hour lunch they are gone well over the 8 hours they are clocked in. You are going to have to call around and find out what centers and home child care providers are charging.

There is no way a working single mom can afford to pay you an hourly rate when they will be paying you for more than 10 hours a day.

I would rather have a license and get a contract with the state and get more money that way. All of my parents had state child care assistance and that money was deposited every Monday evening into my account. Their co-pays were, of course, sometimes hard to get but if they were smart they knew if they didn't pay for their child care they didn't get to work and had to stay home with their kids looking for new child care.
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The state pays me $25-$35.00 a day for infants down to about $15 a day for after school care for school kids during the school year. That would average out to be about $3.00 per hour, but that is full child care center rates in a city type area. In home child care gets less, by quite a bit.

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R.K.

answers from Boston on

When I babysit for my neighbor she pays me $5/hr for anything 5 hrs and under if it is more then 5 hrs she pays me $25 for the day. So I think asking $3/hr is fine but most people charge a flat rate for the day if its over a certain amount of hours at least that is how the daycares I dealt with when ODS was little. It was actually cheaper for my son to go 3 full days then part time which was nice bc it gave me some time to do homework when I got out of class or tutor and make some extra $$$

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