I think it depends on what area you live. An average daycare center in my area (Lisle/Naperville) charges more than $200 for 5 days (full time) and only a little less for 3 days (part time). On top of that, we also pay extra around $50 for each additional classes, such as music class, gym class, etc... you add that all up, my average monthly day care cost is around $1000. That does include all the food and snacks and art supplies etc, but not the diapers and wipes. I know some of my friends who lives in Indiana and works in Chicago pay a lot less, like half for their kids' daycare. but i think in Chicago area, that is the general cost. Also we still have to pay half of the tuition even if our child is out for a week. the late fee is $1/minute, but usually they don't really charge us, as long as we call ahead let them know we are running late. I do think it's a bit high but we we don't really have much choices as full time working parents and the teachers in the daycare seem accountable. I guess if you want to run a small daycare at your home, you can charge a little less and be more flexable to attract more people. To me the cost is not alwasys the most important thing (well most of the time, it is) but my biggest concern is knowing that my child is happy and safe and learning new things everyday. Word of mouth might be your best shot to run a popular and profitable home daycare center.
