Fair Price for Childcare - Half Days During Summer

Updated on May 07, 2010
A.H. asks from McKinney, TX
7 answers

My neighbor has graciously offered to watch my 2 1/2 year daughter from 8 or 9 - noon Monday - Friday throughout the summer. Neither of us have done this before. What would be a fair price for 3 - 4 hours a day/5 days a week? Should we have a weekly rate or an hourly rate? And what is a reasonable price/rate?

Her daughter who is a sophomore in HS will be watching my daughter and she said that they will come up with a somewhat structured schedule that will involve some teaching of alphabet and numbers, etc. as well as a craft time and play time. I will be supplying snacks, drinks, and lunch for my daughter so it won't be an extra expense for them.

Thanks for your feedback,
A.

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.T.

answers from Atlanta on

Our daughter will be in part time daycare M-F starting in Aug. She will be two. Lunch is included, from 8-12, new building with all the bells and whistles. We pay $100 a week. I think a little less would be fair for 3-4 hrs. Make sure you check her house for baby safety. If you are going to pay as much for a neighbor vs. a professional daycare/preschool then it should meet the same standards. You want someone who will take care of your child just as you would. So interview your neighbor just as you would a preschool. Make sure it is a fit not just a convenience for you. If it doesn't work there are quality daycares that do part time for around the same price. There is also a local church and YMCA that have programs. We have a church that does 8:30-11:30 3 days a week for $135 a MONTH and 2 days for $120. You have to do what is best for your daughter then think about if the cost is equal to the quality of care.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from New York on

I prefer a flat weekly rate. It's much easier that trying to keep a "time card". I would think between $90 and $120 would be a fair price.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.J.

answers from San Diego on

Since a pro would charge 20-30 per hour = 300-600 per week...

And if she was working a crappy McJob that she didn't have to put any energy into whatsoever she'd be making at least minimum wage...

If you want to be able to expect her to give as much care as a pro and not a McJob... I would pay her something in between minimum wage and a nanny's fees. Which is along the lines of per week care for GROUP (as opposed to one on one) care.

AKA at least $10 per hour or 150-200 per week.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

You did not say, if this will be in your home, or hers.
Many of the posters mentioned licensing etc. DHS regulations etc.

What is fair and common, is at least $10/hour.
Or flat rate... which is easier and you won't have to keep track of hours.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.R.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi,
Since you will be supplying all the snacks, drinks, and lunch I would think that $15 a day would be reasonalbe.

Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

F.C.

answers from Tampa on

I would say at the minimum $100/week. This girl is babysitting and teaching your child for 3-4 hours a day so $20/day (less than $7/hr)

I personally would offer her atleast $125/week which is $25/day (about $8/hr)

K.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

I would say $20 - $25 per day (or a weekly sum of $100-$125 pre week). This young women watching your child could get a job and the pay will be around $7 an hour so if you really want her to wach your daughter I would make sure to pay $8 or more an hour.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions