https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 16 May 2026 10:14:26 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare/page/2#post-2617364 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 16:09:22 +0000 daniellemybelle 2617364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree that I would love the idea of outings in theory, but in practice I would probably feel a little nervous, especially if it was just you and 4 kiddos. If you had an assistant that would be a big reassurance though I still don't know that I would want my kid in the car with a childcare provider multiple times per week. I would say 1-2 field trips per month would be really nice. Especially since it is a setting with 4 kids around the same age, as long as there is a good outdoor space, the need for field trips is lessened in my opinion because they have social interaction. The reason I kept my LO out &amp; about so much as a SAHM is because it was just her and I at home every day otherwise.</p> <p>But to answer your question: It seems like you are really thoughtful about wanting to provide high quality childcare and I'm sure above all, that will show. As long as you can meet the needs the majority of parents have as far as hours/availability/etc. which is usually the #1 need, I would say you could charge at the highest end of what in-home daycares cost in your area. </p> <p>I don't know that you could go completely above and beyond the range though because if someone wants a nanny or nanny share set-up they will just do that, or if someone wants a daycare center with a lot of oversight, camera, etc. they will just do that. I think ultimately the parents you attract will be in the market for a great in-home daycare and they will expect to pay within that range.</p> <p>Edited to add: So, here's something that is just my personal thoughts/feelings but may be helpful. It sounds like you want to offer almost a structured set-up like a daycare or preschool. To me, one of the main benefits of an in-home daycare or a smaller setting would be the ability to have more control/say when it comes to my child's schedule and how they are cared for in general. Once we were ready to look for more of a school setting, I never considered an in-home care provider because at that point, the structure of a school/center was what I was looking for.</p> <p>So, I don't know if that makes sense, but above all I would just think of who you are "marketing" to and their desires and you might find that you should tweak your offerings or highlight different things (like many have said, ability to adhere to LO's schedule is important to them) versus the outings, activities, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare/page/2#post-2617358 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 15:43:49 +0000 Mrs D 2617358@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me personally I would not pay more than market rates. We pay $299/under 2.5 and $270/3's.</p> <p>Here are my thoughts:<br /> 1) Field Trips - I would not be comfortable with this. Especially at a 4 to 1 ratio. So this would be a draw back to me. If I was to allow it - I would want to provide my own car seat, which would be an added expense on my end.<br /> 2) I'd prefer breakfast be an option.<br /> 3) I'd prefer more detailed reporting.<br /> 4) I prefer no use of things like jumpers/swings/bouncers for my littlest ones<br /> 5) I like the idea of involvement in cooking and separate sleep spaces<br /> 6) I like to see structure around curriculum starting around 18 mos<br /> 7) Outdoor playtime (in a fenced in space - no travel) is important to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare/page/2#post-2617354 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 15:24:49 +0000 bubblegum 2617354@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelingnanny: I'm probably asking for too much. But my husband and I live for the lunch time updates. Our LO is 2 and a handful so hearing at lunch if it's a good day for him or difficult day always helps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare/page/2#post-2617348 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 15:15:43 +0000 winniebee 2617348@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelingnanny: I definitely think adding an "assistant" for even when you go out on outings would be really attractive to families - because in my head I'm thinking sometimes my 2 boys are a handful out and about! So if you had a helper even for the mornings, that would be awesome. I really think I would pay 300+ a week for this type of daycare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2617291 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 13:52:43 +0000 travelingnanny 2617291@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe Just reread your answer, high five for sending your son to a husband/wife daycare. That makes me so happy. I can totally imagine my BF quitting his job to open a home daycare with me. He already babysits for a bunch of my families when I'm already booked. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2617287 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 13:49:07 +0000 travelingnanny 2617287@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. marshmallow- Thank you! You're sweet. </p> <p>@AJsmommy- That is totally ok.</p> <p>@winniebee- Thankfully the furthest thing away is the aquarium and that is 20 minutes away. I don't think that is too bad. Everything else is a 5-10 minute drive. There is a ton within walking distance. I think there are at least 5 playground within a short walk. </p> <p>@anagram- I would never do an all day trip. Naps pretty much trump everything. Ha. </p> <p>@gingerbebe I think you definitely get what I'm trying to do. Blackout curtains and sound machines are a must :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2617259 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 13:07:34 +0000 gingerbebe 2617259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would not be comfortable with field trips in a car with 3 other kids and 1 adult (or even 2 adults) until my kid was like 4. So that wouldn't really be a draw - it'd be a turn off. The car thing would probably be more helpful if it was an aftercare type thing after school for pick up.</p> <p>I love the separate sleeping area thing. Especially if the rooms had blackout curtains and white noise.</p> <p>Not having to worry about snacks and meals is wonderful, especially if breakfast is also included.</p> <p>I would want access to outdoors - a backyard with play equipment and a nearby park. Our old in home was on a cul de sac and 2 houses down from a park so they got lots of park time.</p> <p>For tots I would also want structure and routine to the day - I'm a huge proponent of predictable routines for toddlers. I'd want to see a schedule for instance (meal times, snack times, nap times, craft time, etc.) so I can try to loosely stick to it on weekends and holidays. I would also want a lot of sensory activities and music (less mess at my house!). I'd also want skills goals like learning to clean up toys before transitioning between activities, hand washing, utensil practice, please and thank you, etc.</p> <p>For infants I would want the focus on getting plenty of rest and gross motor skills. Learning self feeding, mat time, etc. </p> <p>I don't care too much about organic stuff as I like healthy wholesome cooked food with lots of variety and fruits and veggies.</p> <p>The ratio sounds tough - 4 kids to 1 adult. I'd be way more comfortable with 2 full time adults or an assistant around. My son had 5-6 in his infant group and it was a married couple plus their adult daughter as an aide.</p> <p>Pictures and daily reports would be awesome, including nap start and stop times, disposition, how well they ate, and a weekly menu.</p> <p>We would pay quite well for that type of daycare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2617131 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 10:24:50 +0000 Anagram 2617131@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: yeah, proximity to the daycare for the outings is what I was trying to say. I think most parents would consider an entire day at a zoo or museum with 4 infants-young toddlers missing naps or being expected to nap on the go to be a nightmare, in terms of child care.</p> <p>Sounds fun for the over 4 crowd though....kids who are done napping. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2617129 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 10:21:07 +0000 winniebee 2617129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>OK I just read you're not sure of hours -- but in general I like the way your program sounds. I think if you included a short daily or weekly update / a weekly theme, that would also be very attractive. </p> <p>For me, I'd pay 250+ a week for this for a toddler. I sent my son to a daycare where we used to live that was $40/day and it had a home daycare vibe, but wasn't actually a home and they didn't do outings. No food was provided. I like the idea of outings, but would think once a week for an outing and once a week at a big playground/audobon/outdoor space. Riding in car doesn't bother me - our nanny takes my 2 kids out all the time. I would just want the outings planned to accommodate a schedule (i.e., from 9-11 and close to home so that my kiddo doesn't sleep in the car). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2617127 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 10:16:46 +0000 winniebee 2617127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelingnanny: What are the hours? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2617126 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 10:16:25 +0000 Ajsmommy 2617126@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We pay $200/wk now and our in home daycare doesn't do any special outings, doesn't send pics or do anything "educational". </p> <p>Personally I'd pay more for those activities, however to totally contradict myself I wouldn't want my LO to ride in a car with someone else, so this daycare wouldn't be for me. (yeah I know I am a weirdo!!! but bc of what I do for living I am paranoid about letting LO ride with anyone else, even our parents)</p> <p>But I do love the idea of outings and baking </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2617122 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 10:12:18 +0000 Mrs. Marshmallow 2617122@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This sounds very similar to my aunt's daycare, and she charges $40/day with five-six children - I think depending on your area you could be somewhere within that range :happy:<br /> It sounds lovely! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2617038 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 08:31:53 +0000 looch 2617038@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I paid $300 a week for my son to be in a center at the age of 2, so if you offered those services at that price, I would have been all over your offer! Plus I only have one child, so I don't have to worry about having kids at different places.</p> <p>The only thing I am kind of on the fence about is that my son was VERY high needs, as in, he needed someone to help him fall asleep for a very long time as we started daycare at age 2, so I don't know if he'd have been too "much." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2617000 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 07:03:33 +0000 yellowbird 2617000@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelingnanny: what are the hours and time off requests? I think that would be really dependent on what I would pay, but it sounds great! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616992 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 05:45:35 +0000 travelingnanny 2616992@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kemma I visited NZ once and I loved it. Maybe I should move there and start my home daycare :wink: Carseat safety is extremely important and something I do not mess around with ever. Definitely rear face until at least two. One of the reasons I want to provide my own car seats is so I know they are installed properly and that they aren't moved in and out all the time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616990 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 05:37:17 +0000 travelingnanny 2616990@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you everyone for your replies. You've given me a lot to think about. </p> <p>I know my type daycare isn't for everyone but that's ok. If a family doesn't want their child to go on outings then I will not be the right fit for them. Thankfully there are plenty of daycare centers and home daycares that do not do outings :happy: </p> <p>@catomd00- Ideally I'd like each child to have their own bedroom to sleep in. Naps are very important so I want to make sure kids have nice quiet spots to sleep. </p> <p>@msbadger It is so nice to read that you love my idea. </p> <p>@corduroy My nanny kids and I love to go on hikes together. I would definitely continue to do that with my home daycare kids. I will want to have a great big backyard with lots of toys and an awesome swing set. You should see all the backyard structures I have pinned on pinterest. It is a good thing my dad is handy. Ha! I will have to think about organic food. </p> <p>@thou Having the kids on a schedule is #1 priority. I have no idea about my hours yet. Most people in my area need care to to start super early so I'll have to see about when to close. </p> <p>@norcalwayfarer Defiantly no cameras will be used and no posting on social media. I love the idea of hiring someone to teach the kids a second language. That would be amazing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616987 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 05:14:30 +0000 Kemma 2616987@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I'm not in the US but home-based care is a really popular option in New Zealand and costs about the same as centre-based care.</p> <p>The ratio for home-based care maxes out at 4:1 with a maximum of two children under the age of two and most of the private care providers I know take their kids on regular outings to local music classes and playgroups. I would be stoked to find a carer who is educated on proper car seat usage and I would expect rf'ing until at least two (I've seen some horror setups when it comes to daycare car seats!). I'm not bothered about a lack of cameras providing I have a good relationship with the provider and s/he keeps reasonable notes or records.</p> <p>I think what you're offering sounds good! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616983 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 04:24:44 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2616983@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Outings and healthy snacks sound like you're targeting 1 year olds at least. To choose an in-home over a DCP I would want a school-like program too especially for an older baby. </p> <p>We pay $285/ week for a DCP with cameras. We would pay that amount for an in home provided it was the right fit ( provider background, curriculum, facility amenities, convenient hours, CAMERAS in the area where the kids are kept etc). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616915 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 20:39:19 +0000 catomd00 2616915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't really pay above and beyond market home daycare rates, but I don't see trips as a perk and most home daycares here provide 2 meals and 2 snacks that are mostly healthy. The only thing being offered that most don't is a lower ratio, Which depending on ages may or may not be a good thing, car seats and a private sleeping area which i don't really understand what that means. I think you could probably charge top of the home daycare range for the right customers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616870 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 19:11:37 +0000 Madison43 2616870@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can't give a dollar amount bc it's so dependent on the area, but I would think I would expect to pay something less than a nanny share (which is 2 kids here) but more than day care rates. </p> <p>I would also be uncomfortable with a 4 to 1 ratio with small kids in this type of setting - with a daycare, there is at least other staff nearby if you need assistance. 4 children of the same age is a lot for one person with no backup. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616861 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:54:31 +0000 yoursilverlining 2616861@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I personally would not be comfortable with a daycare provider taking my child along with multiple others on outings (outside of walks in one of those giant buggy things for babies). </p> <p>I would also not be comfortable with an in-home/solo caregiver alone with 4 infants. </p> <p>I think for price....hard to say because it will depend on your area and market. I think paying about the same as at a nanny share would be fair. Or call and survey what the going in-home rate is and start near the top of that? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616841 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:36:52 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2616841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorCalWayfarer: agree. I would view large amounts of outdoor play as a bigger perk than trying to load up kids in a car to go to a public place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616838 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:24:59 +0000 Mrsbells 2616838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I personally would not be comfortable with a home day care taking my child out on outings at all </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616802 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 16:14:45 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 2616802@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Webcams would be a turn-off for me. I dislike other people having access to social media/video of my kids, but that's just me.</p> <p>I'd be interested if they included RIE philosophies and had a great outdoor space and allowed for TONS of outdoor time (I'd probably prefer this to outings which can be tiring for kids). </p> <p>I really like that our daycare center (ages 2-5) includes instruction in Spanish by native Spanish speakers but who are also college-educated child development majors (we live in a university town with a great child development bachelors degree program). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616796 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 16:05:43 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2616796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I actually don't view outings as a huge perk. I would rather see the children on a consistent schedule </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616795 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 16:04:47 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2616795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly I'm more concerned about flexibility of operating hours, sick leave policy, and policy for the provider to take leave And closures </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616791 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 15:56:04 +0000 Corduroy 2616791@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would pay nanny share rates for the area. I pay $200/wk for average in home care now. </p> <p>Food and outdoor time are the most important extras for me. Healthy isn't defined enough for me and if you say organic I think organic crackers and fruit gummies. I'm interested in fresh, organic produce and meat. My daycare grows most of their produce which is a plus. For outings my biggest desire is for my kids to have more outdoor time with nature. For the under 4 set I'd be happier with a park than an aquarium. Outings aren't necessary though. Backyard time works just fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616782 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 15:41:18 +0000 catlady 2616782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If not cloth diapers, you could also consider adding diapers/wipes as included with the rate. That is something our daycare does and it has been very convenient. </p> <p>I know you don't want cameras in your home but our daycare does do webcams in every room and I really like that feature as well. </p> <p>Can't help too much with rate because we have only used a center, and the rates just vary so much around here with both age and location that I wouldn't really know what to say. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616778 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 15:37:27 +0000 LuLu Mom 2616778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelingnanny: I just want to share this: I would not switch to this because one of the reasons I chose our in-home over a center is because my girls are growing up together and spending time together during the day, if you only accept one age your are excluding parents with multiple kids. I don't want to make 2 stops for daycare until I have too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-would-you-pay-per-week-for-this-home-daycare#post-2616749 Tue, 06 Sep 2016 14:59:32 +0000 pachamama 2616749@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In my area (upstate NY) that would easily be $250 a week. I pay $45 a day for a registered daycare.... 12 kids (!), food, some outings once old enough, and a nice yard. </p>