Can we talk about daycare costs ?

On the other post about whose responsibility it is to find backup if the sitter is sick, alot of people were insuinating that you get what you pay for

This intrigues me. Is that to say that since I pay $40 for someone to watch both of my children (that is the going rate here in Charlotte, BTW, I spoke with 5-6 people when interviewing), I can expect less than exceptional service from my sitter?

I am not understanding that mind set. That is what she charges, I did not "low ball" her or even negotiate the fee

maybe I am just in a foul mood today but I was a bit taken aback by some of those comments

Message edited 5/5/2010 3:53:25 PM.

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

I think people meant by not going to a large, licensed place, where they wouldn't need to find their own back-up, for the trade-off of it being less expensive, she would be responsible for finding a back up plan...

I didn't read anyone's response as you get what you pay for...

I have a relative watching DS for now, and I pay her around $200 less than Tutor TIme, KinderCare, or Kiddie Academy. The trade-off for that savings, is if she can't watch DS, I take off...

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

I don't necessarily think that b/c you pay less you get less service, but I think maybe people were saying that paying $30/$40 a day v. paying for a "formal" daycare where they don't have sick days (except when DC is sick) was the difference

Not the quality of care...JMO

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

Posted by KateDevine



I don't necessarily think that b/c you pay less you get less service, but I think maybe people were saying that paying $30/$40 a day v. paying for a "formal" daycare where they don't have sick days (except when DC is sick) was the difference

Not the quality of care...JMO

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

I don't pay for day care and it's exceptional so...I don't necessarily buy that at all!!!!!!!!!

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

Posted by pinkandblue

Posted by MAC222



I didn't read anyone's response as you get what you pay for...

...

it was there

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

I just re-read the entire thread. I did not in any way see posters saying you get what you pay for. I saw them ALL saying that in a situation involving private parties arranging for daycare OUTSIDE of a professional daycare setting, parents are responsible for back-up care if the baby-sitter is unavailable.

The advantage of a daycare center is that if a teacher calls in sick for any reason there is other staff on hand to watch the kids. AND Bops (who is a licensed in home daycare provider) will tell you she had two licensed people to provide back-up for her if she is sick and can't fulfill her responsiblities - but again she is a LICENSED daycare provider, not a baby-sitter.

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

I have been pretty lucky. My childcare cost is free. My MIL takes DS monday and friday and my sister takes his wednesday, thursday and friday.

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

oh, also, my MIL isn't licensed. and when she needs a day "off" I take off from work or find other arrangements.

so, if you say "you get what you pay for" meaning you are only paying the salary of one person so you have to suck it up...yeah I can see that.

but if by saying "you get what you pay for" you are implying sub par or sub standard care...well then I'd take issue with that.

and yes, it was there. I saw it. it didn't bother me in the least, but mine eyes did read it.

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

I can totally see how that statement would bother you and I don't agree with it.

Centers don't charge more because they don't close for sick days, they charge more because they have more overhead and the no sick day closure is a benefit of that.

I chose a center because I like what they offer in sum but I have high expectations for the care of my kids no matter who you are and no matter how much I am paying you.

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

We have been very lucky. Between my schedule and DH's schedule we only have about 13 hours a week that overlap (more if my DH gets overtime). Our friend watches our DD and we pay her. We pay her. If her DC is sick or she can't watch DD for whatever reason, we have to take off but in the long run, if we take off then we just get more time w/ DD anyway and we would much rather have our friend watch her than a day care....even if that means we have to take off of work more...but that is just how we feel. DD is 7 months.

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

Posted by KateDevine



I don't necessarily think that b/c you pay less you get less service, but I think maybe people were saying that paying $30/$40 a day v. paying for a "formal" daycare where they don't have sick days (except when DC is sick) was the difference

Not the quality of care...JMO

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

I wouldn't read in to it even though it was written like that. Daycare is expensive in long island and the rate that girl got was unheard of! I wish I paid that. I think she just meant since she got such a good price she should deal with the emergency circumstances because that price is way worth it and it sounds like the caretaker is great anyway. Great price and great service! Not that the service was less because the price was less, just that she should expect to have to make other arrangemts since there aren't multiple caretakers like a daycare.

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

I would like to add that I visited less expensive daycares that I would never leave DD and expensive home care equally horrible. Price had nothing to do with service. Each place needs to be looked at individually based on the person or people.

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?

Re: Can we talk about daycare costs ?