How much for part-time daycare?

wendyj

DH just called me with news that he's been offered a part-time teaching position that would have him working mornings only. If he were to take it, we'd need someone to watch him for about 4 to 4 1/2 hours each day. How much would be reasonable to pay for this amount of time?

radiokate

It totally depends on your cost of living. Around here, there aren't any centers that do part-time for LOs under 2. I have seen a couple in-home places do it for $5 and hour, but that number varies quite a bit, and that is the absolute lowest I have researched in my area.

iowagirl73

It will totally depend on where you live and what kind of care you choose (daycare center, an in-home care at someone's house, babysitter, etc.).  For where I live, there really aren't options for part time care especially for under 18mos.  I managed to find someone who had an opening and jumped on it.  I pay $60/week for up to 16hours of care.  My son goes to her state registered in-home daycare 3 afternoons a week which totals 12hrs a week. 

Jenny0908

It is $330/wk for 5 half-days at my center. 

rlthomas7

You'd need to start calling around. Daycare costs can really fluctuate. Around here it's not hard to find part time, but it's certain days, not certain portions of days. We go 3 days a week and it's $40 a day.