Cost of Childcare in Cleveland?

mckenya

Hi all,We're considering starting our family in the next few months but are trying to calculate costs prior to doing so.  DH is a medical student, soon to be resident, so he will be no help with childcare.  It is likely not an option for me to SAH (hello med school debt) so we're thinking about our options for childcare.

 

Can people share the ranges of the childcare options that they use (or know about)?  We're originally from the East Coast and have no kids so I have no sense of what daycare, in-home daycare, or a nanny would cost.  

 

Additionally, in Boston, you have to sign up for some daycare over a year in advance.  Yes, that's BEFORE you know you're pregnant but people are crazy in Boston.  Please tell me this isn't the case in the CLE.

 

TIA!! 

jojobean1977

I think that it is rare to have to sign up that far in advance unless you want a specific place and even that may not happen. I wanted my son in The Goddard School for preschool at a specific location and only had to wait 5 months on their waiting list. Cost can be all over the place depending on home or center based so I am not much help there. Good Luck!

blushado

In home care will run cheaper--probably 150-200 a week for full time care.  Daycare canters will be more expensive...reputable ones that I called a couple years ago were around 200-300 a week for full time care and most would not allow part time (because infant room ratios are so low), whereas most home providers are willing to work with you and offer part time or after hours care.  We paid 125 a week for three full days of in home care initially.  As kids get older, rates go down. 

 Most nannies will charge 10-20 dollars per hour. You might get lucky though and get a student who will accept less though. 

Wait lists arent typically that long.  But Id start looking once youre into the second trimester.  The Goddard School usually provides good infant care...most babies will do better with lower ratios or individual care. 

 good luck

Piranha54

There were some places that had openings, but my top picks had wait lists that were 9+ months for the infant room.  I am amazed by $1200/month!  We're paying $200/week and I love the facility - and know several pediatricians who's kids go there.

iumegan716

Our daycare costs roughly $38/day for full-time and $42/day for part-time (4 days/week). 

A good resource for childcare in Cuyahoga County is https://www.starting-point.org.