2nd Trimester

Daycare options

OK, all the daycare posts got me thinking you guys could help.  I have two options right now.  A nice daycare in our neighborhood costs $230 a week.  There is a woman who was recommended to me through a co-worker I trust that runs a daycare out of her house.  She watches about 5 kids a day ranging from infant to 4 years old.  She charges $150 a week.  The price difference is drastic but I will not get the tax credit if I go with the in home care lady.  My question for you guys is, if you had these two options, which one would you go for?  What factors should I take into consideration when making my decision?

Re: Daycare options

  • I guess I would look at what would benefit me more: Using the money I'd save at the home daycare person in the week/month/year or waiting until after tax time for the rebate and using it then? Personally, because money is tight for us, I'd go for the home daycare for the above stated reason.
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  •  I didn't know about the daycare tax credit.
  • How much is the tax credit worth? If you go with the in home daycare you would save nearly 4 thousand dollars a year. If the tax credit isnt comprable to that then just go with the in home daycare.
  • Another thing to think about is whether the home daycare is licensed. Most of the time they aren't. Also, does one woman watch 4 (and potentially 5) children at one time or does she have help? In a licensed facility I believe that there has to be at least one work for every 2-3 infants.
  • Are you sure you can't get daycare tax credits from the in-home place? My sister had my SIL watch her DD and she just signed a letter stating she paid X amount for daycare.
    Abigail Noelle, 8.29.09
    Brady Phoenix, 8.29.09
    Claire Zoe, 10.26.10

  • If you go with the in-home day care, what happens when the lady wants to take a vacation or is sick? I know day care centers are more expensive, but at least if someone calls out sick there are other staff there.
  • As an early childhood educator myself, I'd say go with centre based care. Home daycare tends to group a wide variety of ages together so the kids don't benefit as much from developmentally appropriate curriculum.

    In a centre, your child will be grouped with similarly aged children and will have more learning opportunities.

    You *should* get a tax credit for in home care as well.

  • I agree with Susie--I also use to be a Daycare Director--I would go with he center. This will expose your child to different developmental areas that are needed in different stages of your child's life. Now I have seen some home daycare, that are licensed and well run with a great curriculum. Just usually these home cares are already full. You want to make sure where ever you place your child, not only is there insurance, licensed and they are following State Regulations. Also I am a big fan of tax credits!
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