I was wondering what moms in Chicago pay for full-time childcare for an infant. I will not need to look for care for a while, but don't know what to expect to pay since none of my friends have children, and everyone with young kids in my neighborhood is a SAHM!
If people would be willing to share what they pay for full-time, infant childcare, I would really apprecaite it! Thanks.
Also--I live on the far south side, Beverly/Morgan Park, so joining the Northside Parents' Network would probably be of limited usefulness.
Re: Please share your childcare costs!
Are you a member of Northside Parents network? I was reluctant at first, but the yearly $45 membership fee gives you access to a very comprehensive childcare directory and access to message boards where people swap that info, as well as seek out nanny shares, etc...
Good luck!
There are a ton of variables- city (what part) or suburbs? large daycare center, smaller daycare center, in-home center, nanny (above the table or below the table) or nanny-share? I would say you could be as low as in the $200's or higher than $800 per week. It can be crazy.
And ditto on NPN- much better local site for getting information.
I would call some places around your neck of the woods. I live on the northside in the city. Daycare can be very expensive in the city. I chose to take S to one out in the burbs near my work (NW). It's cheaper, but not cheap by any stretch of the imagination- and I'm closer to her. A center or nanny will be your most expensive routes most likely; in-home care would probably be the cheaper way to go. Sittercity.com, craigslist are some sites to check. I found my center by google searching preschools and daycares in near my work.
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I am in the South Loop. The full time day care we are currently looking at is going to be 1500 a month! It sounds pretty crazy to me but we are trying to save some extra cash now to help pay for it when the time comes.
Thanks for this post! I have been so stressed about childcare - it's sooo expensive and I just don't know which route to go. I live on the northside of city and I'm am leaning towards home daycares but I don't even know where to start. I think I'm going to join NPN - seems like a good start.
Thanks Ladies!