Thanks for the reference point about in-home care. There is actually one located just a few blocks from us but unfortunately they will only have one slot opening next fall.

We're not able to afford a nanny it seems and not looking to move, so it looks like we'll be supplementing off savings for a few years given the ridiculous cost of childcare! (If they actually paid most of the staff better I would be less inclined to call it ridiculous.) We've got two waitlist applications in so far and hoping to find another couple places at least.

Any advice on whether our own nanny would be cheaper than a daycare center?

I'm trying to identify good places to get on lists now like you suggested. It's hard to a) find places that are b) convenient to either our home or one of our workplaces (I won't be driving but my husband does) and c) within the realm of possibility of affordability.

thank you, funny enough I found that just after I posted. I'm also more than open to any recommendations or suggestions!

I'm just feeling very overwhelmed at the cost of this to be honest. (And it's not an option for one of us to stay home because we'd still need more than one salary to get by.)