I currently pay $331 for a toddler and $275 for a 3 year old, weekly. The toddler was with a nanny until she was 16 months old and we were paying $700 a week (plus benefits, bonuses, etc.) for the nanny and $275 for the 3 year old. There were extra charges for Phonics and Music for the 3 year old which was about $150 every few weeks. I also paid for Gymboree classes in addition to the nanny. Daycare is a drop in the bucket compared to the nanny but there were lots of benefits and we had a fantastic nanny.

I used to think all of my problems would be solved once the kids entered public school. Not so. I will soon have to contend with after care costs and filling summer camp gaps as well. Of course, I haven't even mentioned the cost of ballet and swim class.


It never ends. sob, sob.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does it ever occur to anyone, as it does to me, that we need a daycare solution from our government more than we need expensive health care reform? These prices are outrageous!

It has never occurred to me because I don't think the government is capable of solving all my problems. Paying $1600 for 4 weeks of childcare only boils down to $10 per hour. That's really not outrageous- trying finding a Saturday night babysitter that will accept less than $10/hour.

+1 from over here

Anonymous wrote:Does it ever occur to anyone, as it does to me, that we need a daycare solution from our government more than we need expensive health care reform? These prices are outrageous!

It has never occurred to me because I don't think the government is capable of solving all my problems. Paying $1600 for 4 weeks of childcare only boils down to $10 per hour. That's really not outrageous- trying finding a Saturday night babysitter that will accept less than $10/hour.

$1100/month for three days/week for a toddler in Bethesda. Center-based, with food provided.

You have to think of it as another mortgage. It's completely outrageous, I agree, and the only part of parenting (so far) that's really made me blow a gasket.

Anonymous wrote:Please tell me the age of your child and your location. I'm pregnant right now and am fascinated by how much extra you pay for when you have children. I never had to think about the cost of diapers, formula and daycare and I'm so curious as to what daycare centers charge.

It is insane. You will soon realise why so many parents stop at 1 or 2 kids even if they "always thought" they wanted more.

Anonymous wrote:Does it ever occur to anyone, as it does to me, that we need a daycare solution from our government more than we need expensive health care reform? These prices are outrageous!

Not more than health care reform. But it's definitely something to look at.

Fairfax county(falls church/vienna area) Infant $310/week=$1,327/month 4 year old $234/week=$1,002/month(10% discount for secondchild). You can bring your own food up to 16 months. But they start providing food at 4-6 months. Full time 7am-6pm. 5 days a week including summer. Daycare turns to preschool at age 2(different building). After 1 year each child get 1 free vacation week/year. Lots of outside activities brought in for 16+ month olds.

Does it ever occur to anyone, as it does to me, that we need a daycare solution from our government more than we need expensive health care reform? These prices are outrageous!

Anonymous wrote:Wow! Child care is so expensive. I can't even wrap my mind around it.

Just wait until you have more than one. We're now expecting twins, and the daycare our older DC is at doesn't have a sibling discount!

downtown, $1500/month for 2 yo room. Includes lunches and daytime diapers.

Wow! Child care is so expensive. I can't even wrap my mind around it.

$1,400/mo for infant in Takoma, DC. $400/mo aftercare costs of 3yo in DC Public Charter School.

Tysons -- 4.5yo -- $361/wk. plus numerous add-ons, such as "Fall Activity Fees," "Soccer Fee," "Spanish Fee," etc.

Gaithersburg - 4 year old - $315/week

Infant in Rockville. $435 a week. Center. Food included.