Conference moira::parenting_v3

    
    I think you'll find a very wide range of costs for infant daycare;
    perhaps as low as $75 a week (for a home daycare) to $150 a week
    (for daycare centers) to $200-250 for a nanny-type arrangement.  
    I never interviewed anyone that charged by the hour so can't answer
    with an hourly rate.
    
    I also haven't run across any daycares that provided diapers and
    formula; I suspect due in part to the fact that infants can be very
    sensitive to the selection of both.  (i.e.  many infants can't drink
    just any formula and some develop rashes from certain brands of 
    disposable diapers).
    
    Carol

Most of the women I interviewed in the Littleton/Acton area last year were 
asking for $4.50/hr.  I spoke with one woman who wanted as little as $3.50/hr,
and one who charged $5.50.  I cannot remember the numbers, but I believe that
the daycare centers in Littleton turned out to be *slightly* less expensive
(we were looking for 9 - 10 hours of care / day and the daycare centers
charge by the week, not by the hour)

All of the women I spoke with expected me to provide formula, diapers, wipes,
etc.  They would provide milk and food once the baby was weaned from formula. 

    re: .2
    
    good heavens!  are these rates for private care or for home daycares
    that took up to the maxiumum limit of children?   wow!
    
    cj/

    
    	RE: .0
    
    	I received a "package" from Child Care Services in Fitchburg
    	(?) when they sent my STD papers to me.
    
    	For in home care, it would have cost me anywhere from $80/wk
    	to $130/wk.  I was interested in the cheapest form of care
    	and didn't mind my child going to someone else's home since
    	she was a newborn and didn't have to be entertained as much
    	as an older child would...
    
    	Anyway... as far as an hourly rate goes, they charged between
    	$2-$4.00 (rounded up) an hour in Leominster. I know you said
    	you were looking in the Shirley area but this will at least
    	give an idea.
    	
    	As far as diapers/formula being provided... I provide diapers
    	and her bottles.  Once she gets onto cereal, fruits, etc.,
    	the daycare provides it if I remember correctly.
    
    	/Kim

Kathleen:

Our first experience with daycare was when Juli turned one-year old.  We
decided on "homecare with a friend".  Jim and I wanted a "fair arrangement",
so we researched "prices" and came up with an average, which our provider was
DELIGHTED WITH:

	basically:  8-2:30 daily, diapers, gallon of milk/plenty of snacks
		    at $80/week (whether or not holidays, sick days, etc.
		    occurred - she still got a full week's pay).  She 
		    provided the lunches and I would reimburse her for any
		    additional expenses (McDonalds, toys, park fees, etc.).
		    We paid $5 for each extra 1/2 hour and $10 for any time
		    beyond 35-40 minutes (rarely was I late, though).
		    ** $2.50/hr + $10 diapers + $10 groceries/extras **
		    ** or ~ $100/week for "32/hours homecare **

This arrangement started to break down after 6 months - NOT because of cost! -
but differences in parenting styles and "care".

We then put Juli into a structured daycare/learning center environment (at 
18 months of age):

	7:30-5:30 (of course she's usually there from 8:30-5:00, though)
	diapers and lunch box (they provide snacks) and you provide her
	sleeping bag ... at $133/week (2 weeks non-paid for vacation)
	and ~$5-8/month for the field trip ... and we opted for the private
	swimming lessons (extra, too).
		** $2.66/hr + $10 diapers + $2 field trip + $5 lunch treats **
		** or $150/week for 50/hours daycare/learning center **

When Jim calculated the difference of $80/week (NO tax benefits!) vs.
$133/week (with tax benefits and/or DEC's dependent care benefit), there was
only a $15/week increase for daycare/lc vs. homecare!!!!

We (Juli and Jim/I) are 10X happier with daycare!  But every parent, child,
daycare and homecare is different.  You have to first find a "fit" and then
do the cost analysis.  We wanted to be "fair" to our provider ... and you do
get what you pay for! (most importantly, we did NOT want to shortcut Juli!).

Dottie

    Josh went from an in-home situation at $60/week but the situation
    just was not working well at all with his care provider (she was
    unlicensed, had too many kids, and was taking care of an ill mother-
    in-law, etc. but that's another story itself).  We switched to a
    daycare center when he was 4 months old and are thrilled, still
    19 months later.  The daycare charges hourly, daily, or weekly,
    whatever works out the cheapest.  Hourly is $2.16, daily is $16,
    weekly $80.  You punch a timeclock when you leave and pick up so
    there are no descrepancies in times at daycare.  We don't pay for
    days unused (vacations, holidays, sick time, etc.).  Lunch, snacks,
    juice and milk are included in the rates, with dinner and/or breakfast
    availible for $1.00.  Nutricious hot meals are served 3 times a
    day.  The daycare is open from 6:30AM-12:00MIDnight Mon-Thurs. and
    is open from 6:30AM-2:00AM Fri & Sat.  While Josh was in the baby
    room (until they are 1 yr. and walking well) we provided baby food
    and formula, daycare provided juice and finger foods when he was
    ready.  Diapers must be disposable and we have provided those all
    along, too.  Beginning at age three field trips, swimming, dance
    and language lessons (spanish, french) are available for a minimal
    cost (less than I could find them outside of the daycare system--those
    group rates really help).  At age 3 rates also drop slightly as
    the child to caretaker ratio goes up.  I am very happy with this
    situation and the only difficulties are no sick child care.  Any
    other situations that have come up we have been able to talk to
    the director of the daycare and work things out to our benefit.
    
    Pam

re .3

    Yeah - that was my reaction to.  This was for home daycares.  In their 
    defense, though, many did not take up to the maximum.  The woman who
    takes care of Michelle could take in 5 children, but only takes in two.

re .5
    
    Where did you find somebody to work for $2.50/hr?!?  did she declare her
    income (so you could declare the expense?).  Was she in the Littleton
    area?

    Now I am beginning to wonder if I was looking in the wrong place for
    daycare providors.  I interviewed all dozen or so women that the
    Child Care Referral Service recommended, plus another half dozen or
    so that I found through recommendations from other decies.  There was 
    only one who charged less than $4.00/hr.  Do these women target people 
    coming in from the Child Care Referral Service as "highly paid 
    professionals who can afford astronomical rates", and adjust their fees 
    accordingly?  Or was I just very unlucky?

    When we have another child, there is absolutely no way we will be able
    to pay $9/hr for daycare, so I am very interested in hearing how I find
    somebody who charges a more affordable rate.

    - Carol

    RE: a few
    
    
    Child care costs vary with location.  In my area (Mendon/Milford) the
    weekly cost ranges from $80-$110.  I have been told that in the
    northern portions of the state that the costs exceed $200-$250 pre
    week.  At $100 per week, the hourly wage is about $2/hr.  This is less
    than most people are willing to pay for a babysitter (unlicensed,
    possibly teenaged)!!  Most providers enter the "business" for two
    reasons:
    	1) Love kids
    	2) Need financial assistance $$$
    
    Each provider will charge around the average rate for the area.  In my
    opinion, many providers are underpaid for their resposibilities.  Since
    my wife provides care (at the $2 rate), I for one would love to find
    someone willing to pay $3 or $4 per hour for care.  That would make
    life for us much easier...
    
    Dan

    re: .5
    
    Dottie:
    
    Your current daycare center needs to give you a price break for all
    the free advertising/good press you've been giving them lately!!!
    
    :-)  :-) :-)
    Glad you're so happy with them!
    
    Carol

In response to a prior note ...

<where did you find someone for $2.50 ...

She was our friends' daughter, who needed the extra income, loved kids,
was very convenient and we "thought" we shared similar parenting styles.
I don't "think" she declared her income, we did NOT declare the expense
on our tax return.  (I know this issue of "not reporting to the IRS" has
been discussed many times here in PARENTING ... but I have enough to do
without patrolling for the IRS!  It was Jim/my decision not to include
it on our tax return, it's the daycare provider's decision to handle it
any way she wants to and take whatever risk she so chooses.)

    In response to previous note re: Acton area.
    
    I had Child Care referral from Waltham send me info on Acton area day
    care providers (at a center).  The prices ranged from $150/wk to
    $179/wk for infant to 3 years old.  The $179/wk included meals.  I was
    stunned to see that high an amount.  I don't know where my job
    assignment for Financial Development Program will be next year until
    next week, so I'll hopefully be able to look into less expensive areas
    without any sacrifice of quality care.
    
        Acton is so 'yuppy', but still a good community - the prices are
    reflected accordingly.
    
    Kath

    Until a week ago, I had never even used notes before.  I found out
    about the Parenting note from a friend.  I'm gald I did. I like it.  I
    basically just read the notes but after reading this note regarding How
    much to pay for daycare?  I felt I had to reply.  I have been
    researching Daycare Center prices in the Marlboro, Hudson, Sudbury, and
    Framingham area.  I live in Hudson, MA.  I found the prices to be highest 
    in Framingham and Sudbury.  This is a summary of what I found.
    
    Marlboro and Hudson were pretty much the same.  I called 3 centers in
    each town and all are about the same, give or take $5.00.
    
              infant = 160.00
              toddler = 130.00
              pre-school = 110.00
    
    Framingham was extremely higher!
    
              infant = 183.00
              toddler = 150.00
              pre-school = 130.00
    
    
    Sudbury was also high
    
             infant = 179.00
             toddler = 145.00
             pre-school = 125.00
    
    All provided snacks and juice/milk and you provide breakfast and lunch.
    You also provide diapers, formula, bottles and sippie cups.
    I haven't gotten around to checking home daycare prices.  
    
    I have two children, 3 and 15 months.  I returned to DEC in January and 
    have decided to quit to be with my children.  They are in a wonderful
    Daycare Center, they love it and lots of times don't want to leave when
    it's time but my heart is with my kids and being a "full time mom" so off 
    I go in July.  The reason I was checking prices is because I am in the
    process of getting licensed through The Office for Children and I will
    be doing home daycare.  I love children and I can't wait!
    
    Hope the above prices, which are very recent, helps the person that
    asked.  And by the way, most had openings.  Any questions, please feel
    free to contact me.  DTN:297-2324.
    
    Kim
    
    
    
    
     

    In the Derry, NH area, it costs $100-$135 for licensed family day care
    and $125-$135 for day care center, for infants.  The costs drop about
    $25 after the child's first birthday.
    
    In both cases the parent provides diapers, formula, and baby foods.  In
    family day care, the provider supplies food after the first birthday. 
    In centers, the parent supplies food.  My family provider has given my
    infant daughter applesauce, juice, and other foods from her own supply.
    
    The family day cares are subsidized 30% for food for children age 1 or
    older.  
    
    By the way, most NH public school systems have no kindergarten, so you
    have to pay for day care/nursery school when they are 5.  To me, that's
    not so bad, actually.  I can pick my own school, and it would be a
    hassle providing transportation for a 1/2 day of kindergarten when I
    leave at 7:20 am and return at 5:20.
    
    Laura 

    An aside:  if you're hunting for care in NH, you should be aware
    that in NH, an "unlicensed" provider isn't necessarily avoiding
    the law -- people who care for fewer than three children who
    aren't related by blood or marriage aren't required to be
    licensed.  Since many older homes require *lots* of work and
    expense to bring them up to licensing standards, many excellent,
    careful, and highly qualified in-home providers are not licensed. 
    For instance, Steven's second sitter was denied a license because
    the stairs in her 50-year-old frame house are too steep.
    
    The difference between "licensed" and "unlicensed" in-home care in
    Nashua is about $70-$80 vs. $120-$150.  
    
    So if you're looking in New Hampsire, you might want to get hold
    of the licensing requirements and see which of the requirements 
    matter to you and which don't.  
    
    --bonnie

    I have searched for family day care twice in the last year.  I ran an
    ad in the local (Nashua, NH) paper each time.  The ad cost about $30
    for a week.
    
    Each time I had quite a few responses...the first time about 45 and the
    second time about 25 to 30.  
    
    The prices I was quoted ranged from $65 a week to $125 a week.  Many
    wanted the $2/hour rate.
    
    I think you can shop around to find what suits your needs.  I'm
    currently paying $110 a week for family day care where my daughter is
    the only child there.  The provider has two teenagers who she wants to
    be home for.   I think it's a great arrangement for us all.
    
    judy  

    
    
    Let me elaborate some more on .14...  Seeing as my wife and I are
    (still) going through this...  6 children is the max for a home
    day care (of which only 2 can be babies, one arm for each in case
    of problems)...  If you are 'unlicensed' then it is 3 unrelated 
    children other than your own..  In my opinion the licensing process
    for N.H. is kind of a crock, and there appears to be a lot of
    gray area...  I know of a home day care where the lady has 3 babies
    but is still operating...  the following is a disseration of what
    one has to do to become licensed in N.H.
    
    The first thing to do to become 'licensed' in N.H is write to the state
    and get a 'licensing form'..  Then within the following 6-8 weeks after 
    receiving the form, you have to have a doctor's visit (to check for
    some diseases), a fire marshall visit, and the city inspector's visit.
    Then once all the required paperwork is signed you send it back to the
    state.. Who then come down and do another inspection...  If you miss 
    out on the 6-8 week window, then you have to again get forms from the
    state
    
    
    The doctor basically has to state that you have had certain shots, and
    do not have specific diseases...  I can't remember if there is also a 
    portion there that allows the doctor to describe the 'mental condition'
    of the 'patient'...
    
    The fire inspection is easy, the guy comes over and makes sure you have
    enough exits, enough fire detectors (that work), a fire extinguisher, 
    and a plan or two of escape in case of fire...  Also where the meeting
    spot will be...  He then gives a form in which you should record the 
    10 fire drills you must perform during the year.. Date/time elapsed/etc...
    Just like the school system has to do (except you don't need the fire
    dep't to come and verify)...  
    
    The City inspection is probably the most difficult part... In Nashua
    there are only a couple of inspectors, and from what we believe they
    want to do *ANYTHING* *EXCEPT* come inspect a home day care center...
    It took us 4 weeks just to get an appointment with this guy, and then
    he had the nerve to cancel on us and *NOT* reschedule.. So we had 
    another couple of weeks to wait... When the guy finally does make it
    he is basically checking size of lot, size of play area, size of 
    sleeping area.. Also he checks for fenced yard, pets, general safety
    and cleanliness of home.. There were no real 'set' guidelines, basically
    just what he wanted to..  Never did he send us any literature saying
    what he was looking for or what the 'law' was...  Of course he denies
    us because we aren't fenced in entirely.. That's ok.. Then he also
    tells us, even though it isn't the law, I won't sign off until every
    outlet in the house is GFCI protected (he had a grandchild die because
    the child stuck a paper clip in a socket, we found out later)..
    
    
    Seeing as we still have yet to pass the city inspectors standards, we
    have not yet seen what the state has to say...
    
    Basically, anyone can get a license in N.H., you don't necessarily have
    to have a child care background.. That is quite scary.. You really have
    to be careful when selecting...  For the most part if you can spend the
    time to watch how the provider act/reacts to your child for a small
    period of time you will get a good idea of what the future will hold.
    
    
    John
    

    >   In Nashua there are only a couple of inspectors, and from what
    >we believe they want to do *ANYTHING* *EXCEPT* come inspect a home
    >day care center...
    
    These same two (maybe three) inspectors are the only people in the
    city who can certify a new building for occupancy, conduct safety
    inspections on existing buildings, investigate complaints (the
    backlog for investigating complaints of building code violations
    by landlords is more like 10-12 weeks right now).  I think they're
    the same people who have to review all building permits for
    potential code violations as well.  So you're talking a *long*
    wait sometimes.
    
    >When the guy finally does make it he is basically checking size
    >of lot, size of play area, size of  sleeping area.. Also he checks
    >for fenced yard, pets, general safety and cleanliness of home..
    >There were no real 'set' guidelines, basically just what he wanted
    >to..  Never did he send us any literature saying what he was
    >looking for or what the 'law' was...  
    
    Hm.  Steven's sitter said they had a checklist of very specific
    no-exceptions rules about how big the sleeping area had to be, and
    where in relation to the rest of the house, etc.  That was where
    the steepness of the stairway kept her from being licensed -- she
    could block it off so the kids couldn't be on the stairs, but then
    she wouldn't have enough play and sleeping area unless she used
    the room on the other side of the kitchen, and having the kids in
    the kitchen violates another rule. 
    
    >Then he also tells us, even though it isn't the law, I won't sign
    >off until every outlet in the house is GFCI protected
    
    Is GFCI more than those little plugins for the outlets?  But it
    would figure that a reasonable safety requirement is one that's
    not on their list to check for.
    
    --bonnie

    Ground Fault Interrupt Circuit (GFIC) ARE more than the little
    plug-ins.  GFIC's are special types of outlets now required near water
    sources (kitchen counter, bathroom, etc.)  These outlets detect a short
    (such as dropping a hairdryer into the tub) and cut off the current. 
    They have a distinctive test button on the face panel.  They are not
    required in areas of residences where there is no water source, such as
    living rooms (unless there's a wet bar), bedrooms, closets, etc. 
    
    When I say they are required, in New Hampshire, this varies on a town-
    by-town basis.  Believe it or not, not all towns have gone with the
    national uniform fire code!  Also, the inspectors have some discretion. 
    They may be able to require things beyond the code book.  This can lead
    to abuses.  It may be such a pain to challenge them that its easier to
    conform to their wishes.  I think GFICs throughout the house is really
    excessive.
    
    If you are having a disagreement with an inspector over electrical
    work, let me know.  I may be able to get you some assistance.
    
    Laura

    
    
    We realize that they have a lot to do, but cancelling and not
    rescheduling was not too courteous..  As for the checklist, yes
    we now have one.. The day he came over, he gave us one...  They
    never said we could pick one up, or even offered us that chance..
    Hey, that's life though...  
    
    As for GFCI, it's $10 per outlet.. but if you can find the 'starting'
    point (i.e. first outlet in the circuit) all other outlets in the same
    circuit are protected (our house is 45 years old, finding the first 
    takes some doing).. You can however buy, GFCI circuit breakers for
    the panel in the basement.. My brother-in-law is an electrician and
    is looking into that...  BTW: We have the covers.. Do you reallize
    how long it takes a child to figure out how to take one out?? Not
    very long!  And in any case, the inspector said that having the covers
    was not good enough...
    
    
    John
    

    John, I didn't mean to excuse the inspector's discourtesy -- I
    succumbed to the temptation to bitch about the city I live in. 
    Sorry.  
    
    Thanks for explaining about the breakers.  I have those in my
    bathrooms but I didn't recognize the acronym. 
    
    I know the plug covers aren't all that great; they're adequate for
    us because we keep our kids pretty closely supervised and it slows
    them down for long enough for us to catch up, but I'd certainly
    want something more effective if I was going to watch other
    people's kids. 
    
    I do find it interesting that the inspectors can require more than
    what's on the list.  For a responsible inspector, that's fine, but
    the potential for abuse is incredible. 
    
    Steven's sitter said that one of her friends told her that houses
    more than about 20 years old, or in certain parts of town, almost
    never get certified for licensed day care.  I know, "friend of a
    friend" rumor, but what I've seen kind of seems to bear it out. 
    
    --bonnie

    
    
    I asked my wife to clarify the final process last night when I got
    home.. After the state inspector comes down and OK's everything, then
    the provider must take a psychiatic evaluation.. I don't know what is
    being looked for, but I knew somewhere in the process they did this..
    
    Basically, what I am trying to show is that even though a person is
    license in N.H., they don't necessarily have to have a child care
    background...  It just means that their house is safe and clean at 
    the time of inspection, and that a doctor believes them to be 'sane'.
    
    I know this is a bit off the subject to the base note, sorry about that
    
    
    John
    

    RE: back a few
    
    I would challange the inspector about the GFI outlets.  His
    "requirement" makes no sense.  A call to the state building inspector
    should clear this up.  It seems to me that this guy doesn't want to be
    bothered and is trying to make the process expensive for you.  Yes, GFI
    breakers are available and would be cheaper than GFI outlets.  This
    will not prevent anyone from being shocked by placing a paperclip into
    an outlet.  It MIGHT minimize the shock, thats all!!  
    
    Here in MA the requirements make a little more sense (that in itself is
    hard to believe knowing this state...).  Upon application, a thorough
    background check is made by the state.  Priority is given to safety
    within the home and background in child care.  The usual requirements
    for smoke detectors/extinguishers etc. is made.  There are specific
    requirements around square footage needs per child.
    
    In regards to the GFI requirement again;  In MA, the provider is not
    allowed to be away from the children.  The key is that there should be
    adaquate supervision of the children.  With this level of supervision,
    I find it hard to believe that a child could remove the cover AND
    insert something into an outlet without being seen.  If that is the
    case, then the provider has too many children there.
    
    As in NH, we are limited to six children overall (including our own) with
    no more than two under the age of 2.  This is one of the reasons that
    care for cildren under 2 is more expensive, there are fewer slots for
    them.
    
    Dan

    Here's a breakdown of centers along Rt. 110 in Littleton, Westford, and
    Chelmsord:
    
    LITTLETON:
    Buds to Blossoms
    	$165/week infant care
    	$135/week toddler care 
    
    Peace of Mind
    	$180/week infant care
    	$150/week toddler care
    
    WESTFORD
    Child Care Center
    	$200/week (approx) infant care
    	I don't know the toddler prices
    
    CHELMSFORD
    Children's World Learning Center
    	$189/week infant care
    	$179/week toddler care
    
    
    I recently checked out a family day care in Chelmsford for $105/week. 
    They provided all food.  All the parents provided was diapers and
    wipes.
    When I had my daughter last year, I checked out family daycare in the
    area.  Most providers wanted anywhere from $135-$150/week.  I found one
    woman in Westford this past February who just lowered her rates to
    $2.50/hour which is very reasonable for the area.  This woman also
    provided food and snacks.  
    
    Mary  
    	

    Do any of these centers offer a discount for 2nd child ?
    

    most daycares offer 10% discount on second child.
    

    Boy, after reading what people are paying for daycare, I am in heaven.
    
    "Manchester, N.H."
    
    My 5 month old daughter is at a daycare provider and has been since she
    was 3 months.  We found her through the State of N.H. who provided us
    with a list of licensed daycares.  We chose and visited 6 of them.  Of
    which 3 were not adequate to watch my cat, let alone my daughter.
    The one we chose includes: (for $80/week)
                               formula (or food when she is big enough)
                               fruit juices
                               diapers
                               Hours of 7:30am till 4:45pm
                               Mon - Fri
                               Overnights are possible/extra
                               Female provider is CPR certified
                               Licensed in N.H.
                               Has been doing daycare for 10+ yrs
                               Very loving family environment
                               Very flexible
                               
    Who can ask for more.  She has my 5 month old all day, a 15 week old
    baby for most of the day and an 18 month old for half a day.  She 
    adores little kids under 3 yrs old but is licensed in N.H. to handle 
    4-6 of different ages.  She feels 3 is enough to allow all of them lots
    of huggs and much care.
    
    
    P.S.  We found daycare ranges from $80 to $150 per week and most did
          not include diapers and/or food
    
    One happy family,
    Don
    

    -1
    	What a deal.  Figure about $10/wk on diaper and another $10 for
    formula she lucky to be getting $60/wk.  Time to consider a raise???
    ;^)
    
    Sometime you're luck to find someone who does it out of love of kid
    instead of economicaly motivated.
    Dave

    re.26
    
    Oh yeh, when we fisrt met this woman, she did say, "as you can see, I
    am not in the daycare business for the $$, it's just that I love kids". 
    And it shows...   Geez, and to think this woman was our 2nd choice..      
    The first choice had to leave daycare temporarily due to her daughter
    doing commercial for TV in New York.  What a life...
    
    
    don
    

    This note entered for AIAG::LINDSEY  by moderator.
   
    My 2-1/2 year old is in a home care environment where basically she
    is the only one my sitter watches (she takes in one little girl my
    daughter's age one day a week and homeschools her own children - 4
    of them ranging from 4 to 11 years old)  She has her 3 days a week for
    approximately 30 hours/week.  I am currently paying her $105.00 and she
    has been watching Katie since she was 6 months old.
    
    Well, in May, our second child will be coming and I am wondering what
    is a reasonable amount to give our sitter for taking care of boht
    children.  
    
    We are very pleased with the care she provides and so do not want to 
    underpay her, but truthfully I can't afford to anywhere near double
    what we are already paying her.  In my opinion we are paying her well
    for the 3 days a week already, (she is salaried - and so always gets
    the weekly pay), but now we will be asking her to care for two.
    
    What do you think is reasonable?
    
    Sue

    Where do you live?  I have found the rate varies depending on the
    regions.  I live in Northborough, MA.  I am paying $250/week for 
    my two kids' full-time daycare.  I did some research myself and
    found that it is very difficult (almost impossible) in my area
    to find full-time care for 2 kids that is under $200/week.
    
    Wendy

    I've always thought that when you start looking at the costs of two
    kids in full-time daycare, that it made sense to consider in-your-home
    daycare, either live-in or live-out.  What is people's experience?  
    Do in-home providers usually charge more for two children?  Double the
    price for one?

    
    re -2
    
    My sitter is in the Worcester area.  Also what are considered full-time
    hours (40 hours over 5 days - 50 hours?).  Remember she has them 30
    hours over 3 days.
    
    Sue

    My daycare is in Worcester, 2nd is half price
    $130 for infants
    $110 for 15 - 33 months
    $95 over 33 months
    
    I pay $130 for infant and 55 for my 2 1/2 year old.  They can be
    dropped of from 6 am to 6 pm.  Food and snacks included, excellent
    play yard and teachers.

    I pay my sitter $6 an hour to come to my house to watch my twins.  She
    does some light housework (vacuums every day and does their laundry
    daily), and watches them from about 8:00 to 4:00, sometimes longer
    depending on how late I have to work.
    
    I found that daycare would have cost me about the same, and I much
    prefer the convenience of having my kids home and not having to drag
    them out every morning.