What to charge for childcare?

I read the other responses and your comments and i must say that i admire you for being able to put up something like this... you have like a mini daycare center... it is actually my dream to have this kind of business because i love kids... and i am very good in taking care of them...(according to my sisters of course)

Yes, I do run a sort-of mini daycare. I wanted kids only Monday-Friday until 5pm. But I ended up with all the kids who regular daycares don't take! haha It's a good business to get into if you like kids for sure. Just make sure you don't get taken for granted, or someone walking all over you not paying you enough. It's a long day, and a lot of work for not much pay =(

They are here for 10 hours on average, sometimes a little less, but usually slightly more. I do feel my prices are reasonable as well. I advised my clients that as of Feb 1st those will be my new rates and two of the parents are upset and are thinking of pulling out. Both parents are working and are making good money. If they were a single parent it would be a different story.

I was born and raised in Newfoundland, but I live in Newburgh, Ontario. (about two hours from toronto) I am not licensed because then I would be paid only $25 for in diapers and $23 for out of diapers, but then the company who licenses me would be getting paid $35 for in diapers and $33 for out of diapers. I never have more than 5 kids at a time. That is law. Usually I have 16 month old and my 10 month old from 7am to 1230, then I have another two year old and four year old. At 330pm my boyfriend is home from work and he helps me with the kids. then I have a 4 year old and 7 year old come for afterschool at 4:30pm. the first child that came in the morning leaves around 445-5pm, then the afterschool kids get picked up 5:15 or 5:30 and i have my daughter, two year old, and four year old who came at lunch until 9, 10 or 11 at night. I do have a play area in the house for them with their own table with books, puzzles, colouring books. we have fun movies to watch, and also movies that are more "learning movies". they have play times, snack times, nap times, all around the same times of the day. i do have playpens, cribs, etc for them to sleep. And you're right. I should do up a contract for the parents to read over and sign regarding giving me two week notice before removing kids, giving me schedules for when they will be coming, and that i need 24 hour notices for cancellations. Does that seem reasonable?

Yes, that seems reasonable. You also seem to be well equipped and well organized. Good luck to you.

Yes, I agree it does depend on what the person is making. All my kids are from dual-income families, and I can tell they make good money from the vehicles they drive and clothes they wear, jobs they have...etc But on the other hand, this is my home business. This is my livelihood. And I think it's unfair to ask me to work for $2 an hour...so either way someone is losing out. It's a hard job to get into I now found out! I've been babysitting for a long time, but never with a family. (i have a 10 month old myself and this is why I am a childcare provider so I can stay home with her)

Wow, $250 a week is $50/day per child! That is expensive! Most of the daycares around here are $45 a day and up though. It is quite expensive sometimes. But we have subsidies here as well. So the parents can apply for that through the Canadian government.

Thanks! ;)