How Much Does Drop-in Daycare Cost

If you are not in need of full time daycare, but would sometimes enjoy a few hours to shop or run a few errands, there are many daycare facilities that offer child care on a drop-in basis. This can be especially convenient for the holiday season or for times during school breaks.


How much is it?

• Most child care facilities charge a per-hour fee for child care of this type. However, most daycares also have a full day rate. Per-hour fees can range from $5-$12 per hour, and full day charges will probably fall between $40 and $75 per day.
• For example, Kiddie Klub, a child care facility in Rochester Hills, Michigan, charges $10 per hour for the first child and $5 per hour for each sibling. They also have full day drop-in prices of $55 for the first child and $45 for each sibling. A similar company in Wilmington, North Carolina, called Simply Play charges $7 per hour for the first child and $5 for each additional sibling. They do not have a full day rate, however.

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What is going to be included?

• Most daycare facilities have some type of security system to ensure that your child ONLY leaves with you. An example of this would be wristbands with matching serial numbers.
• If you are paying for a full day, lunch and snacks will probably be included.
• Most full time day cares that also offer drop in day care have specific employees to take care of the drop in kids.
• Most of these facilities have not only many toys and playgrounds, but also offer many educational toys and games.

What are the extra costs?

• If lunch and snack is not included, you will either have to pay extra or pack your own.
• Some facilities charge for the hour as soon as the first minute hits; others allow a fifteen minute window. Check the daycare’s policy before dropping off your child.

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Questions to ask:

• Are you certified or accredited with the state? Make sure that the daycare is certified. This means that the provider has undergone a background check and met certain standards.
• What is the provider to student ratio? Most states will only allow one provider for every six to seven children. Ideally, it’s best to have less students per provider but this is a personal choice.
• What kind of education does your staff have? Are they CPR certified? What about first-aid?
• Do you allow sick children in your daycare? It’s best to know if they accept sick kids because you don’t want your own child getting sick.
• What are other fees that I may not know about? Be sure to ask about late fees, etc.
• How is the security? How will I know that my child will be safe with your daycare?

How can I save money?

• Most daycares have special days when their drop in child care or drop in play is cheaper. If you plan your appointments and errands ahead of time you can take advantage of this.
• Getting a babysitter on a short term basis is usually much cheaper. This is especially easy during school breaks when it is easy to find a trustworthy teenager to come to your home for a cheaper price. Again, this takes some planning ahead on your part.

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