How to Determine Child Care Rates
The cost of child care can be a source of stress and disagreement for parents and sitters. Look into child care agencies and websites to help you determine a fair amount to spend for child care. Consider the different factors that affect the pay rate of caregivers and ask your friends who've had experience hiring such services for tips and recommendations. In short, do your research well, so you can come up with an amount that is fair for both the parent and sitter.
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Determine the amount of time you would require child care. Do you need a sitter full time or part time, every day or just certain days of the week? For part-time child-sitting, do you require the services on the same days and same time of day, or will the time be varied and unpredictable? Of course, it is more difficult to get a sitter if the time and days are not regular. Weekend rates might also vary from weekday rates.
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Consider your geographical location when determining the amount of child care. Rates are usually higher in major metropolitan areas, as well as suburbs near major cities, than in rural areas.
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The ages and number of children requiring child care also affect the rates. Understandably, the pay is higher for infants and toddlers than older kids, as well as for more children than just one. It is more difficult and challenging to take care of newborns and little ones, and to watch two or more kids than keep an eye on only one. This is because the sitter would have to deal with more personalities and attitudes, the dynamics of group interaction, and various ways of controlling and relating with each child.
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Make sure the scope of work is clear to your child sitter. Preparing the child's food and tidying up after him are definitely included in his or her responsibilities. Extra tasks, however, such as doing the laundry or running errands require an additional $1 to $2 per hour on top of the basic pay. Sitters usually welcome extra tasks, as long as expectations are clear from the start and the chores do not interfere with babysitting.
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Another factor that affects care giving rate is years of experience. Experienced child sitters ask for higher pay than those with relatively less background. However, paying a little bit more for experienced sitters can give you peace of mind, knowing that your child is in the hands of someone who can take better care of him or her and meet his or her needs.
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Special situations, such as having newborns or twins, require special qualifications from a baby sitter. A sitter with specific experience matching your special requirements also requires higher hourly rates.
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