[KNOTTE]

Hi! We are considering moving back to CT from VT and are trying to decide if it is feasible financially - it all looks great until I get to the daycare expense... When we left CT in 2000, we were paying $193/week in a center(Cromwell/Middletown area) for a 1 year old and I'm assuming the prices have risen since then. We're wondering what the going rate is at a center for a 3 year old.

Thanks a bunch!

[KH02]

I live in a VERY rural area so this rate may not be overall CT...so more populated areas the rate may be even higher!!
But I know a local center (Kindercare) charges about 198/week for a 4 year old.

[JViello]

My wife's center (Bright Horizons) is about $300 week for a 3 year old. Granted BH is on the "top" of the heap so to speak so their prices are higher.

IMO $200 on the low side, $300 on the high side.

[KNOTTE]

Originally Posted by JViello

My wife's center (Bright Horizons) is about $300 week for a 3 year old. Granted BH is on the "top" of the heap so to speak so their prices are higher.

IMO $200 on the low side, $300 on the high side.

OWSER! BIG gulp. I figured it went up some, but not that much!! We may have to think about reconsidering our move until our youngest is in school.

Are most kindergartens in CT now full day? Only a few in VT are still half-day.

Thanks for your help!

[JayCT]

I am not sure why you are surprised at the cost of daycare when you were paying almost $200 eight years ago. JViello is saying between $200 and $300 depending on the center. That is definitely inline with what you were paying back then when you consider inflation over an eight year period. I am surprised it is not more.

I believe that most kindergartens are still half-day. You might need to research which ones are full day and consider moving there.

Jay

[wanderintonc]

No, most are full day. At least in any town/city of size-not so sure about the rural areas.

Have you considered family home daycare? For a 3 yo it might run $150.

[JViello]

Originally Posted by KNOTTE

OWSER! BIG gulp. I figured it went up some, but not that much!! We may have to think about reconsidering our move until our youngest is in school.

Are most kindergartens in CT now full day? Only a few in VT are still half-day.

Thanks for your help!

I checked with the wife and I was giving you rates for younger kids. BH would be about $250.00 per week for a 3 year old.

Keep in mind,that's for one of the best centers in the country.

BE CAREFUL with home based centers. Some are okay but many are not for a variety of reasons right down to something as simple as not being able to separate age groups for learning.

[notjustamom]

Yes, kindergarten is often half-day in the smaller towns, full day in cities. You would have to check with the particular town/city you were interested in moving to.

[KH02]

City it may be full day (but i know some you need to pay to keep them over the halfday)
The smaller towns are STILL half day..

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by JViello

IBE CAREFUL with home based centers. Some are okay but many are not for a variety of reasons right down to something as simple as not being able to separate age groups for learning.

I agree. At a corporate daycare center there are multiple checks and balances to assure the kids aren't being abused or neglected. They also do not have the kids in front of the TV all day. The enviroment may be institutional but the care is usually very good IMHO. Jay