Rates? Any suggestions!

[Unregistered]

Hi, I am a daycare provider in Minnesota. I have not raised my rates in over 6 years. I am looking at an opening in my home daycare. I have been lucky to have been able to keep the kids I have for long term and have never raised my rates with them. So, my question is.....and I am not trying to be nosy and please don't delete my post. I don't want to know what your charging for daycare, but does anyone know what is the norm these days for a full time child,5 days a week is. What is the low end to charge and what is too high to charge? I have been told I am in the middle of what everyone is charging, but would like to raise it for my next daycare child. Not sure what to charge as the economy is not that great.
I have been charging $30.00 a day for full time. I would greatly appreciate any feedback anyone has. I just want to make sure that I am not over charging and then people can't afford good daycare that I provide.
Thanks.

[Blackcat31]

Here is the link to what the state pays out for families on child care assistance. https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserv.../DHS-6441A-ENG

I try to keep my rates in line with what they pay out. I receive a slightly higher rate from CCAP due to being a provider who qualifies for accredited reimbursement.

The rates start on page 3. Scroll down until you find your county. The top portion is separted into family child care and center care so make sure you look under the correct area.

If you are an accredited provider, let me know and I will post the link for those rates.

HTH

[DaisyMamma]

It really depends on your area. Troll the craigslist ads and try to get a feel for what others charge near you. You can call the centers in your area and ask for their rates too.
I'm in CT, so my rates may or may not be very different from your area. I can tell you I get 175/week for over age two. 200/week for under age two.
Good luck!