What's The Going Rate In Springfield,VA?

[CtheLove]

I'm starting a new daycare in Springfield,Va. I would like to know what's the going rate in the area. I don't want to be too low that it's hard to run my business but at the same time I don't want to be too high for obvious reasons.
So if you guys can help me out that would be great!

[Blackcat31]

Welcome to the forum!

Here is an average for your area in regards to rates

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc/avcostcare.htm

[CtheLove]

Thank you, but I can't really go off that list because that has not changed in 10yrs. I have heard of providers charging way more then what's listed there (like $400 for an infant a week!) and some are within that list. It varies so much between areas here. I was hoping actually providers would tell me what they charge that live in this area.

[Blackcat31]

Thank you, but I can't really go off that list because that has not changed in 10yrs. I have heard of providers charging way more then what's listed there (like $400 for an infant a week!) and some are within that list. It varies so much between areas here. I was hoping actually providers would tell me what they charge that live in this area.

The rates on that list are for 2013. Whether they have changed or not since 2003, I don't know but that IS the current rates based off of yearly input provided by current area providers.

The rates in my state have not changed in almost 10 years either but as a self-employed business owner I am free to choose what ever rates work best for me.

Here is a website for someone in your area. Her rates are comparable

http://www.juliesdaycare.com/program.htm#Family_Child_Care_Rates

"In Fairfax County the average rate for top-quality family child care is $35 to $50 per day. The actual rate will depend upon the age of the child, the number of hours in care, and any individual or special needs. A lower rate can of course be expected for older children who are fully potty trained."

Other listings with rates in your area:

http://www.vachild.com/Tuition%20Information.htm

http://www.robotsandmudpiespreschool.com/tuition-rates

http://www.thechildsplacedaycare.com/daycare_forms

[Starburst]

Welcome to the forum!

Here is an average for your area in regards to rates

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc/avcostcare.htm

Wow, I wish other states and counties had lists that were that clear cut and to the point. I went to an orientation and it was all over the place (not to mention much lower prices).

Thank you, but I can't really go off that list because that has not changed in 10yrs. I have heard of providers charging way more then what's listed there (like $400 for an infant a week!) and some are within that list. It varies so much between areas here. I was hoping actually providers would tell me what they charge that live in this area.

Actually, they technically can't (or at least shouldn't) tell you what they charge because that is considered to be part of an illegal business practice otherwise known as "price fixing". You and a "competitor" (another child care provider in your area) cannot directly discuss what either of you charge. Though, it is considered perfectly legal for you to look online at their rates or to even call them and claim to be a parent looking for child care (although, this seems more underhanded to me). You can also go to your local Child Care Resources and Referrals (CCR&R) Office and ask them what other providers in your area charge and they may have a list of other providers in the area with their prices, or they may have a list of what the average prices in certain zip codes or sides of town are (depending on how big your city isp; but they might just give you the same lists that BC gave you).

http://books.google.com/books?id=dhhzEJaURD8C&pg=PA34&lpg=PA34&dq=price+fixing+in+child+care&source=bl&ots=k201dcVbdp&sig=X9rcO5Yo0lEFmMQKr26pK5gzi5M&hl=en&sa=X&ei=N7VVU47ML5aeyATE54KwBA&ved=0CEoQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=price%20fixing%20in%20child%20care&f=false

You also have to consider the different factors to pricing. The type of services you offer and the services other providers in your area offer; as well as what part of town they are in (nicer areas tend to charge more). And also take into consideration that they have most likely been providing care for years and regularly increased their prices with inflation or added expierince. A provider who has been in business for over 5 years, has had more experience working with children (other than their own), and/or child care realated education may be able to get away with charging more than someone who opens a daycare with no expierince working with children or child care training. After all, it's better to give yourself some room to grow and feel like you are getting a bit of a raise once in a while to keep you motivated- especially since this is a high burn out bussiness.

[MCC]

I'm in Fairfax Co Va, in Reston, which is (I think) I bit higher cost of living than Springfield. The average rate for in home infant care in Reston is anywhere from $200-$300, depending on the quality of care, set up, and ratios.

My friend has her kid in an in-home in Alexandria, and she is paying $325/week for a toddler, and $350/week for her newborn. I think Alexandria also has a slightly higher cost of living than Springfield, but obviously is closer to you than I am.

I would think that if you are close to a metro line, you might be able to charge more than if you are not. So that is something to think about.

[MCC]

Welcome to the forum!

Here is an average for your area in regards to rates

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc/avcostcare.htm

While this is great information, this is the county website. In Fairfax county, we either have to have a State License, or a County permit. From my experience, having a State License verses the county permit allows you to charge a bit more, so this might be the average cost for a permitted daycare, but the licensed ones will be a touch higher.

I am licensed and charge $280/week, and although I am about maxed out on what I can charge, I have never struggled to fill spots.

OP- I think in this area, there are so many factors that go into what you can charge. For example, there is another home daycare on my street that charges $50 less than me, is open 2 more hours a day, but is never full. It's all about quality of care and presentation.

[CtheLove]

Thank you everyone for the responses. I'm not new to doing daycare, I tell people I grew up raising kids. My mother did daycare in our home for 22 years and since I was 10 I helped her after school and in the summers. I have also worked in several different centers when I got older and have run one out of my home before. I was in Manassas City and they didn't have all the regulations that Fairfax county has so this has been a little different for me in terms of getting started. I was planning on charging $250 so I guess I'm in the ballpark. I plan on being state license as soon as possible but there's a few things that I have to do before I can and not to mention all you have to do with zoning. Me and my husband plan on doing it together. I need to have some kids before we can afford to do what I need for state and for him to quit his job and join me. And I don't want to have to raise my rates soon after my clients have started to cover my cost.

Sorry this was longer than I planed so anyways thanks everyone!