[Barefoot]

I am starting up a family day care. Due to being made redundant, and my wish to work and study education, I feel this is the best fit for me until my studies finish.

The scheme I am joining has deregulated fees so I can charge whatever, but I would like to know what is "normal" I don't want to overcharge, that is for sure.

I will be the only FDC provider in my local area, but there is another one just 3 suburbs away.

Also, anything else about FDC I should know/do?

[NinjaMum]

I don't currently use FDC as I couldn't get a place on the days I need, so I'm afraid I can't help much with things you should know or do.

That said, I was quoted $8.60/hr for FDC in the inner northern suburbs of Brisbane.

[FreeRangeMum]

We are in suburban Brisbane, and my kids have always used family daycare. My daughters carer (who unfortunately retired last year) charged $6 an hour between the hours of 8-6, and $10 an hour after those hours. We provided everything else (nappies, food, drinks).

My DS's carer operates a bit differently. She is open 8-5 Mon-Friday and charges $55 a day. Again, we provide nappies, food, drinks etc.

This post has been edited by FreeRangeMum: 11/01/2013, 08:12 AM

[Tesseract]

Im not in it but am looking into it. Most unregulated providers in my area charge about the same as a daycare centre, so $80- $90 a day, of course then parents get the govt rebate. I'm happy to pay a FDC mum what a centre costs if I feel that it is a professional operation with a focus on early childhood development, good educational toys, a nice mum, good food, no tv on in the house etc.

[brindle]

I am in Melbourne. Our council is also deregulated. My carer charges $10.50 an hour. She is by far the most expensive in the area... but is worth every sent. I am happy to pay this for the outstanding service she provides for the kids. They are happy and stimulated. She does great projects with them, changes toys and rooms around. Something always new is going on.

Prior to that I paid about $7.00 ph with another carer. She provided a basic environment. Nothing more than a babysitting service.

Good luck

[Bluenomi]

The pricing for family daycare near us is really complicated.

$8.20 per hour normally, $9.20 an hour for casual.

Then you have to add various amounts for meals, nappy changes (not nappies, the fact someone has to change them!) and a weekly admin fee. Plus you have to pay a bond and only some fees apply to the CCB and CCR.

[ubermum]

I pay $6.80 per hour, capped at $38 per day if I use 38 hours or more per week. I supply my own nappies but I do pay for meals (makes the kids open to different foods and means a meat and vegies lunch most days). It's $2.50 for a breakfast, lunch or dinner per meal and $1.50 per snack. There is also the option of overnight with my carer, but I can't remember the cost because it was 2 years ago I last used that service. You don't have to provide meals, most carers don't, mine was just a chef before doing fdc so doesn't mind and often encorporates making lunch into the daily list of activities. The kids make fresh pasta, cheese/pizza scroll things and assemble wraps. They also have lots of soups, stews and curries because all food has to follow strict nutrition guidelines.

[Barefoot]

Oh, that would be cool. I love kids in the kitchen. Not sure I could handle more than 1 doing that though.

Thanks ladies for your input.