TAMPA, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Annual childcare and college costs are pretty similar these days. We’re talking at least ten thousand dollars. On average every day about 12 million children under the age of five need someone to care for them while their parents are working. But the daycare decision isn’t as easy as the ABC’s … and child’s play isn’t cheap.
No matter how old we are, we all have our favorites. But dropping off the kids, not so simple.
“It was tough.” Hillarie Ritch explained to Ivanhoe.
On the other hand …
“Finding the right person who is going to be in your home and really help raise your children is difficult.” Marcy Kornfeld stated.
Kornfeld’s favorite is a nanny. Hillarie Ritch’s is daycare.
Ritch said, “For me it was just the fact that they’re going to be running around with kids their age.”
“If they’re sick, she can be home with them sick.” Kornfeld continued.
Daycare costs about $9,500 a year. A nanny can set you back an average of $28,000.
“For us having two kids at home it was really comparable.” Kornfeld said.
Daycare provides socialization, trained teachers and is regulated by the government. But daycare has more germs and more sickness. Nannies give more one-on-one attention and can help around the house. But they’re a lot more expensive.
Kornfeld continued, “I think it’s different for everybody too.”
Hillarie says her daughter Elle loves her daycare. “She’s very socialized.” Ritch stated.
Two different choices but both mothers relied on referrals, tours, agencies and reputable networking sites to find their fit.
Kornfeld said, “As long as they’re loved and happy and fed and learn and changing, my husband and i couldn’t ask for anything more.”
“My kids are everything, they are my life,” said Ritch.
Which is something on which all parents agree.
Some other things to consider when choosing childcare: what type of training do the teachers have? Is the nanny connected with a network of backup babysitters, in case she calls in sick? Does the nanny have car seats so she can drive the kids to activities?
Contributors to this news report include: Emily M Gleason, Producer; Travis Bell, Videographer; Roque Correa, Editor; Gabriella Battistiol, News Assistant.
