Child Care Option

Possible Advantages

Possible Disadvantages

Average Weekly Cost

Independent, home-based child care

·   family atmosphere, home-like setting

·   larger selection based on the high number of caregivers

·   consistency and individual attention due to smaller groups

·   caregivers can be in parent’s  neighbourhood

·   more possibilities to accommodate flexible hours based on caregiver’s own flexibility

·   more flexibility for care of mildly ill children

·   possibility of inclusion for children with special needs

·   may be more affordable

·   parent is alone in the selection, screening and supervision process of the caregiver

·   search and investigation may turn out to be lengthy and difficult

·   lack of consistent standard, regulations

·   caregiver may not have any formal training

·   isolation of caregiver

·   other children are not necessarily of the same ages and/or stages

·   no access to subsidy system

·   receipts may not be provided

·   reliability may be a problem

·   higher turnover rate

Some variables that may affect the rate: area, caregiver training and expertise, number of siblings, number of hours of care, time of day care is required, etc.

Infant:

(3 -18 months)       $179

Toddler:

(18 - 30 months)    $179

Preschool:

(2.5 - 5 years)        $179

Kindergarten:

(4 & 5 years)         $141

School Age:

(6 - 10 years+)       $ 80

Nanny care

·   flexible hours to accommodate parent’s schedule

·   reduced risk of infection

·   control of choice

·   convenience

·   consistency and more personal, individualised care

·   familiarity and control

·    accommodates mildly ill children

·    care option for children with special needs

·   search and investigation may turn out to be lengthy and difficult

·   isolation of child and/or nanny

·   added parent responsibilities of being an employer

·   no external supervision or monitoring

·   no access to subsidy system

·   higher turnover rate

·   reliability may be a problem

·   certain loss of privacy for live-in situation

·   may be an expensive child care option

Salary of a nanny is negotiable but it is based on the lowest legal salary being the minimum hourly wage.  The amount shown below is representative of $9/hour for a 40 hour work week. 

Certain factors such as the training and experience of the nanny, amount of hours needed, time of day care is required can affect the hourly wage offered to the nanny.

$360 + contributions for Employment Insurance Canada, Canada Pension Plan & Workplace Safety Insurance Board.