@ Scott – There’s been a lot of talk in town about this sort of stuff since the center closed. It sounds like the Y will expand it’s daycare offering but by the time they do it, my kids probably won’t need it.

My karate school used to run an after school program. It cost the same as a normal after school program and my son got 2 classes a week in martial arts. They added a ton of revenue to their existing business. They did add some cost but running the numbers, it added a huge amount to their bottom line.

Maybe you can find some local businesses that make a good fit and help them get started.

People without kids often don’t realize the huge expense that childcare can be.

@ Discover – A lot of us parents had this same thought. Supposedly it’s been losing money a long time, but the parent company (Hospital) also made up the difference. But now that they too are hurting, they cut it loose.

@Kosmo – Yikes $1600/month!!! Holy smokes!!!

The gift card idea is a good one. I wish I thought of it. But we went with cash. The parents of our sitters thought it would be a great opportunity to teach the kids about money.

@ Herbert – I’m glad you’ll be sticking around. And I have to say I’m impressed that you are able to remember daycare. My memories from way back are fuzzy at best.

@ car insurance phi – If you can handle the kids, it can be a nice living. My wife’s sister has an in-home daycare in another town, and tells us she makes $400/day.

Maybe I should rethink the whole Daddy Daycare thing

…I look back, and I think that daycare was probably one of the funnest experiences of my life. I definitely learned a lot from my early years there. It was the fearlessness of youth coupled with numerous friends that just made everything great.

As for the kids who will be watching your kids – maybe give them gift cards to places they enjoy – either in place of cash, or in addition to it? It’s a bit more personal than cash, and might give them a warm, fuzzy feeling when they think of your family?