How to compare part-time daycare

Ask for a part-time quote

Providers may price a reserved place rather than individual hours. Do not multiply a full-time median by the fraction of days you need and assume the result is an available offer.

Ask which days are fixed, whether you can switch them, and whether minimum attendance or minimum billing applies. Check the schedule against your commute and work hours.

Count the care you still need

A three-day program may leave two working days uncovered. Add the cost of your other arrangement and any backup care you expect to need before choosing between schedules.

School-age figures in the NDCP often describe care around the school day. They should not be treated as a quote for full-day summer care.

Use a full annual comparison

Use each provider’s actual weekly or monthly quote, paid weeks and one-time fees. Compare the total to your annual take-home pay and enter the real care cost in the calculator.

Ask whether your employer offers a dependent care plan or backup care. Check benefit eligibility and provider requirements with the plan before including savings.

Sources and further reading

• IRS Publication 503: qualifying care expenses

Planning guidance; individual provider arrangements, benefit plans and tax circumstances vary.