average childcare costs

[bas]

Hi,
My husband, baby and I are looking to relocate to Nanaimo (from overseas) next year. I was just wondering what the average/general costs were for full time and/or part time day care for kids? Are there waiting lists to enrol children in child care?

Also, does anyone have any advice on good areas for children to look to rent (short term) and buy (long term)?

Thanks so much in advance!

[nza]

childcare costs range between the different age groups. At one time, my 6 mnth old was up to 900 a month fulltime. it gets cheaper as they get older.

We've been living within the Uplands area, and it is a great community within a natural setting. Alot of families with young ones kicking around. Access to playgrounds and totlots within a 5 min walk.

From the time my the unborn second child became known to us, we had it (now her) on a waitlist in the same facility as her older sister. Now that shes 4 months, there's still no avail...

Thats not to say that everywhere has a waitlist. Its just the ones that are congruent with our family demographic / values / schedule are waitlisting.

[islandchik]

Hi There,
It depends on the age of the kids. Under 30months I believe is when they are a bit more expensive. I pay $700/month for 4 days a week at a large centre (not a home day care) for my 2 yr old. My 4 yr old is in full day preschool/daycare and it is $640/month for 4 days.
The home day we were at before was per day and it was $35 a day. So basically on average $35-50 a day.

[Nanaimo1]

$1340 a month for daycare! Can I ask how anyone can realistically afford that? I must need a raise.

[bas]

Thanks very much for your replies- this is most helpful!
Average costs where we are currently living runs between $280-$380/week! So, this seems a lot more affordable but I must keep in mind the cost of living ratio and so the costs in Nanaimo are definitely comparable.

In regards to areas, Uplands I've heard is a pretty family friendly area so it's good to hear you think so as well. What about Lantzville? And what about near the university?

Thanks so much!

[islandchik]

I live in North Nanaimo so I don't really know about living in other areas. I do think that Uplands area is pretty family friendly especially the north end of uplands area. The university area is still being "Refurbished" I don't know if I would want to live in that area with my family.
I have friends that live in both upper and lower lantzville, they are both quite happy with the area.
Nanaimo1- depending on your income you can be eligible for subsidy. Unfortunately with my husband being in sales our fluctuating income doesn't really work with how they calculate.

[nza]

I think gentrification and revitalization of the newly coined university district would be a more accurate description. Any neighbourhood is family friendly, just depends on what kind of family you want to be around. Each neighbourhood has its own unique demographic and culture. You've got your north end moms, south end moms, college heights mom, benson meadow moms, upland moms, etc...

Where overseas r u from.

Daycare is one of those cost benefit things... If u stay home with ur kids u save on daycare but might be short on dual income, if u pay for daycare, ur pay cheque goes to daycare anyway.....