Often, discussions about child care costs focus on the high prices paid by parents.
However, it’s important to remember that child care providers often earn a low hourly rate. According to the Economic Policy Institute, full-time child care workers in Vermont and New Hampshire would need to spend about half their income to put just one child in care.
While many people working in child care centers make minimum wage, nannies have more flexibility in what they charge. Olivia Henry-Corell, of Thetford Center, makes $15-20 an hour as a nanny. As a professional with more than 10 years experience in child care, she feels that is fair, but she knows her price can be out of reach for many families.
“It’s unfortunate because I know that that is pricey, especially for families who are not as well off,” she said. “I realize most people can’t afford that. It’s a Catch-22.”
— Kelly Burch