New increase in the cost of babysitting

With the start of the school year approaching, parents are launching into the search for someone to take care of their child in their absence, but as in 2017, 2018 will see the cost of care increase.

For reference, hourly rates in certain regions:
– Ile de France – €9.23/h
– PACA – €9.06/h
– Haut de France - €8.36/h
– Brittany – €8.26/h

Toitchezmoi explains the reasons that impact family budgets, the aids that allow for charge reductions, and the alternative means available to all those who have a room to offer.

The school reform: a significant impact on rates

Following the implementation of school reforms in 2013, parents had to adapt to new schedules and thus increasingly resorted to babysitting. As the need for care increased, so did the rates, and apart from Paris, there was a 6.16% increase in babysitting rates in departments where the school rhythm reform affected more than 50% of students in 2013. Other regions like Seine-Maritime experienced this same increase during 2014, as did the new regions following this reform.

According to Youpies, the babysitting site, requests increased by 30% in cities that implemented the reform.
The study notes, for reference, that one-third of parents report hiring a babysitter at least once a month. More than one-third of them would spend over €1,000/month to have their children cared for.

The increase in students' cost of living as a factor in the rise of care costs

Students also have housing costs and a cost of living that increase year after year, so the increased demand combined with their needs promotes the rise in offered rates.

The increase in child care prices is however offset by charge reductions

The average net rate for child care is €8.76 per hour at the start of the school year in France, an increase of 1.27% compared to last year, which has been offset by charge reductions. Thus, for families, the cost of care decreases thanks to a tax deduction of €2 per hour worked and declared.

The CAF can provide aid to parents depending on their income and the age of the child to be cared for. These aids can range from €87 to €843 per month.

Local aids

Aids exist depending on the cities or regions where you live. Inquire with the organizations of your municipality, department, or region.

Alternative means to save money

By offering a room at home to a student or a person with skills in child care, one can make very significant savings legally. The goal is to exchange a room for services or to offer a room with an employment contract and a lease contract equivalent to the amount of the room and the number of hours worked and declared.

Moreover, this mode of care allows, provided you accept the presence of a third party in your home, to have an almost permanent presence and some peace of mind. Additionally, there is no need to juggle schedules since your child is already at home. This system benefits both the Host and the supportive Cohabitant.