P5FS developed a cost estimation model to support Washington State in understanding the cost of operating a child care program . The model was informed by the constituent input described in the prior section , drawing from provider data collection and provider input to ensure that the final model reflected the realities faced by child care providers .
At its core , the model estimates what it would cost to operate a program meeting a chosen set of characteristics , regardless of who is paying for that care . Whether a child care “ slot ” is filled by a child whose parents are paying full tuition or by a child whose family qualifies for the Working Connections Child Care subsidy program , the provider still needs to generate a set amount of revenue to cover their costs to provide care . The model can be used by policymakers to understand the level of investment needed to support providers as well as the fiscal impact of policy decisions , and it can also be used by advocates to make the case for increased investments , expanded family support with paying for child care , or to demonstrate the sufficiency or insufficiency of current investments .
Cost Model Methodology
The cost estimation model is an Excel-based tool based on the methodology used in the Provider Cost of Quality Calculator , an online tool from the U . S . Office of Child Care . The Excel model is customized for Washington ’ s specific context , building on the tool P5FS developed for the Task Force in 2020 . The model allows users to estimate the cost of meeting base licensing standards , with variations for program size , program type , ages of children served , and geographic location . Beyond licensing , the model also includes several program enhancements to increase understanding of the cost of going beyond minimum licensing standards . This section of the report details the components of the model that impact the cost of care at both the base licensing level and with additional program enhancements .
Determining the Base Cost of Care
Ratio and Group Size The cost model uses ratio and group size data from Washington ’ s child care licensing regulations as detailed below .
Table 4 : Center Ratio and Group Size Age Group Ratio Group size
Infant |
|
1:4 |
|
8 |
Toddler |
|
1:7 |
|
4 |
Preschool 1:10 20 School age 1:15 30
The family child care home model allows the user to enter the number of children at each age , up to a maximum of 10 .
Users of the model can choose a program size based on the number of classrooms for each age or the number of total children in a home-based setting , allowing for understanding how the cost of care varies based on program size or mix of ages served .
Staffing and Personnel Expenses The personnel calculations are based on a standard staffing pattern typical of most centers , with the following assumptions built in :
10