As a dynamic tool , the cost estimation model can ultimately be used to calculate how much it costs to provide high-quality child care in Washington State . However , this seemingly simple question hides several additional questions that impact the answer , such as where the program is located , how old the children are , and whether the program provides services above and beyond those required by licensing . All these questions are addressed in the model , providing the user with an answer to their specific question .
To illustrate the functionality of the model and provide some insight into what it truly costs to provide child care in Washington , P5FS developed a set of scenarios . While the model can run multiple scenarios , these example scenarios use a default program size to show the impact of different variables on the cost of care . The default program sizes used in this section of the report are based on analysis of data from the child care provider survey and input from the provider workgroup . The results in this section are based on programs with the following characteristics :
• a center-based program serving 72 children , birth through school age , with one classroom of each age group ( infant , toddler , preschooler , school age ),
• a family child care program serving 8 children , birth through school age ( 1 infant , 1 toddler , 3 preschoolers and 3 school age children ).
The default program includes $ 6,000 per employee in discretionary benefits and a 6 % contribution to health insurance , as well as 10 days paid sick leave and 10 days paid vacation .
All results are shown as an annual cost per child , for each of the six regions and as a statewide average .
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