Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Factor | Quality Childcare Center | Private Nanny |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Cost | $1,200–$2,200 | $2,400–$4,000+ |
| Socialization | ✓ Daily peer interaction | Limited to arranged playdates |
| Educational Curriculum | ✓ Structured, research-based | Varies by individual |
| Reliability & Backup | ✓ Always staffed | No backup when sick/on vacation |
| Regulatory Oversight | ✓ Licensed, inspected, accredited | None required |
| Schedule Flexibility | Set hours | ✓ More flexible |
| Convenience | Drop-off required | ✓ In-home care |
The True Cost: What You’ll Actually Pay
Cost is often the first consideration for families, and the numbers may surprise you. While nanny hourly rates seem reasonable at first glance, the true cost of employing a nanny extends far beyond their wages.
Average Nanny Cost in San Antonio
$3,200–$4,500+/monthQuality childcare programs in San Antonio range from $1,200–$2,200 monthly, including all educational materials, meals and snacks, structured curriculum, and care from multiple trained professionals. For families with multiple children, the savings compared to nanny care become even more significant.
Why Parents Choose Quality Childcare
Daily Socialization
Children develop stronger social-emotional skills through daily peer interaction—learning conflict resolution, sharing, empathy, and communication naturally.
Structured Curriculum
Research-based programs develop pre-literacy, early math, executive function, and a genuine love of learning that prepares children for kindergarten success.
Reliable Coverage
Quality centers are always staffed—no scrambling for backup care when someone gets sick or needs vacation time. Your schedule stays predictable.
Accountability & Oversight
Licensed programs undergo regular inspections, require staff credentials, comprehensive background checks, and documented safety protocols.
Professional Development
Your child benefits from multiple trained educators with different strengths, ongoing training, and collaborative approaches to supporting individual needs.
Better Value
Premium education, meals, materials, and multi-teacher care—all included at 40–60% less than the true cost of full-time nanny employment.
When a Nanny Might Be Right
We believe in helping families make the best decision for their circumstances. There are situations where a nanny may make sense:
- Non-standard work schedules — If you work nights, weekends, or highly variable hours that don’t align with childcare center schedules
- Multiple young children — With three or more children under 5, a nanny share or private nanny may become cost-competitive
- Special medical needs — Children with complex medical requirements may need one-on-one care
- Strong preference for in-home care — Some families prefer keeping young infants at home
- Extended family situations — A family member providing care (like a grandparent) combines personalized attention with family connection
Even in these situations, many families supplement nanny care with part-time childcare enrollment to ensure their child receives the socialization and educational benefits of a quality program.
Common Questions
Key Questions to Guide Your Decision
- What are your true costs? Calculate the full expense of nanny employment, including taxes, insurance, and benefits.
- What are your backup care options? How will you handle nanny sick days or vacations?
- What are your educational goals? What kind of learning environment do you want for your child?
- How important is socialization? How will your child develop peer relationships?
- What level of accountability matters to you? How comfortable are you with unsupervised in-home care?
- What does your child need? Consider their temperament, developmental stage, and individual requirements.
See the Difference Quality Makes
Schedule a tour of any of our four San Antonio campuses and discover why families choose Edquisitive Montessori.
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