Maine offers families plenty of playmates while their children are in childcare, with a higher ratio of infants and toddlers than the rest of the country. About a third of the state’s families are single-parent, and about a sixth are below the poverty line, making accessible, affordable care vital.
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Of course, even in two-parent families, both parents often work, and kids need someone to keep an eye on them until Mom and Dad get home. Maine offers about 702 child care centers, 10 percent of which have national accreditation, and a little over 1,600 family child care homes. About 60 percent of the available childcare slots in Maine are located in centers, with only 4 percent in FCC homes.
The vast majority of childcare centers in Maine provide full-time care, primarily for infants and toddlers. About 27 percent of the state’s childcare requests are for children of pre-school age, and only about 13 percent are for school age children. Before and after school care makes up around 10 percent of requests, a rate that’s about double the national average. Care during non-traditional hours for the children of workers on second or third shift accounts for 5 percent of care requests, or half the national average.
Paying for childcare in Maine isn’t as costly as in neighboring New Hampshire and Massachusetts, at an average annual cost of about $9,000 for full-time infant care at a center, $7,600 for a four-year-old, and $4,700 for care before and after school. Family care homes cost somewhat less, averaging about $6,700 for full-time infant care. Married couples typically pay about 13 percent of their income in child care fees.
Maine residents can use some of the income they save on childcare to take their families to nearby attractions. The state is notable for its beautiful lakes and rocky coastlines, warm summers and blueberry farms. Hunting, fishing, camping and skiing all make great family activities, too. This inexpensive northeastern state is full of great opportunities for providing quality care, education and entertainment for even the smallest kids.
