Childcare costs SHOULD be accelerating!!! I make no apologies for charging higher than normal rates and people still come to me. I'm educated in the field, have worked for years developing my business and work 60 hours per week. I think I earn it and that we all deserve it. It's a hard job and frankly, I don't believe for a second that providers (who make a very modest income to begin with) should have to subsidize other people's families. I work hard and earn every penny. Since I raised my rates by $5/day, I've noticed other providers following suit....and I'm thrilled to be a part of my peers getting closer to being duly compensated for a job well done